News

Spokane County Parent Coalition Seeks Feedback 
The Spokane County Parent Coalition (SCPC), a program of The Arc of Spokane, works to give parents supporting a child with a developmental disability a voice in matters that affect them.  This is your opportunity to provide input and direction so this coalition can be more responsive to the needs that are most important to you and your family.  The results of this survey will guide the activities of the SCPC over the next year.  Click here to complete the survey.

Community Fun Run April 19!
It's not a fundraiser.  It's just a run, for fun--for everyone.  Join us at CenterPlace at Mirabeau Park (2426 N. Discovery Pl., Spokane Valley) for a beautiful, 5K run on the Centennial Trail beside the Spokane River.  Serious runners, casual joggers, amblers, strollers and everyone else are welcome to participate.  Times will be provided.  Bring your son, daughter, brother, sister, friend or employee with a developmental disability and stay afterward for refreshments and prizes.  Click here for more information.      

April is Autism Awareness Month
What are people with autism like?  Watch True Life's "Brothers with Autism: 'We Have the Same Problems as Other People,'" a People Magazine video feature exploring the lives of two brothers with autism.  Click here to watch.

CDC: 1 in 68 U.S. Children has Autism
Click here to read this report from the Center for Disease Control . . . 

Visit Autism NOW! 
Where can you find accurate information, resources and news about autism spectrum disorders?  Autism NOW is a website devoted to the many issues surrounding people with autism.  Click here to watch a public service announcement about the site, then visit www.autismnow.org. 

My Brother, Teddy
Meet Emma, a six-year old girl, and her younger brother, Teddy, who has a developmental disability, as Emma explores their unique relationship as siblings (a New York Times video by Kelly O'Brien).  Click here to watch . . .  

Upcoming Events

Community Fun Run
Saturday, April 19
9:00 a.m. at CenterPlace at Mirabeau Park, 2426 N Discover Place.  This is a virtually flat, out-and-back 5k course beginning at the Centennial Trail near CenterPlace toward Sullivan Road along the Spokane River.  Children under 5 are FREE.  Check in begins at 8:15 a.m.  Click here to download a registration form.  For more information, contact Darci Ladwig at (509) 789-8327.

Sensory-Friendly Family Movie: Rio 2
Saturday, April 19
10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the AMC Theater at Riverpark Square Mall, 808 N. Main, Spokane.  Enjoy a  movie with the lights up and the sound down.  Tickets are $6 at the door.  Sponsored by The Autism Society of Washington and AMC Theaters.

Mobile Food Bank
Saturday, April 19
2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the West Central Community Center, 1603 N. Belt St, Spokane.  Thanks to the local community, 2nd Harvest, and supporters Spokane Gives Week.  Free produce, nutritious perishable products and groceries for ALL families in need of food assistance.  No appointment or documentation necessary to participate.  Please bring your own box for the food. For more information contact The Community Center at (509) 326-9540.

Increasing Competence in Working with People with Developmental Disabilities: Anatomy of a Meltdown & Treatment Strategies
Thursday, April 24, 2014
4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute, Commons, 4000 W Randolph Rd, Spokane.  This is part three in a three part series that focuses on mental health disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and challenging behaviors.  Sessions are stand alone or you can take all three.  Buffet dinner included.  Clock hours are available and/or 3 DDA-approved CE credit hours available per session.  Go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/2kjb5kt to register or call Denise Magee at (509) 477-2725.

Sibshop
Saturday, April 26
9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave, Spokane.  Siblings ages 8 to 13 who have a brother or sister with an intellectual or developmental disability.  Contact Roz Bethmann at (509) 328-6326 or rbethmann@arc-spokane.org. Registration required.

Parent to Parent
Thursday, May 1
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave, Spokane.  Open to any parent or guardian who has a child with special needs.  Sponsored by The Arc of Spokane's Parent to Parent program.  For more information contact Roz Bethmann at (509) 328-6326.  Poker chips for fun behavior intervention.

Washington Statewide Transition Conference
Friday, May 2
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Hilton, 301 W. 6th St, Vancouver, WA.  Keynote speakers include David Mank, Director of Indiana University on Disability and Community, and John Evans, Washington State DVR Employer Relations Manager.  This event is for educators, employment providers, VR counselors, DD case managers, and others supporting students experiencing intellectual/developmental disabilities in transition from school to work.  The cost is $75 and includes: breakfast, luncheon, exhibits, and handouts.  For more information contact Marsha Threlkeld at marsha@gowise.org.

Family Camp 2014
Friday through Sunday, May 2-4
Lazy F Campground, Ellensburg, WA.  This weekend will provide many opportunities for families to connect.  Expect wonderful discussions about the experience of growing up deaf, transition, national perspective, and many other topics.  Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing children are welcome. For more information call (509) 963-1670 or email camaratc@cwu.edu.

Spokane Fathers Network
Thursday, May 8
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave, Spokane.  For fathers of children with developmental disabilities or special needs.  Contact Brian Holloway for more information at 509-328-6326 or bholloway@arc-spokane.org.

Infant and Early Childhood Conference
Thursday & Friday, May 8-9
This two day conference takes place in Tacoma, WA.  Visit the IECC website at www.ieccwa.org for more details. 

Peer to Peer Mentoring
Thursday, May 15
9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave, Spokane.  For more information contact Roz Bethmann at (509) 328-6326. 

