The Arc of Whatcom County

Parent coalition and self-advocacy provides leadership support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their parents/guardians. The goal is to enable persons with developmental disabilities and The parents/guardians to become effective and involved in accessing services. Self-advocates are people with developmental disabilities who speak up for themselves and others. Information, education & training empowers people to navigate complex service systems & live a fulfilling life in The community. Provided 10 educational newsletters & frequent electronic alerts with timely information on activities, trainings & events to 2,429 families, individuals & providers. Provided technical assistance, resources & support to 121 educators and community organizations. Provided one on (continued) one information & education to 1,107 individuals, parents & cargivers. Inclusion advocacy, disability awareness & outreach to over 378 community members.

Whatcom taking action is a collaborative comprised of community leaders, parents, service and care providers. Together we are building an integrated system of care & support that local families can access easily and efficiently. As lead agency for Whatcom taking action, The Arc of Whatcom County has helped build, enhance & maximize community partnerships to serve children with special health care needs, improved health and developmental outcomes by engaging families as partners, leaders & agents of change in local policy-making. Improved care-coordination and supported medical home activities. Provided direct support for 121 families going through The developmental evaluation process.

Parent to parent provides emotional support & information about disabilities and community resources to parents & caregivers who are learning about &/or seeking new information about their child's disability or chronic health condition. Trained veteran parents (helping parents) provide one to one emotional and informational support to new or referred parents who have a child with similar needs. Provided support to 228 parents through 19 support meetings. Provided one to one support, information and resources to 1,028 parents or caregivers. We have 87 trained helping parent volunteers. Matched 20 parents who recently learned their child has a disability to a helping parent mentor. Provided networking, connections & information to 588 people through family social events. Provided one on one support, (continued) information & resources to 548 spanish speaking parents and caregivers. Sent 4 padres a padres newsletters to 142 spanish speaking families.