Advocacy. Information. Support.
Our goal is to act as an information resource, linking persons with developmental disabilities and their families with available resources in the community. Several hundred individuals and their families, guardians and caregivers are served annually.
Educational Programs & Workshops
The Arc of Whatcom County sponsors a variety of educational programs & workshops focusing on current issues that concern persons with developmental disabilities and their families. Topics include guardianships and special needs trusts, long-term planning for special needs families, special health care needs, special education services, early learning issues, individual education plans, transition from high school to work, residential issues and concerns, legislative advocacy, self-empowerment and self-advocate training. Learn more about Educational Programs & Workshops.
Parent Coalition
Families that need support with services and resources meet with a trained Parent Advocate to formulate a strategy to obtain services tailored to the needs of their family member. These needs may include special education services, future planning for adult services such as guardianship, government assistance such as Medicaid or conflict resolution regarding standards of care. Learn more about Parent Coalition.
Parent to Parent
The Parent to Parent Support Programs provide emotional support and information to families of children with developmental disabilities, delays, and ongoing health care needs. Learn more about Parent to Parent.
Self Advocacy
Self-Advocacy is for young adults ages 16-30 with developmental disabilities. Self advocacy members are encouraged to develop and practice skills to become strong self-advocates. Learn more about Self-Advocacy.
Padres a Padres
Los programas de apoyo de Padres a padres ofrecen apoyo emocional e información a las familias de niños con diferencias y retrasos del desarrollo o enfermedades crónicas. Más información sobre Padres a Padres.
Down Syndrome Outreach
Families needing information and education specifically related to Down syndrome are provided a trained Parent Advocate to address their needs. Families are also connected to other families to develop natural peer support through fun, family-friendly events throughout the year. Learn more about Down Syndrome Outreach.
Medicaid Personal Care Parent Training
Six hours of continuing education are needed to fulfill parental obligations in receiving Medicaid Personal Care funding to care for their family member. Twice a year the Parent Coalition Program conducts trainings tailored to meet the needs of these families. Email admin@arcwhatcom.org for more information.
Legislative Advocacy
In an effort to ensure that the needs of persons with developmental disabilities are met with appropriate health and social services, various opportunities exist. Our Local Leadership program offers families a chance to learn how to be effective advocates. Families are encouraged to participate in grass roots advocacy by writing their legislators, participating in seminars, telling their stories to their legislators at our Fall Legislative Coffee and obtaining updated information through our e-Alert list year-round and during the legislative season. Learn more at Legislative Advocacy.
