March 6th - Mother’s Network 10am-12pm Mill Creek Foursquare Church     1415 164th St. SW , Lynnwood 98087 .  For childcare RSVP with Jessie Atkins at Jessie@arcsno.org   (425) 258-2459 x105

Mothers Network is a Group of Moms raising children with developmental disabilities who meet together to share resource information and to offer Support and encouragement. Mothers Network meetings are the first Saturday of the month from 10-12 p.m. and meet at The Mill Creek Foursquare Church. Mother’s network also has quarterly events to get moms out of the house to have some fun, socialize and be women.

March 8th - Connecting Families-IEP The Basics (Individualized Education Plan) 7-8:30pm Held at The Arc office: 2500 Hewitt Avenue , Everett 98201 . For information contact Jessie Atkins at Jessie@arcsno.org  (425) 258-2459 x105 Presented by Amy Patterson Advocate with Larry Davis Special Education Advocacy

Larry Davis Special Education Advocacy helps parents navigate the school system; primarily addressing Special Education related issues by negotiating/mediating IEP & 504 Plans and consulting in Gifted Education. Their team of advocate’s work exclusively with parents across the country that are ready & willing to take charge of their child’s education plan.

www.Specialeducationadvocacy.org

Amy Patterson is a Parent, Advocate and Leader. She has training in Wrightslaw boot camps, The Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law. Amy is a strong advocate for inclusion and services for those with disabilities. Amy holds the Arc of Snohomish County’s Parent Advocate of the Year award, and is on the Washington State Special Education Advisory Committee. She is also a co-founder of the Lake Stevens Special Education Parent Group.

March 12th - Mom and Me Group (for moms and their kids ages 0-5 yrs) -10 am-12 pm. Meets at The Little Red Schoolhouse 14 East Casino Rd, Building C, Everett WA 98208. For information contact Jessie Atkins at Jessie@arcsno.org (425)258-2459 x105

Mom and Me (Dads or Caregivers welcome)- If you are the mom of a child (age birth to 5) receiving Early Intervention Services or your child has a developmental disability then this is the place for you! Experience a sense of Community while receiving mothering support, encouragement and hope. Mom and Me meets twice a month. 

March 13th - Partnerships for Improved Student Learning Sponsored by WEA (Washington Education Association) and hosted by Edmonds School Dist Spec Ed PTSA and The Arc of Snohomish County- 20420 68th Ave W , Lynnwood 98036 .  FREE lunch provided. 9am-4:30pm  For information contact Kelly at Kelly@arcsno.org   (425) 258-2459  x107

This class is designed for educators and parents to:

•Jointly recognize the elements of a comfortable meeting environment

•Understand the value of strong, positive partnerships to improve student performance

•Use a new tool called Appreciative Inquiry to communicate positively and more effectively to develop strong partnerships that improve student learning

March 15th - I C.A.N. Women’s Self-Advocacy Support Network- Ceramic Painting 5 to 6:30 pm  Meet at The Ceramic Place : 11419 19th Ave. SE A105 Everett , WA 98208    RSVP to Jamie Coonts Jamie@arcsno.org (425)258-2459 x104.  Ceramics average in price from $2-$20 each piece-The Ceramic Place is offering a 20% discount

Independence Community & Advocacy Now (ICAN) Woman’s Self-Advocacy-This group is aimed at Self Advocates, but is open to all women ages 16 and up. We want to share resources and skills, and believe that everyone has something to share.

March 17th - Caregiver Support Group – SSI & Benefits  11am-12:30 pm.  Held at The Arc office.  For information contact Stephani Perin-Earling at Stephani@arcsno.org (425)258-2459 x109

Independence Community & Advocacy Now (ICAN) Woman’s Self-Advocacy-This group is aimed at Self Advocates, but is open to all women ages 16 and up. We want to share resources and skills, and believe that everyone has something to share.