Parent to Parent
Thursday, May 15
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The North YMCA, 10727 N. Newport Hwy, Spokane.  For more information contact Roz Bethmann at (509) 328-6326. 

Sibshop
Saturday, May 17
9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave, Spokane.  Siblings ages 8 to 13 who have a brother or sister with an intellectual or developmental disability.  Contact Roz Bethmann at (509) 328-6326 or rbethmann@arc-spokane.org. Registration required.

Middle School Transition to High School Information Night
Tuesday, May 20
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Libby Center, 2900 E. 1st Ave.  Join us to learn some tools for future planning. Topics discussed will include goals to be thinking about for high school, components of independence, resources available, and some key things to be thinking about after high school.  For questions or more information contact Rosslyn Bethmann at 509-328-6326 or rbethmann@arc-spokane.org.

Parents for Life
Wednesday, May 21
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave, Spokane.  For parents who have a child with a developmental disability who is age 18 or older. Contact Rosslyn Bethmann at (509) 328-6326 or rbethmann@arc-Spokane.org. Mary Clute will discuss grief and loss and how it affects young adults.

First Time Home Buyer's Class
Wednesday & Thursday, May 21 & 22
6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave, Spokane.  First time homebuyers can learn how to make the process of buying a home less stressful.  A two year certificate will be given to attendees.  Contact Theresa Griffith at (509) 328-6326 for more information.

Guardianship and Alternatives to Guardianship for Parents
Thursday, May 29
5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave, Spokane.  When is guardianship really needed, what are the other options to guardianship?  Information presented by David Lord, Disability Rights of Washington.  For more information contact Roz Bethmann at (509) 328-6326 or rbethmann@arc-spokane.org. 

Guardianship and Alternatives to Guardianship for Professionals
Friday, May 30
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave, Spokane.  When is guardianship really needed, what are the other options to guardianship?  Information presented by David Lord, Disability Rights of Washington.  For more information contact Roz Bethmann at (509) 328-6326 or rbethmann@arc-spokane.org. 

Sensory-Friendly Family Movie: Maleficent
Saturday, May 31
10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the AMC Theater at Riverpark Square Mall, 808 N. Main, Spokane.  Enjoy a  movie with the lights up and the sound down.  Tickets are $6 at the door.  Sponsored by The Autism Society of Washington and AMC Theaters.

Williams Syndrome Walk
Saturday, May 31
12:00 p.m. at Manito Park Duck Pond, Spokane.  Contact Roz Bethmann for more information at (509) 328-6326 or rbethmann@arc-spokane.org.  All are welcome.

Challenges in Caregiving: Giving Care, Taking Care
Monday, June 2
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Tukwila Community Center, 12424 42nd Ave S, Seattle.  Learn how to find hope and humor in caregiving, how to reduce family conflict, legal planning in caregiving, and much more.  The cost is $30 for family and volunteer caregivers, $50 for agency-based community caregivers.  Reduced fee through May 14, 2014.  For more information call (360) 725-2544 or 1-800-422-3263.

Parent to Parent
Thursday, June 5
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave, Spokane.  Open to any parent or guardian who has a child with special needs.  Sponsored by The Arc of Spokane's Parent to Parent program.  For more information contact Roz Bethmann at (509) 328-6326. 

Spokane Fathers Network
Thursday, June 12
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave, Spokane.  For fathers of children with developmental disabilities or special needs.  Contact Brian Holloway for more information at 509-328-6326 or bholloway@arc-spokane.org.

Cochlear Implant Family Camp 2014
Friday through Sunday, June 13-15
YMCA Lake Wenatchee Family Camp.  This family camp is about all families that are all over the Pacific Northwest coming together for a weekend and getting the opportunity to meet new families and see old friends.  50 people must be signed up and paid for before the end of April for this camp to happen.  For more information and cost breakdown visit www.cifamilycamp.com.

The Community Summit: Let's Take Action
Tuesday through Thursday, June 17-19
Wenatchee Convention Center, 121 N Wenatchee Ave. The Summit will offer a series of national and local headliners along with over thirty presenters. The session themes this year include: Cutting Edge, Transition and Transformations, and Citizenship and Engagement.  For more information visit www.communitysummit.ws.

Parents for Life -- *CANCELLED*
Thursday, June 18

First Time Home Buyer's Class
Wednesday & Thursday, June 18 & 19
6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave, Spokane.  First time homebuyers can learn how to make the process of buying a home less stressful.  A two year certificate will be given to attendees.  Contact Theresa Griffith at (509) 328-6326 for more information.

Sensory-Friendly Family Movie: How to Train Your Dragon 2
Saturday, June 21
10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the AMC Theater at Riverpark Square Mall, 808 N. Main, Spokane.  Enjoy a  movie with the lights up and the sound down.  Tickets are $6 at the door.  Sponsored by The Autism Society of Washington and AMC Theaters.

Birdy's ForeAutism Golf Tournament
Saturday, June 21
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 pm. at Wandermere Golf Course, 13700 N. Wandermere Rd., Spokane. Sponsored by the Northwest Autism Center. For more information contact Stephanie Covell at (509) 216-0023.

Special Olympics Project UNIFY Camp Unity
Tuesday through Thursday, June 24-26
Two night camp in Cle Elum, WA.  Inclusive sports and fitness camp for kids with and without disabilities ages 12 to 16.  Apply by April 15 to be considered.  20 campers will be selected by lottery on May 1.  Cost is $100 per camper.  For more information contact Chara McElfish at mcelfish@sowa.org.