Your help is needed!

 

In the coming weeks, students will be returning to school, catching up with friends and meeting their new teachers. While going back to school can be exciting, it can also be an extremely challenging time for students with developmental disabilities and their families.

While most parents are taking their children shopping for new clothes and school supplies, others are reviewing lengthy IEPs (Individual Education Plan), arranging specialized transportation and meeting with the education team.

This intense preparation is necessary for students with developmental disabilities, who often experience behavior issues, require medical intervention and lack communication skills. This combination can present tremendous challenges for the family, student and educators.

The Arc of Whatcom County is flooded with calls during this time from families needing support, advocacy and information, including:  

• “What are our rights with my child’s education plan?”
• “Is my medically fragile son safe at school?”
• “Do the teachers understand my child’s challenges?”
• “How will my non-verbal child express his needs?”
• “What therapy services are available through the school?”

These are just a few of the complex and emotional questions presented to us every day.  The Arc’s commitment is to answer these questions with the latest information and resources.  We also provide support and compassion to families as they face challenges on this journey so different from their friends and neighbors. 

 

We need your help!  This responsibility presents quite a challenge for our small organization. Our current funding only allows for one part-time Parent Advocate who fields the hundreds of inquiries from parents and education personnel. With this level of staffing, it is virtually impossible to provide one-on-one support for all those in need.

YOU can make a difference. Your generous financial contribution today will help us provide support and advocacy for more children and families.

Please send your donation of $25, $250 or $1,000 and help provide one-on-one assistance so desperately needed by parents and caregivers during this back to school season.

Making a donation online is quick and easy - visit www.arcwhatcom.org and click on the donation button.  

We sincerely thank you for your time, support, and dedication to giving every student a chance at a successful and productive school year.