Special Education Parent Groups

Lake Stevens School District- March 11th  – 6:30 to 8:00pm    12309 22nd St , Room A., Lake Stevens , Administration Building .  Summer Camp Overview . For information contact Rebecca Defrang  Rdefrang@comcast.net or call 425-334-2869

Patty Studdard is the Coordinator of the Lake Stevens Special Olympics.

Come hear her speak about fantastic opportunities available to qualifying individuals seven years and older on an IEP.   Currently there are four sports available in our region: Softball, Bowling, Basketball and Swimming.

Joe Hampton is the NW Director for the Special Olympics.  He is a full time employee for the Special Olympics.

We will also have material available at this meeting with regard to summer activities for your child

(such as camps and organizations that support children with special needs).

Marysville School District (MSEPTSA) - March 11th -6:00 to 8:00pm Grove Street Elementary-6510 Grove Street, Marysville 98270  Speaker is Gail Miller topic is Update on MSD Special Education Goals  For more information contact Barb O’Kelly barb_Okelly@msn.com  or visit www.mseptsa.org

Everett School District –March 18th – 6:30-8:00pm  The Arc office- 2500 Hewitt, Suite 300 Everett 98201.  Topic To Be Announced. For more information contact Scott Schreffler sgschret@netzero.net

Jeanette Stonecipher will be sharing information about what PAVE is and how PAVE can help you

At the heart of PAVE is a unique and powerful combination of experience and knowledge. Individuals with disabilities and parents of individuals with disabilities who have a good understanding of the many challenges of accessing services comprise the PAVE staff, Board of Directors, and PAVE's active volunteer network. The approach is one of collaboration between all involved parties.

This personal touch, combined with the comprehensive knowledge and information PAVE can provide, makes this organization the premier resource in Washington that families can turn to for training, information and support.

Marysville Autism Support Group (MSEPTSA) March 19th -6:00 to 8:00pm. Shoultes Elementary-13525 51st Ave NE , Marysville 98271 .  For more information contact Rachel Loertscher mouseker1@gmail.com or visit www.mseptsa.org.                         

Other Community Resources & Events

WA State Developmental Disabilities Council Seeking Input

 The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council is Seeking Public Input on 2012-2016 State Plan Priorities
The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council is in the process of developing its 2012-2016 State Plan and they want your opinion about their priorities and challenges. Please take a few minutes to answer a few questions on their web survey.

If you know others who are also interested in the issues facing people with developmental disabilities and their families in Washington state, we encourage you to forward this email on to them as well.

Thank you for taking the time to help.

For information on this and other important topics, visit:
http://www.informingfamilies.org/

Family Resource Fair

FICC Family Interagency Coordinating Council

Enjoy a FREE evening of family fun, dinner and networking.

There will be plenty of fun for the kids too!

Family Resource Fair

This Free event is open to families who have children with special needs/developmental delays age 0-6. This is an opportunity to meet other families and find out about resources in your community.

Hearing Speech and Deafness Center, Snohomish Co Health Dept with free H1N1 vaccinations, the Arc, Sherwood Excel and Techstep, Little Red School House, Mentoring Children of Promise, from VOA, Snohomish County Head Start and Early Head Start, Community Health Access Program, RiteCare of Washington and much, much more.

Thursday March 11, 2010

5 – 7:30 PM

Children’s Village

14 E. Casino Road- Building A

(Closest to Casino Rd. )

Everett, WA

~Pizza ~ Soup ~ Salad ~ Dessert ~ Refreshments~

Resources, Games and Activities for the whole family~

Presented by: FICC (Family Ineragency Coordinating Council)

The Snohomish County Family Interagency Coordinating Council is a group of parents of young children age birth to six, community agencies, school districts, service providers, and advocates who share a common interest in children with special needs in Snohomish County .

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT: Jessie Atkins (425) 258-2459 x 105 or Jessie@arcsno.org Parent/The Arc of Snohomish County Janice McLane at (425) 338-7347 or Janice.McLane@Snoco.org Snohomish County Infant Toddler Program

13th Annual Snohomish County Transition Fair

Over 50 community agencies will have a resource table at the fair.

