News

Special Needs PTA Needs You
Do you have a child in the special education system?  Would you like to encourage productive dialogue between parents, teachers and administrators about inclusion and other special education issues?  A Special Needs PTA is forming in Spokane County for exactly this purpose.  Parents and others in all 14 school districts in Spokane County are invited to participate.  To learn more contact The Arc of Spokane at (509) 328-6326.      

Extra Hurtles for Passengers with Mental Disabilities
Airlines aren't always accommodating, and in one case a traveler gets lost, and unattended, in terminal (click here to read this report from the Seattle Times, July 10, 2014) . . .

Annual Family Picnic
If you have a youth or adult child with a developmental disability, developmental delay, or special healthcare need, come to Thornton Murphy Park on Saturday, July 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a casual picnic.  Meet other parents, share perspectives, and learn about organizations that support people with disabilities in Spokane.  You might even meet your state legislator there!  We'll provide lunch and ice water, if you'll bring a salad to share.  There will be activities for young children and a nearby splash fountain to cool off in--but don't forget a towel.  RSVP to Jessy Smith at jsmith@arc-spokane.org or (509) 328-6326.  Sponsored by the Infant Toddler Network, Parent to Parent, Spokane County Community Services, the Spokane County Parent Coalition, and the Spokane Father's Network.                 

Survey Seeks Input from Families Supporting a Child with a Developmental Disability
Washington's Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) wants to learn more about the challenges facing parents, family members, or others who are caring for a person with a developmental disability.  It's short, and the information gathered will be used to improve service delivery for parents and families.  Take a moment to have your voice heard.  Click here to take the survey, and send the link to others you know!    

Lance Morehouse Jr. Fund Helps Improve Quality of Life
For families supporting a child with a developmental disability, or for a person with a developmental disability, sometimes just a few dollars means the difference between just getting by and getting by with a smile. Through the Lance Morehouse Jr. Fund, people with developmental disabilities and families supporting a child with a developmental disability can apply for a Quality of Life grant through The Arc of Spokane. Any item, project or activity that will improve an applicant's quality of life may be considered. Click here to learn more.

Upcoming Events

Washington State Independent Living Youth Conference
Monday, July 21 through Thursday, July 24
Event will take place at Seattle University, 901 12th Ave., Seattle. This conference is for young people with disabilities who are planning to go to college, get a job, and live independently in the community in the future. Room and board is provided and transportation will be coordinated. For more information visit www.centerforindependence.org/announcements.html.

Addressing Challenging Behaviors in Students with ASD
Thursday, July 24
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Riverpoint Campus, 310 N. Riverpoint, Health Science Bldg. #274, Spokane.  During this workshop you will learn how to understand challenging behaviors, functions of behavior, tips for what to do "in the moment" and much more.  Cost is $150.  For more information email uwautism@us.edu or call 1-877-408-UWAC. 

Sensory-Friendly Family Movie: Planes: Fire & Rescue
Saturday, July 26
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.

Annual Community Family Picnic
Saturday, July 26
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Thornton Murphy Park, 3105 E 27th Ave, Spokane. For families who have children and adults with a special needs or developmental delays. We will supply lunch and drinks, you bring a salad or dessert to share. For more information or to RSVP contact Jessy Smith at (509) 328-6326.

ACES for ISAAC Golf Classic
Saturday, July 26
1:00 p.m. at Sundance Golf Course, 9725 N. Nine Mile Falls Rd, Nine Mile.  $125 entry fee includes a round of golf, tournament polo, swag bag, sack lunch, post tournament dinner with live music, and the knowledge that you are making a difference in the lives of so many local families touched by autism. Proceeds go to support the ISAAC Foundation. For more information on the golf tournament or the ISAAC Foundation visit www.theisaacfoundation.org.

