News

"I'm Tyler"
Created by an ambitious high school student with cerebral palsy, this video shows how rich life can be when people look past a person's disability.  Click here to watch.

SSI-Medicaid Benefits in Washington Are Changing! 
In the coming months Washington State is moving to managed health care for individuals who receive SSI-Medicaid (but not Medicaid/Medicare).  It's called the Healthy Options program.  Stay informed about the change at Informing Families, Building Trust (a website created by the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council) at www.informingfamilies.org. 

Bicycle Allows Local Girl to Ride with Family and Friends
The Arc of Spokane congratulates Alexis, whose new bicycle, made available through the Lance Morehouse, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, will allow her to ride with family and friends in her neighborhood.  The fund was established in 2006 in honor of a Spokane man whose disability did not prevent him from enjoying a rich and meaningful life.  Its purpose is to help children and adults with developmental disabilities in Spokane County participate in inclusive activities in the community.  To learn more about the scholarship, click here.  

2012 Variety Show to Highlight Moments in Film
The Variety Show is an opportunity for members of The Arc Community Center to display their talents in  music, dance and comedy.  This year's show, Hollywood Highlights, will feature iconic moments from films like Men in Black, Beetlejuice and The Mask.  Don't miss it!  Thursday, May 31, 2012 at the Gonzaga Prep, Kibiak Theatre, 1224 E Euclid, Spokane.  A $5 per person donation is suggested. 

Upcoming Events

Memorial Day
Monday, May 28

People First Rock and Bowl
Saturday, June 2
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Valley Bowl, 8005 East Sprague Ave., Spokane.  Three games of bowling plus food and prizes for $17.  Contact People First of Washington for more information at 1-800-758-1123 or pfow@clarkston.com.

Guardianship Process Workshop
Thursday, June 7
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave., Spokane.  Do I need guardianship of my son or daughter?  What does it cost?  Can I do it on my own, or should I hire an attorney?  Come and explore the answers to these questions and more.  This is not legal advice just one mother’s experience.  No cost to attend and lunch will be provided.  Sponsored by The Arc of Spokane's Family Support 360 program.  Contact Roz Bethmann at (509)328-6326 for more information.

Family Health and Safety Fair
Saturday, June 9
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Orchard Center Elementary, 7519 E. Buckeye, Spokane Valley.  Activities include free health screenings, provide community members with information about health care and resources.  A light lunch will be provided.  Sponsored by Molina Health  Care.  Contact Martha Troncoso at (509) 321-1341 or martha.troncoso@molinahealthcare.com for more information. 

C2B: Birth-to-Three Transition Workshop
Tuesday, June 12
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at The Porch, 1804 W Broadway Ave, Spokane.  An event for parents and professionals on the transition from early intervention services to preschool services!  For more information and to RSVP contact Jessica Kaluza at (509) 570-8512 or jkaluza@wapave.org.  Sponsored by PAVE (Partnerships for Action, Voices for Empowerment) and The Arc's Parent to Parent program.

Life After High School: Employment
Wednesday, June 20
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave., Spokane.  Learn how your son or daughter with a developmental disability can benefit from employment.  Sponsored by The Arc of Spokane's Family Support 360 program.  Contact Roz Bethmann at (509) 328-6326 for more information.   

Engaging Fatherhood Conference & Resource Fair
Friday, June 22
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Spokane Community College Lair, 1810 N. Greene St., Spokane.  This is a FREE event with workshops for parents and professionals.  Lunch is provided.  Contact John O’Neill at  (509) 993-3555 or Dan Petruso at (509) 363-4986 for more information.  Sponsored by Partners with Families & Children Spokane, www.partnerswithfamilies.org.  
  
Annual Family Picnic (SCPC, P2P, SFN)
Saturday, July 14
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Thornton Murphy Park, 3105 E. 27th Ave., Spokane.  We will supply the burgers, hot dogs, and drinks, you bring a salad or desert.  Parking is available in the lot or on 27th Street.  Sponsored by the Spokane County Parent Coalition, Parent to Parent, and the Spokane Fathers Network.  Contact Jessy Smith at The Arc of Spokane for more information at (509) 328-6326 or jsmith@arc-spokane.org.