Agencies represent:

Advocacy

Assistive Technology

Education

Employment

Family Resources

Guardianship/Special Needs Trusts

Housing

Recreation and Leisure

Transportation

Tuesday

March 23, 2010

Cascade High School

801 East Casino Road

Everett, WA 98203

4:00 pm – 8:15 pm

Questions ddinfo@snoco.org  or Tamra at 425-388-7320

Sponsored by Snohomish County Transition Council Everett Public Schools

FREE WORKSHOPS

4:00-4:30 pm DD Citizen Advisory Board and Legislative Update-Everyone Welcome

Learn about legislative issues and current efforts to address the unmet needs of individuals with developmental disabilities.

4:30-5:15 pm Overview of Community Resources

Learn about the roles of community agencies to maximize your fair experience.

Deb Gall, Snohomish County Transition Coordinator

Transition Success Stories

Young adults and parents will share their stories about what it takes to be successful.

5:30-6:15 pm Overview of Guardianship and Alternatives to Guardianship

Learn about the legal aspects of guardianship and alternatives to guardianship.

Tom Cooper, Attorney Snohomish County

Overview of Community Colleges

Representatives from Everett , Shoreline and Bellevue Community Colleges will share information on programs, support and accommodations available.

6:30-7:15 pm Housing Panel

Learn about affordable housing options and suppor ts available. Sandra Back, Everett Housing

Autho ity, Ken Emerson, Housing Author ity of Snohomish County and Mark Woodrell, Division of Developmental Disabilities

Future Planning Wills and Trusts

Overview of ways to utilize wills and trusts to plan ahead for individuals with special need .

John James, CDFA Special Solutions and Joshua Brothers, Dussault Law Group

7:30-8:15 pm Overview of Social Security

Learn about Social Security programs, the application process and work incentive programs.

Richard Beck, Social Security Administration

Emergency Preparedness

Learn what to do to assure that individuals with special needs are prepared and receive the support they need in emergency situations. Bill Burns, American Red Cross

Everett Symphony Kids Event

FREE Kids Event Presented By The Everett Symphony Featuring Acclaimed Music Performers Let Your Music Shine!® with Lisa & Linda

Who: Everett Symphony, Let Your Music Shine! with Lisa & Linda and the Imagine Children's Museum.

Where: Everett WA- Everett Mall near the children's play area. Enter through the east entrance, 1402 SE Everett Mall Way , Everett , WA 98208 . 

When: Friday, March 12, and Saturday, March 13, at 1:00, 1:30, 2:00 and 2:30 PM. 

What: 
Everett Symphony presents FREE educational entertainment performed by acclaimed music performers Let Your Music Shine! with Lisa & Linda. Fifteen minute medley of show favorites will highlight the very best of what Lisa and Linda do. Children from birth to seven years old and their families will enjoy this highly interactive time that encourages clapping, dancing and singing. FREE medley of show favorites will be at the Everett Mall near the children's play area on Friday, March 12, and Saturday, March 13, at 1:00, 1:30, 2:00 and 2:30 PM.  The Imagine Children's Museum is bringing Art Studio On The Go for a fun pre-show craft project.

FREE kids event featuring the fifteen minute medley of show favorites and Art Studio On The Go pre-show craft project will be held on Friday, March 12, and Saturday, March 13, at 1:00, 1:30, 2:00 and 2:30 PM. At the Everett Mall near the children's play area. For more information  visit EVERETTSYMPHONY.ORG/SHINE or call 425.258.1605 ext. 801.

Adult Sibling Gathering

Calling all NW Adult Siblings!

We have scheduled another of our 'once in a Blue Moon' gatherings for adult siblings in the Puget Sound area on Sunday afternoon March 28th.

As anyone who has attended one of these events knows, they’re a great opportunity to check in with kindred spirits—and also a lot of fun!

