Legislative Coffee

Today was The Arc of Whatcom County's Annual Legislative Coffee. Senator Doug Erickson, Representative Jason Overstreet and a representative for Representative Kristine Lytton were in attendance along with community members, families and self-advocates.

Tyler and his mom shared the importance of his job and medical support.

Community members listened intently as Beverly Porter, Executive Director of The Arc, outlined the possible state budget cuts.

Terri Hansen, Inclusion Advocate at The Arc, advocated for thorough dental coverage for all individuals with developmental disabilities.

The group shared their personal stories and the impacts of the potential cuts.

Representative Overstreet said that he appreciated hearing directly from his constituents and to learn about their personal experiences.



Senator Erickson discussed priorities in the state budget and how important it was to stay connected to your elected officials.

8th Annual Buddy Walk

Thanks to everyone who participated and supported the 8th Annual Whatcom County Buddy Walk this past weekend! With a great crowd, amazing families, beautiful weather, wonderful prizes and a delicious lunch, it was a tremendous success!

This event was a great opportunity to promote inclusion and respect of individuals with Down syndrome and to raise money for important programs in our community. A special thanks to the incredible efforts of the all-volunteer Down syndrome Outreach committee: Jennifer Dyrland, Christine Griffin, Liz Hemmerly, Alison Lyddan, Sandi McMillan, Bill Padgett, Makenna Padgett and Patty Reimers.

To get involved with DsO and help with future events, please call (360)715-0170, ext.205 or email makennap@arcwhatcom.org. Your help would be very appreciated!


Team Captains were recognized before the walk and presented "Team Captain" badges.














A member of the Youth Self Advocacy group, Laura Rawlins helped present the badges.










Lots of new little babies and toddlers were at the Buddy Walk this year...so cute!










Thanks to many local businesses, we were able to have many exciting packages for the silent auction.










Everyone enjoyed all the games and activities!











County Executive Pete Kremmen presented the proclamation declaring October 1st to be Down syndrome Awareness Day in Bellingham and Whatcom County. To read the proclamation , click here.

Communication and Technology Workshop

Can technology help my family member communicate and learn?

On Tuesday, October 25th, The Arc will be hosting a "Communication and Technology" workshop to help expand your knowledge and answer your questions on the latest tools and applications for improving communication skills.

The workshop will be held from 6:30-8:30pm at The Arc's Dan Godwin Center, 2602 McLeod Road, Bellingham. For more information, call Monica (360) 715-0170, ext. 303 or email monicab@arcwhatcom.org.

The workshop will be presented by:
Linda Schleef is a lecturer for Woodring College of Education’s (WCE) Department of Special Education at Western Washington University. She serves as the Coordinator for WCE’s Ershig Assistive Technology Resource Center, which features support technologies for pre-12 students with diverse learning needs.

Gail Noble-Sanderson is a Clinical Educator and Adjunct Faculty Instructor in Western Washington University’s Communication Sciences and Disorders Department. She was the Director of Rehabilitation Services at Skagit Valley Hospital and previously with the Children’s Neurodevelopmental Program at St. Joseph’s Hospital. She has also worked as a school speech therapist.

For more discussion on the technology topic, there also will be a "Coffee & Connections" on Friday, October 28th from 10am-1pm. This is a unique opportunity to have a relaxed visit with trained advocates and parents and receive support and information for your individual needs. Please stop in for as little or as long as you wish.