It feels like lately our office has been made aware by many our families about how local resources are limited and needed! I figured this would be a good opportunity to provide information about an amazing organization in the Seattle area.
The Arc of King County is an organization, helping individuals and their families with intellectual and developmental disabilities from its inception in 1936, and as such is the oldest organization of its kind. The Arc assists individuals from birth through death. They have an extensive training and education program at many locations in the county, covering the following topics (as well as many more): http://arcofkingcounty.org/what-we-offer/training-and-education
Trainings for parents throughout the lifespan
• How to access services for people with I/DD
• Transition services
• Wills/Trust and Guardianship
• Disability Awareness
• Helping Parents Training
• Financial Literacy 101
• Social Security Benefits
• Navigating the special education system
• Navigating employment services
The Wings for Autism Program is a national Arc initiative which we do twice a year with our partners, Alaska Airlines and the Port of Seattle, allowing families to spend the day at Sea-Tac Airport, doing a real time airport rehearsal of checking in, going through security, waiting at the gate, boarding the airplane and taxiing around the runway. http://www.arcofkingcounty.org/index.php/get-connected/news-events/2-general/119-wings-for-autism
There is also a Parent to Parent Program, http://arcofkingcounty.org/what-we-offer/parent-to-parent-program where parents are matched with a helping parent who has a child with similar needs or challenges, whether it be the same disability, medical issues, or for peer support. There are also a whole slew of online support groups that can be accessed. There is also a wide range of support for multicultural families available through the organization. The Arc has monthly Coffee and Conversation groups at multiple locations and other events scheduled through out the year for families. They are a great resource for IEP questions and information.
On January 23rd, they will be having an Open House and Annual Meeting at the Arc, which is a great opportunity to learn more about the organization and meet other families.
As well as a Resource Guide and Community Calendar.
The Arc of King County contact information:
King County Family Coalition contact:
Cathy Murahashi
Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator
By Phone: 206.829.7039 Tuesdays and Thursdays – 8:30AM to 3:30PM
Cell 425.643.4048 Wednesdays and Fridays - 8:30AM to 4:30PM
Wings for Autism contact:
Samantha Court
By Phone: 206.829.7006
Training and Seminars:
Department Supervisor Contact
Robin Tatsuda
Director of Information and Family Support
By Phone: 206.957.7011
Information and Referral:
By Phone: 206-829-7053
Hope this information is helpful, and a special thanks to Stacia Irons for providing me with all of this information!!
-Paige
