AUTISM
- How do you know when to seek an autism evaluation for your child? | UC Davis Health
- How Is Autism Diagnosed? – HealthyChildren.org
- How Pediatricians Screen for Autism – HealthyChildren.org
- Autism Society of Washington
- Family Resources from Seattle Childrens Autism Center
- Bens Fund
- WA Autism Alliance & Advocacy – Help understanding and obtaining insurance coverage, access to vetted professional help and services, support group and respite care program, training, review and evaluation of IEPs, and more.
- Autism AS360- Provides resources that help autistic people and their families, caregivers and providers navigate ASD services and be part of an online community with other autistic people and their families.
BOOKS
- Arc of Whatcom County Lending Library – Check out our list of available books. Our office is open Monday through Thursday, 9am – 1pm.
CEREBRAL PALSY
CHILDREN
DDA (DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES ADMINISTRATION)
- Overview of Developmental Disabilities Administration
- What is DDA and why apply for services?
- How to Apply for DDA?
- Helpful video on how to fill out the DDCA Application
- The Road to DD Services: DDA Eligibility Flowchart
- DDA Waiver Services: What is available and how to find providers
- Whatcom County Developmental Disabilities Rental Assistance Program
DOWN SYNDROME
DYSLEXIA
- Understood.org – Free resources give people the tools they need to thrive — while helping them understand they’re not alone.
- The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity
- Decoding Dyslexia Washington -Decoding Dyslexia Washington is a parent-led, grassroots organization made up of parents, teachers, administrators and professionals.
EDUCATION
- Tips for a Successful IEP Meeting – Recording of Parent Coalition Workshop
- Office of Education Ombuds (OEO) – assists anyone with questions or concerns about Washington’s K-12 public schools. Provides information, referrals, and toolkits.
- Wright’s Law – resource where parents, advocates, teachers, and attorneys come to for reliable information about special education law and advocacy for children with disabilities.
- Understood – Free resources give people the tools they need to thrive — while helping them understand they’re not alone
- PAVE: provides support, training, information and resources to empower and give voice to individuals, youth and families impacted by disabilities in Washington.
FUTURE PLANNING
- Whatcom County Transition Guide – Resources Directory for individuals with developmental disabilities in Whatcom County
- Future Planning Guide – Helpful resource guide about guardianships, trusts, legal supports, planning tools and more.
- partners4housing – Partners4Housing is here to help you navigate the complex service agencies and secure housing for your loved one.
- 2026 Transition Timeline
- BenefitsU – Offers benefits planning to people aged 14 or older who qualify for Washington State Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
- NW Access Fund -Northwest Access Fund offers financial products and services designed to meet the unique needs of people with disabilities and seniors in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
- Guardianship and Conservatorship Guidebook
GOVERNMENT
- Department of Social and Health Services, DSHS, Washington State
- Developmental Disabilities Administration (DSHS)
- Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DSHS)
- Social Security Online
- Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council
HEALTH CARE
- Well-Visit Planner – Learn about and identify your priorities to prepare for your child’s next well-visit.
- IDD Toolkit – The IDD Toolkit website provides information for the primary care of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Transitioning to Adult Healthcare videos and checklists from Seattle Children’s
- Transition Care Program (TCP) at University of Washington Medical Center. This brochure answers questions about moving from pediatric to adult-centered care and describes the services offered by TCP.
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
- The Arc of Washington State’s Take Action page – A variety of resources on state and national legislative issues
- The Washington State Legislature
MENTAL HEALTH
- NAMI Whatcom – NAMI Whatcom is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
- Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) – A community-based outreach team with the ability to respond to individuals in crisis and provide crisis intervention and stabilization in the community.
PARENTS AND FAMILIES
- Fathers Network
- Helping Parent Match with Parent to Parent
- Parent to Parent of Whatcom County
- Sibshops
- Super Sitter Training
RECREATION
- Max Higbee Center – Recreation programs for teens and adults with developmental disabilities in Bellingham.
- Open Doors Organization – Creating inclusive and adaptive opportunities in travel and tourism
- Best Buddies – Best Buddies is for individuals 18 (or turning 18 this school year) and older. The group meets locally for fun activities and can facilitate peer matches with local college students. The local chapter is run by WWU students. For the 2025/2026 school year, fill out the Google Form or send an email to bestbuddieswwu@gmail.com for more information.
- Recreational Activities for Children with Special Healthcare Needs in Whatcom County & WA
- Special Olympics Washington – Provides year–round sports training and athletic competition in sports for children and adults with an intellectual disability, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of
gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. - Summer Camp Guide from PAVE
- Autism-Friendly Ships: Celebrity Cruises® offers autism-friendly interactive initiatives for families, including sensory-friendly films and toys, and dietary menu options, Additionally, we offer a wide range of autism-friendly products and services.
RESPITE
SAFETY & RELATIONSHIPS
SELF-ADVOCACY
TECHNOLOGY
TRANSPORTATION
- Transportation Support – Health Care Authority uses NWRC to provide non-emergency transportation to Medicaid eligible recipients.
Looking for more resources? The Arc of Whatcom County offers Open Office Hours. Staff will be available on zoom to help with resources, support, information, and connection. No RSVP needed. We will not have a password to join, but participants will be in a waiting room, until we admit you.
Every Thursday on Zoom (unless it is a holiday)
11am – 12:00pm
Join Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86909304702
