Events

All events are subject to change. Please call 360-715-0170, ext. 305, to confirm dates and times or for additional information.

Events in September 2026

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
August 30, 2026
August 31, 2026
September 1, 2026
September 2, 2026
September 3, 2026(5 events)


September 3, 2026

Virtual Office Hours
Virtual Office Hours: Information and resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families
Staff are available every Thursday (unless it is a holiday)
11am - 12pm, No RSVP needed
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86909304702
Meeting ID: 869 0930 4702
Do you have questions about:
- Special Education
- Disability Systems & Resource Navigation
- Future Planning & Transition to Adulthood
- Disability Family Support
There is no password to join but participants will be in a waiting room, until we admit you. We can utilize breakout rooms to enhance privacy, if multiple participants have joined.


September 3, 2026

The Self Advocacy Zoom meetings are the 1st Thursday of each month
Join us virtually for this meeting on zoom.
This is a fun opportunity to learn about self-advocacy, make friends, and work together to make a difference!
If you want to join us virtually, please register at: selfadvocacy@arcwhatcom.org
After registering you will receive an email containing the link for you to join the Self Advocacy Meeting. Pre-registration is REQUIRED to get the information on how to connect. You can connect by phone or through the free zoom app on your cell phone, tablet or computer.
September 4, 2026(5 events)


September 4, 2026

1:30 - 3:30pm, Friday, September 4
Arc of Whatcom County
2602 McLeod Rd., Bellingham

Would you like an opportunity to share how the Federal budget cuts and regulatory changes are impacting your family?

  • In the last year, Congress cut funding to Medicaid, removing nearly a trillion dollars in federal support. Medicaid home and community-based services cost significantly less that institutions and allow people with disabilities to live, learn, and participate fulling in their communities.
  • The Department of Education plans to move the offices that oversee special education, vocational rehabilitation, and students’ civil rights out the Dept of Education and into other government agencies. This change can mean more confusion on who to contact when a student is denied services or accommodations, less coordination between civil rights protections and special education, and longer delays in getting support to find a job.
  • There are also cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that helps put food on the table for families, including 19.5 million Americans with disabilities. Already we have seen more than 4.5 million people across the US who have lost assistance in buying food. As costs are shifted to states that will continue to impact budgets for healthcare and education.
U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) will be at The Arc of Whatcom County listening to family stories. Families are welcome at 1:30 to chat with Arc staff members before Representative Larsen joins us from 1:55 pm to 2:55 pm. Please send a brief RSVP to admin@arcwhatcom.org if you'd like to join us.
Unable to come, but would like to share your family store? Email parentcoalition@arcwhatcom.org with your story and we will be share out on your behalf.


September 4, 2026

First Friday Silent Disco Party!

Open to the Community | Free | All Ages | All Abilities

When: First Friday of each month | 6pm-8pm

Where: Max Higbee Center

Join us for an awesome headphone dance party hosted by weekend group program members and staff!

 

Special Events | Max Higbee Center

More information

September 5, 2026
September 6, 2026
September 7, 2026(5 events)

All day
September 7, 2026

September 8, 2026
September 9, 2026(5 events)


September 9, 2026

Need Paperwork & Application Support from Arc Staff Members?
2nd & 4th Wednesday of every month*
11am - 1pm
Dan Godwin Community Center
2602 McLeod Rd., Bellingham

At Arc of Whatcom County Drop-in Dates, Staff are available to help families:

Drop-in dates are specifically for paperwork and applications related to developmental disabilities. We do not require an RSVP and we will help you as staff are available. Attendees may also use our printer, scanner, and paper shredder free of charge. There may not be enough time to complete your paperwork, but this is a good opportunity to figure out where and how to start. Staff may be helping multiple people, and we cannot guarantee privacy. If you need private one-on-one support, please reach out to set up an appointment at a different time. *If our office is closed due to a Holiday or Inclement weather, the event will be cancelled.

Disclaimer: Materials and information shared are designed as a sample for educational purposes only. It is provided with the understanding that The Arc of Whatcom County and staff are not engaged in providing legal, financial, or professional services. Staff at The Arc are not attorneys and DO NOT give legal or financial advice or services. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of legal, financial, or other professionals should be sought.

