Disability Pride Month 2022

In July, we recognize Disability Pride Month. This is the month when we celebrate disability and the disability community as a beautiful and integral part of our state and nation.

Disability Pride began as a day of celebration in 1990 — the same year the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law by then President George H. W. Bush. The first Disability Pride Day was held in Boston that year, and the celebration has since expanded nationwide and transformed into a month-long event. Today, cities across the country celebrate Disability Pride Month with parades, festivals, educational opportunities and other events.

As with all demographic groups, it is important to remember that the disability community is not a monolith. People with disabilities may hold dramatically different viewpoints and perspectives on topics, including the purpose, meaning and value of recognizing Disability Pride Month.

Shared below are various perspectives about Disability Pride Month from individuals with disabilities.

“The reason behind the month is a chance to share the joy and pride that disabled people can bring to their local and global communities. The disabled community is a vibrant part of society and makes up 15% of the population, and we are proud of that.” (Caroline Casey, writing for Forbes.com: “Disability Pride Month July — July 4, 2022)

“AmeriDisability describes Disability Pride as ‘accepting and honoring each person’s uniqueness and seeing it as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity’ and connects it to the larger movement for disability justice.” (Krystal Jagoo, writing for verywellmind.com: “Understanding Disability Pride Month” ­— July 23, 2021)

“Disability Pride, much like LGBTQ+ Pride, is all about celebrating and reclaiming our visibility in public because people with disabilities have historically been pushed out of public spaces.”  —Laken Brooks, University of Florida graduate student, writer and digital storyteller. (Krystal Jagoo, writing for verywellmind.com: “Understanding Disability Pride Month” ­— July 23, 2021)

“I think that there is an importance in Disability Pride due to the consistent shame around the topic of disability in the first place. Choosing to be forthright about having a disability is considered ‘brave’ because there is a very tangible fear of being treated either differently interpersonally, or blocked professionally.”  —Taneasha White, Black queer writer and activist with chronic pain, based in Richmond, VA. (Krystal Jagoo, writing for verywellmind.com: “Understanding Disability Pride Month” ­— July 23, 2021)

“We should also see this as a moment to understand some people may not feel comfortable disclosing [their disability or showing pride in their disability]. We must respect that we are all on our own personal journeys and at various stages. If having this month can allow others to feel seen and have the confidence to be open with their disability, that is good enough.” (Caroline Casey, writing for Forbes.com: “Disability Pride Month July” — July 4, 2022)

“For me this month is not only about celebrating disabilities but remembering there’s going to be days where you won’t always love your disability, and that’s OK too.”  —Rebecca Cokley, three-time Presidential appointee, activist and author. (Gabriela Miranda, writing for USAToday.com: “A Chance to ‘Amplify One Another’: What is Disability Pride Month?” — July 4, 2021)

However you choose to recognize Disability Pride Month, I hope this month of July is one of self-expression, self-confidence and self-love.

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Whitney Stohr is the Leadership & Independent Living Program Manager at The Arc of Snohomish County. She is passionate about advocating for medically complex children and children with disabilities and their families. She is a mom and medical caregiver herself, who is energized by working closely with other parent/family caregivers. She lives with her spouse and their four-year-old son Malachi in Lynnwood. Connect with her on Instagram @rollin.w.spinabifida. Contact: whitney@arcsno.org.

New Disability Documentary: “Together They Were Stronger”

On May 25th, 2022, at the University of Washington Haring Center for Inclusive Education, more than 300 participants joined together for the debut showing of the new documentary short-film Together They Were Stronger.

“Together They Were Stronger, produced by Thriving Communities, documents the story of how four Seattle women mounted a civil rights campaign to establish the first-ever disability rights law in the United States, [House Bill/HB 90].” (Read more: tinyurl.com/3tvjsxk5.)

Following the premiere showing of the film on May 25th, a panel discussion and Q&A was held that featured panelists:

• Janet Taggart, founder of Northwest Center
• Bill Dussault, legal author at Dussault Law Relationship Foundation
• Stacy Dym, The Arc of Washington State
• Ilene Schwartz, UW Haring Center
• Amy Dussault, Northshore School District
• Ivanova L. Smith, Self-Advocates in Leadership (SAIL)
• Jerry Millhon and Hannah Guggenheim, film producers
• Gene Boes, Northwest Center

Watch the event recording and discussion panel online at youtu.be/fZeNth7l8UA.

