Join a team dedicated to advocating for the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the Spokane community. At The Arc of Spokane, our work focuses on inclusion, equity, and ensuring that people with IDD have the support they need to lead the lives they choose.
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The Arc of Spokane
Meet James McCormack
Meet James McCormack
And hear him share his story at Rock the Runway
And hear him share his story at Rock the Runway
James runs daily forklift routes through all five floors of Avista's corporate building, which is a role he earned and a job he loves.
James started at Avista's Investment Recovery Center in 2014. His supervisor, Dave Rogers, recognized his potential early and pushed to get him forklift certified. The written driving test didn't have accommodations, making it a real barrier — James took it fourteen times before passing. He passed the driving test on the first try and hasn't slowed down since.
Breaking Down Barriers For The IDD Community
Building a Career at Avista
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often navigate stereotypes and societal hurdles that can impact personal autonomy and community participation.
Rock the Runway is designed to challenge these perceptions by centering models with IDD in an environment that celebrates their unique perspectives.
James is a certified forklift driver at Avista, a founding player on the Spokane Impact through Project Inspire, and a two-time winner of the Player-of-the-Match award. He lives independently in his own apartment in Spokane, manages his own responsibilities, and pays his own bills. This year, he's bringing his story to Rock the Runway.
James McCormack (far left)
Meet Your Emcee
Kalae Chock, TV News Anchor/Reporter
Kalae Chock anchors Wake Up Nonstop Local KHQ on weekdays. She's a proud WSU alumn and has worked as a journalist in Spokane since 2005, the same year she married her husband, Robby. She's a 3-time Emmy winner and mother of 2. She says it's a true honor that people trust her to tell their stories and she is humbled by the privilege. And I have attached her Bio Photo for use for the event.
James has been part of The Arc community since 2014.
James is a founding player on the inaugural USL Spokane Impact team, built through Project Inspire.
James has been honored with several honors: Player of the Match, Best Goal of the Game, and the Semi-Finals player award. He's known for his assists and his consistency on the field. Soccer has become a major part of his life. He trains multiple times a week, even during the off-season, staying sharp and competitive year-round.
Scoring Goals & Making Assists on Spokane Impact
Breaking Down Barriers For The IDD Community
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often navigate stereotypes and societal hurdles that can impact personal autonomy and community participation.
Rock the Runway is designed to challenge these perceptions by centering models with IDD in an environment that celebrates their unique perspectives.
Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 4:30 pm
Spokane Convention Center, Ballroom 100
334 W Spokane Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201