We will be gathering at the Auburn , WA home of Libby, a long time participant in adult sibling activities in our area. Here is a link to the particulars: http://users.igl.net/momofcad/sibinvite.html  Let us know if you have difficulty opening this website and perhaps we can get the info posted in another way.

Anne C. Guthrie anneguthrie@siblingsupport.org
Sibling Support Project
Family Support is for ALL family members

Adult Sibling List-Serve

Washington State Adult Sibs (WSAS)

The Washington State Adult Sibs yahoo group is a small but growing community of adult brothers and sisters of people with special health and developmental needs. By subscribing to WSAS members can:

* connect with other adult siblings;
* seek and share information about local services; and
* advocate for services for our siblings, our families, and ourselves.

We have occasional BLUE MOON get-togethers that mix shared experiences, information, knowing laughs and maybe a glass of wine! (they're called Blue Moon events because that's how often they're offered!)

This is a warm, informative, and ever-growing group. We hope you will join us! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WashingtonStateAdultSibs/

If you would like additional information about this online group or other adult sibling networking opportunities in the Puget Sound area, please feel free to contact:

Anne Guthrie at anneguthrie@siblingsupport.org

or

Don Meyer at donmeyer@siblingsupport.org

Down Syndrome Community Conference

The Down Syndrome Community Conference 2010

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Blackriver Training & Conference Center Renton , WA

ISSUES INVOLVING CHILDHOOD, ADOLESCENCE AND ADULTHOOD

Keynote Addresses Breakout Sessions

Local professionals presenting:

Supports in the Community and in School, Nutrition and Fitness, Medical, Dental, and Legal Information

THIS CONFERENCE IS FOR PARENTS AND PROFESSIONALS!

SESSION INFORMATION

Morning Keynote Address:

Margaret Lee Thompson- One Road to Advocacy

AM Breakout sessions (choose one):

A. Dr. Jessie Banks, DDS, PLLC and Dr. Siegfried Naumann, DDS , MS – Dental and Orthodontic Issues in DS

B. Dr. Steve Becker – Sexuality and DS

C. Don Shouse and Brad Jones –Supported Living

D. Jennifer Mostaleone –Building Inclusion

Afternoon Keynote Address:

Maureen Eckersley, Children’s Fitness and Nutrition Specialist Motivated to Move

PM Breakout sessions (choose one):

E. Maureen Eckersley – Nutrition and Fitness

F. Jessie Gaudio, ABA Therapist – Solving Problem Behaviors

G. Larry Jones, Attorney –Show Me the Money: Guardianship And Estate Planning

H. Greg Abell, Mediator – The Art of Managing Difficult

For more information contact:

Anne Mullis, (206) 842-9027 anne@oldmillmicro.com

Laurel Sturges, (425) 226-6335 lesorcaces@yahoo.com

Carla Snyder, (425) 432-2879 jcsnyd@comcast.net

www.downsyndromecommunity.org

Emperor’s New Clothes Performance

StoryBook Theater presents a special performance of Emperor's New Clothes for "Children with Special Needs and their Families".

StoryBook Theater is a community theater that stages delightful musical fairytale adaptations performed by adult professional actors, especially for young audiences, ages 3-10. These hilarious, kid-friendly, 55-minute weekend matinees will make the family laugh and sing out loud!

The Emperor is a vain and silly guy - always looking for the most beautiful and expensive new clothing. Along come two tricksters who fool the Emperor into believing that nothing is something. Will the Emperor wander the kingdom in his underwear, or will everyone, including the audience, tell him the honest truth?

Best for ages 3 and up.

Cost/Fee: $9 per ticket
Contact/Registration Information:  877-827-1100 or www.storybooktheater.org
Sunday, March 7th at 11:00 am

Location:

Museum of History and Industry
McCurdy Park
2700 24th Ave. E.
Seattle , WA 98112
206-324-1126