September 10, 2026(5 events)


September 10, 2026

Virtual Office Hours
Virtual Office Hours: Information and resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families
Staff are available every Thursday (unless it is a holiday)
11am - 12pm, No RSVP needed
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86909304702
Meeting ID: 869 0930 4702
Do you have questions about:
- Special Education
- Disability Systems & Resource Navigation
- Future Planning & Transition to Adulthood
- Disability Family Support
There is no password to join but participants will be in a waiting room, until we admit you. We can utilize breakout rooms to enhance privacy, if multiple participants have joined.
September 11, 2026
September 12, 2026
September 13, 2026(5 events)


September 13, 2026

This special time is designed for children ages 12 and younger with autism spectrum and other sensory processing needs. The Family Interactive Gallery (FIG) will be closed to the general public during these hours, providing a quieter and more personalized experience to explore, play, and connect.

Museum staff are dedicated to making your visit as smooth and inclusive as possible. Sensory-friendly tools and accommodations will be available to support your family throughout your time in the gallery.

This program is free to attend. RSVP is encouraged but not required. Low Sensory Sunday Hours - Whatcom Museum

September 14, 2026(5 events)


September 14, 2026

*moved to the 2nd Monday of September due to Labor Day
10am - 11am
The Arc of Whatcom County
2602 McLeod Rd., Bellingham
Parents and Caregivers of loved ones with developmental delays, disabilities, and on-going healthcare needs are welcome to join us for coffee (or tea) and a relaxed and friendly chat. Meet other caregivers in our community, find out new resources, and share your thoughts, insights, triumphs and experience.
Adults only please. Light refreshments provided.


September 14, 2026

We may not be therapy, but we sure are therapeutic.

Our meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of each month from 7 - 8pm.

Upcoming Topics:

September 14: Adult Caregiver Virtual Connect Meeting Join us if you are in the role of caring for adult loved ones (ages 16 and up) with a developmental delay or disability.

October 14: Special Education School Resources Get your Special Education questions answered by Arc Staff

November 9: Whatcom County Community Connections What local resources and opportunities are out there for support, recreation, and connection for my loved one and our family?

We understand how isolating it can be, so we are hold our Parent Support Meetings virtually through Zoom. Grab your favorite beverage, a cozy blanket, and connect with other families - to chat, ask questions, and share resources. Pop in for a few minutes or stay a while.

Those who attend will be entered into a drawing for a gift card.

To register contact P2P at (360) 715-0170 ext 302 or p2p@arcwhatcom.org

Please register for the private ZOOM Meeting Link.

Parent to Parent is a Support Program that provides emotional support and information to families of children with developmental disabilities, delays, and special health care needs.

September 15, 2026
September 16, 2026(5 events)


September 16, 2026

Navigating the Journey: Medically Complex Families
Wednesday, September 16
11am - 1pm
The Arc of Whatcom County
2602 McLeod Rd., Bellingham
This peer support group provides a safe and supportive place for sharing feelings and challenges commonly experienced when navigating the unexpected outcome of having a child with medical complications, complex care needs, and rare or undiagnosed conditions. Logistics of care, juggling medical and therapy appointments, and unique support needs can create an isolating and overwhelming experience. Come share, connect and learn. You are not alone.
Adults only please! Light refreshments provided.
RSVP is welcome but not required. Email p2p@arcwhatcom.org or
call 360-715-0170
September 17, 2026(5 events)


September 17, 2026

Virtual Office Hours
Virtual Office Hours: Information and resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families
Staff are available every Thursday (unless it is a holiday)
11am - 12pm, No RSVP needed
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86909304702
Meeting ID: 869 0930 4702
Do you have questions about:
- Special Education
- Disability Systems & Resource Navigation
- Future Planning & Transition to Adulthood
- Disability Family Support
There is no password to join but participants will be in a waiting room, until we admit you. We can utilize breakout rooms to enhance privacy, if multiple participants have joined.
September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026(5 events)


September 19, 2026

September 20, 2026
September 21, 2026(5 events)


September 21, 2026

SPIN Dance

Third Monday of each month, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Open to the Community | Free | Ages 14+ | All Abilities

When & Where: Third Monday of each month | 6pm-8pm

Come dance with us to music provided by Glitt3r Lyfe’s Aireekah!

