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Brown-Bag Lunch Helps Families Explore Transition
Parents often wonder about the future for their son or daughter with a developmental disability after high school. Join us for a brown bag discussion about this important life-change. Any topic is welcome. Not sure if you're ready for this change? Watch The Greatest Transition for a glimpse of what the future could hold for your son or daughter with a developmental disability.
WHEN: Thursday, February 12, 2015 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave., Spokane
The Coming Congressional War Over Social Security Disability
A technical rule change engineered by House Republicans on the first day of the new Congress may signal a major battle over the future of the Social Security Disability Program--and more broadly, other federal programs for people with disabilities. (Click here to read the full story from Forbes Magazine . . . )
Inland Northwest Community Foundation Grants $30,000 to Valley Community Center
The Inland Northwest Community Foundation (INWCF) has granted $30,000 to The Arc of Spokane's Valley Community Center in Spokane Valley. The new center, which is housed in the Spokane Valley Partners building at 10814 E. Broadway, will provide social and recreational activities for adults with developmental disabilities. The Community Strategies grant will help meet operating expenses at the Center during its start-up phase. The INWCF has awarded more than $42 million in grants and scholarships throughout the Inland Northwest since 1974, supporting philanthropic endeavors in human services, education, arts and culture, and economic 
development. To learn more about the INWCF, go to www.inwcf.org. On behalf of the many people with developmental disabilities who will benefit from the Valley Community Center, THANK YOU!
Change Is Coming to Medicaid Personal Care (MPC) and Individual and Family Support Services (IFS). Get Ready!
Many people with developmental disabilities receive support from MPC and IFS programs administered through Washington's Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). In 2015, the way these programs are accessed and administered will change in several important ways. Click here to watch a video about changes to MPC. Click here to watch a video about changes to IFS. Watch for more information in the coming months.
Upcoming Events
Evidence-Based Approaches for Children with Autism: The Importance of Individualized Treatment
Friday, January 30 and Saturday, January 31
Riverpoint Campus, Phase I Classroom Building, Spokane. This two day workshop series is for parents, educators, clinicians, and practitioners. Cost: Parents: $25 per day or $40 for both, Teachers and Others: $75 per day or $120 for both. For more information call (509) 828-1347 or email rsnover@ewu.edu.
Social Security and Work Incentives
Thursday, February 5 and Friday, February 6
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. each day at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley. This free two half-day workshop is designed to teach employment manager, employment specialists, support staff, teachers, parents, etc the details of Social Security Disability Benefits and Work Incentives. Sponsored by W.i.S.e. and taught by Cathy Succo. For more information visit http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07eadt1gb7e625f70a&llr=6ajwdndab or contact Cathy at (509) 263-5613 or cathy@gowise.org.
Teen Movie Night (Ages 16-21)
Friday, February 6
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave, Spokane. A fun way for teens to learn about healthy relationships and make new friends. Snacks provided. Sponsored by The Partnership for Safety, a program of The Arc of Spokane. For more information or to sign up your teen, contact Theresa Fears at (509) 789-8329 or tfears@arc-spokane.org.
Washington Shining Star Pageant
Sunday, February 8
3:00 p.m. at Prosser High School. The pageant, in cooperation with the Prosser School District, is open to high school and jr. high girls who are differently-abled. Registration fee is $25. For more information call Rene at (775) 741-3800.
Transition Brown Bag
Thursday, February 12
12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave, Spokane. You bring your lunch and we'll provide snacks and drinks. Join in as we discuss topics that parents consider involving school to adult life. For more information contact Roz Bethmann at (509) 328-6326 or rbethmann@arc-spokane.org.
Fathers Network
Thursday, February 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 at (509) 328-6326 or bholloway@arc-spokane.org for more information.
Sensory-Friendly Movie: SpongeBob Square Pants: Sponge Out of Water
Saturday, February 14
10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the AMC 20 Theater at Riverpark Square, 808 W. Main. 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.
Autism Spectrum Disorders in Adolescence and Early Adulthood: Characteristics and Issues
Wednesday, February 18
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Doubletree Suites at SouthCenter, 16500 SouthCenter Parkway, Seattle. Dr. Carol Schall, Director of Technical Assistance and Virginia Autism Resource Center-Virginia Commonwealth University will be the presenter. Participants will learn characteristics of autism, positive behavior support, employment supports, implications for future research and much more. To register contact Candace O'Neill at (206) 390-6830 or email oneeillct@comcast.net.
Parents for Life
Wednesday, February 18
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 Roz Bethmann at (509) 328-6326 or rbethmann@arc-spokane.org for more information.
First Time Home Buyer's Class
Wednesday, February 25 and Thursday, February 26
6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave. 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.
Teen Movie Night (Ages 16-21)
Friday, March 6
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave, Spokane. A fun way for teens to learn about healthy relationships and make new friends. Snacks provided. Sponsored by The Partnership for Safety, a program of The Arc of Spokane. For more information or to sign up your teen, contact Theresa Fears at (509) 789-8329 or tfears@arc-spokane.org.
A Night of Champions: Fundraising Dinner & Silent Auction to Benefit Boost Collaborative and its Services
Saturday, March 7
5:30 p.m. at SEL Event Center, 1825 Schweitzer Dr., Pullman. James May, founder of the Father's Network speaks passionately about men sharing the common experience of being the best possible fathers for their children with special needs. James' rich stories, humor and insights are sure to make this a memorable event. Tickets are $60 and available for advance purchase only from Boost Collaborative by calling (509) 332-6561.
Fathers Network
Thursday, March 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 at (509) 328-6326 or bholloway@arc-spokane.org for more information.
Parents for Life
Wednesday, March 18
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 Roz Bethmann at (509) 328-6326 or rbethmann@arc-spokane.org for more information.
SibShop
Saturday, March 21
10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave, Spokane. Siblings 8-13 who have a brother or sister with an intellectual or developmental disability. Registration required. For more information or to register, contact Roz Bethmann at rbethmann@arc-spokane.org or (509) 328-6326.
First Time Home Buyer's Class
Wednesday, March 25 and Thursday, March 26
6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave. 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 Movie: Home
Saturday, March 28
10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the AMC 20 Theater at Riverpark Square, 808 W. Main. 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.
