Parent Coalition

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Our Mission Statement

Advocates to improve the quality of life, increase the independence, and assure the full inclusion in the community of any person with a developmental disability.

The Arc of Whatcom County provides administrative support for a broad-based community coalition of persons with developmental disabilities and their parents/guardians. The purpose of the coalition is to develop and raise community awareness about the issues and needs of persons with developmental disabilities and their families; to serve as a resource to increase understanding of the developmental disability service system - accessing and utilizing it, how it works; and to provide advocacy, public education and organization to persons with developmental disabilities, and their parents/guardians. The goal is to enable persons with developmental disabilities and their parents/guardians to become effectively involved in defining the parameters of community service in Whatcom County.

What does the Parent Coalition do?

The Parent Coalition of Whatcom County will:

Develop and raise community awareness about the issues and needs of persons with developmental disabilities and their families.
Serve as a resource to increase understanding of the developmental disability service system: accessing and utilizing it, how it works.
Provide advocacy
Public education
Promote awareness of disability issues
Promote accessibility

How does the Parent Coalition work?

Public Education

Monthly informational mailings to keep you up to date on all the latest events happening locally and nationally.

Legislative Advocacy

Mentor a legislator program, weekly e-mailing list on the latest local, state and national issues.

Family Support

Program components:

One on one support assistance from a trained Parent Advocate to formulate strategy, write letters and establish eligibility for services. Special education services and housing system navigation. Access to Social Security, Medicaid and governmental supports. Mediation and conflict resolution with service provision and standards of care. Futures planning, guardianship information, senior family and long-term care support. Residential and housing support information.

Workshops

The Parent Coalition offers a variety of workshops and trainings. These workshops can vary from school issues to guardianship to promoting peer support.
These trainings help to empower people who better serve the needs of people with developmental disabilities. Trainings and workshops are offered throughout the year.
For free Planning Guides to assist you with issues such as Choosing a Care Giver , Guardianships, Trusts and Wills call 360-715-0170 X 306

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The Arc of Whatcom County

Address: 2602 McLeod Rd., Bellingham, WA 98225

Phone: 360-715-0170

Toll-free: 1-866-284-8444

Fax: 360-715-8522

E-mail: admin@arcwhatcom.org