PECS Level 1 Training: Basic
Monday, August 4 & Tuesday August 5
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. both days. Training will take place in Spokane.  PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) Level 1 Training is for parents and professionals working with learners with autism, related disabilities and/or limited communication skills. For more information or to register visit their website at http://www.pecsusa.com/workshop.php?id=1353.

Parent to Parent
Thursday, August 7
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Mission Park (northeast corner). 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.

Summer Camp for Independent Living Skills (SCILS)
Friday, August 8 through Sunday, August 10
This is a weekend retreat for families of blind/visually impaired preteens in the central and eastern part of Washington. Planned activities include tandem bicycling riding, Mobius Science Center field trip, and karaoke. If you want an application packet, please contact Debbie Brown at Debbie.brown@dsb.wa.gov or call (509) 456-2933.

ICan Shine
Monday-Friday, August 11-15
ICan Shine is a nationwide non-profit organization that helps individuals with disabilities achieve independence by helping them learn to ride a bicycle. This camp is for kids 11-15 years and will be held at Mt. Spokane High School, 6015 N. Mount Spokane Park Dr, Spokane. For more information visit www.icanshine.org.

Strengthening Washington's Public Schools: 2014 Special Education Boot Camp
Monday-Friday, August 11-15
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Red Lion Hotel at the Park, 303 W. North River Dr. Prepare for five days of comprehensive focus on special education issues. The training will provide relative information on the responsibilities of all educators working with children with disabilities. Registration fee is $270 and includes training materials, 30 clock hours, and lunch each day. For more information contact Jill Dahlen at (253) 765-7088 or toll-free at (800) 622-3393, ext. 7088.

Spokane Fathers Network -- CANCELLED
Thursday, August 14

Raise Your Paint Brushes
Saturday, August 16
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The West Central Community Center, 1603 N. Belt. Art classes for youth with disabilities and/or special needs. Experience the joy of creating artwork on your very own canvas and socialize with other youth in your community. Cost is $15 per class and is open to people between the ages of 12 to 21 years. Contact Jodi Ward at (509) 570-8512 for more information.

Parents for Life -- CANCELLED
Wednesday, August 20

First Time Home Buyer's Class
Wednesday & Thursday, August 20 & 21
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.

"The Case of the Dog in the Night"
Thursday, August 14
3:00 p.m. at the Bing Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave, Spokane. This play is about a boy with Asperger Syndrome who tries to solve a mystery. Presented by Friend of the Bing. Adults are $15, 12 and under are $5. For more information visit www.bingcrosbytheater.com.

First Friday Movies
Friday, September 5
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 4 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.

Fathers Network
Thursday, September 11
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.

Life After High School - Funding
Tuesday, September 16
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave, Spokane. We will talk about different support funding options, how to apply for those funding options as well as how each of them relate to transition. Contact Darci Ladwig at (509) 328-6326 for more information.

First Time Home Buyer's Class
Wednesday & Thursday, September 17 & 18
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.

People First Convention
Friday, September 19 through Sunday, September 21
Registration begins at 3 p.m. on Friday, September 19 and the convention ends at about 11 a.m. on Sunday, September 21. The convention is being held at the Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center in Kelso/Longview, 510 Kelso Dr, Kelso, WA.  This years convention will host great workshops on employment, safety from abuse, healthy living, how to deal with bullying, home safety and supports, and social media etiquette. For more information visit www.peoplefirstofwashington.org.

Parents for Life 
Wednesday, August 20
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 for more information.

Life After High School - Housing
Tuesday, September 23
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave, Spokane. Learn about the benefits of employment, skill building at home, transition programs and employment agencies. Contact Darci Ladwig at (509) 328-6326 for more information.

Sensory-Friendly Family Movie: Dolphin Tale 2
Saturday, September 27
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.

Life After High School - Legal/Financial
Tuesday, September 23
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave, Spokane. We will discuss guardianship as well as alternatives to guardianship and wills and trusts. Contact Darci Ladwig at (509) 328-6326 for more information.