Location details and registration available through the Bellingham Parks and Recreation

 

More information

September 22, 2026
September 23, 2026(5 events)


September 23, 2026

Drop-in Paperwork and Application Support

2nd & 4th Wednesday of every month, 11am - 1pm

Dan Godwin Community Center, 2602 McLeod Rd., Bellingham

360-715-0170, admin@arcwhatcom.org

May 13, 27
June 10, 24
July 8, 22
August 12, 26
September 9, 23
October 14, 28
November 11, 25
December 10 (no event on the 24th due to office closure)

At Arc of Whatcom County Drop-in Dates, Staff are available to help families:

 

Drop-in dates are specifically for paperwork and applications related to developmental disabilities. We do not require an RSVP and we will help you as staff are available. Attendees may also use our printer, scanner, and paper shredder free of charge. There may not be enough time to complete your paperwork, but this is a good opportunity to figure out where and how to start. Staff may be helping multiple people, and we cannot guarantee privacy. If you need private one-on-one support, please reach out to set up an appointment at a different time. If our office is closed due to a Holiday or Inclement weather, the event will be cancelled.

Disclaimer: Materials and information shared are designed as a sample for educational purposes only. It is provided with the understanding that The Arc of Whatcom County and staff are not engaged in providing legal, financial, or professional services. Staff at The Arc are not attorneys and DO NOT give legal or financial advice or services. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of legal, financial, or other professionals should be sought.


September 23, 2026

The Arc of Whatcom County Board of Directors meet the 4th Wednesday of every month from 6 – 7:30. Meetings are hybrid – join in person at The Arc or virtually via zoom! No RSVP is needed. If you join virtually, meetings do not password to join, but participants will be in a waiting room until staff admit you.

More info at:
Board of Directors – The Arc of Whatcom County

More information

September 24, 2026(5 events)


September 24, 2026

Virtual Office Hours
Virtual Office Hours: Information and resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families
Staff are available every Thursday (unless it is a holiday)
11am - 12pm, No RSVP needed
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86909304702
Meeting ID: 869 0930 4702
Do you have questions about:
- Special Education
- Disability Systems & Resource Navigation
- Future Planning & Transition to Adulthood
- Disability Family Support
There is no password to join but participants will be in a waiting room, until we admit you. We can utilize breakout rooms to enhance privacy, if multiple participants have joined.
September 25, 2026
September 26, 2026(5 events)


September 26, 2026

September 27, 2026(5 events)


September 27, 2026

September 28, 2026
September 29, 2026(5 events)


September 29, 2026

Navigating the legal system on your own can be intimidating. We’re not attorneys or facilitators; we are families who have navigated the court system and want to be a resource to others. This workshop will include local and State resources on establishing a Guardianship, supported decision making and other options.
Topics we will discuss:
• Guardianship & Alternatives to Guardianship
• Power of Attorney
• Supported Decision Making
• New Reporting Rules
• How to know if Guardianship is appropriate
You're welcome to keep your camera off or on and use the chat feature or unmute to ask questions. To help maintain a confidential and supportive space for authentic conversations, The Arc of Whatcom County does not record the discussion and Q & A portion of our online sessions. This allows participants to engage freely, ask questions, and share experiences in a setting grounded in trust, respect, and community. Our workshops are free and open to all community members. Zoom workshops have Closed Captions on. We are committed to accessibility. If you require any accommodations to attend our workshops, please contact us.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/85795412530/invitations?signature=AOASW0JA_q4_WUE_ps5IHU1HdsQeNabtBCRrIv0-Bcc
September 30, 2026
October 1, 2026(5 events)


October 1, 2026

Virtual Office Hours
Virtual Office Hours: Information and resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families
Staff are available every Thursday (unless it is a holiday)
11am - 12pm, No RSVP needed
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86909304702
Meeting ID: 869 0930 4702
Do you have questions about:
- Special Education
- Disability Systems & Resource Navigation
- Future Planning & Transition to Adulthood
- Disability Family Support
There is no password to join but participants will be in a waiting room, until we admit you. We can utilize breakout rooms to enhance privacy, if multiple participants have joined.


October 1, 2026

The Self Advocacy Zoom meetings are the 1st Thursday of each month
Join us virtually for this meeting on zoom.
This is a fun opportunity to learn about self-advocacy, make friends, and work together to make a difference!
If you want to join us virtually, please register at: selfadvocacy@arcwhatcom.org
After registering you will receive an email containing the link for you to join the Self Advocacy Meeting. Pre-registration is REQUIRED to get the information on how to connect. You can connect by phone or through the free zoom app on your cell phone, tablet or computer.
October 2, 2026(5 events)


October 2, 2026

First Friday Silent Disco Party!

Open to the Community | Free | All Ages | All Abilities

When: First Friday of each month | 6pm-8pm

Where: Max Higbee Center

Join us for an awesome headphone dance party hosted by weekend group program members and staff!

 

Special Events | Max Higbee Center

More information

October 3, 2026