Access the full event packet and additional information at tinyurl.com/269zz2nx.

Did you miss the debut showing? No problem! View it online at vimeo.com/714609859.

Check it out!! This film captures exactly what parent/caregiver leadership and advocacy can look like and how it can change our communities, our state and every state.

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Whitney Stohr is the Leadership & Independent Living Program Manager at The Arc of Snohomish County. She is passionate about advocating for medically complex children and children with disabilities and their families. She is a mom and medical caregiver herself, who is energized by working closely with other parent/family caregivers. She lives with her spouse and their four-year-old son Malachi in Lynnwood. Connect with her on Instagram @rollin.w.spinabifida. Contact: whitney@arcsno.org.

A Community Story: “Amazing Mamas,” Friendship and Fun

A STORY BY JILL FORD, ARC LEADER & SNOHOMISH COUNTY MOM:

Jill Ford is a Snohomish County mom of a child with a disability and a leader in her community.

Recently, Jill joined other mom friends for a weekend camping get-away. This group of moms met years ago through their connection to The Arc as parents and loved ones of people with disabilities. Each of these moms are trained Arc leaders and engaged members of their communities.

Here is the story Jill shared: I had sooooo much fun last weekend camping with friends. It’s our 5th annual “Amazing Mamas” camping trip. We all have a child with special needs or are very involved with loved ones with special needs. There really is nothing like the comfort of finding people who just get it, jump into help without asking, and aren’t afraid. Our glow stick parade through the campground was the best. If you are a special needs family and are feeling isolated and lonely (which, if you are a special needs family, you probably feel this way) seek out your local Arc chapter.

My daughter attends Sibshops, and I have attended Mother’s Network meetings with The Arc of Snohomish County. It’s between those groups that I befriended other moms who “get it.” Both my daughter and I have made friends for life!

READ-ALOUD:

I’m Basically a Unicorn — A Celebration of What Makes Us Unique

This book is a celebration of our unique traits and abilities that will help us realize we are all basically unicorns! From unique traits that make us look or feel a bit different, to different abilities, this book is for everyone. No matter our abilities, strengths, or weaknesses, each of us is precious, rare, and beautiful.

This book can open dialogue about uniqueness, inclusion and the beauty of diversity.

Click here to read more.

Join Whitney Stohr, Leadership & Independent Living Program Manager at The Arc of Snohomish County, as she reads: I’m Basically a Unicorn — A Celebration of What Makes Us Unique, by author/illustrator Melanie Hawkins (published 2020 by Inspire Joy Publishing, LLC).

Happy Father’s Day!!

The Arc of Snohomish County wishes all of the fathers, dads, papas and pops, across Snohomish County, the very best Father’s Day.

For all that you do to support, uplift and strengthen your family and each family member, and for all that you are to your children, your partner, your parents, your colleagues and your community — we celebrate your commitment, your involvement and your continual acts of caring and nurturing.

Happy Father’s Day, too, to all men who step up as father figures and role models for children in their lives. The grandfathers, the uncles, the friends… your role is essential, and we recognize and celebrate you today.

Happy Father’s Day to all!

LEGO & Art Zoom Club — Project Showcase

Luca Keogh, a regular member of the monthly LEGO & Art Zoom Club, was thrilled about completing his most recent project — a T-REX dinosaur that he had been working on over the past several club meet-ups.

Way to go, Luca!

That is quite the project!

The Arc of Snohomish County hosts the virtual LEGO & Art Club on the Second Sunday of each month, from 1 to 2 PM. Kids and families of all ages and abilities are welcome! (Parents are welcome to join, too!) Bring your favorite LEGO kit or a recent art project and join in the fun and conversation.

Register to attend the next LEGO & Art Club meet-up through our online calendar, available at arcsno.org/calendar.

Hundreds Attend Inaugural Arlington PRIDE 2022 Celebration

The city of Arlington celebrated its first ever PRIDE celebration on Saturday, June 4th, at Legion Memorial Park. Hundreds of community members attended the event.

This inaugural celebration was organized by Arlington, WA Pride, a nonprofit organization, dedicated to serving the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.

The event featured a panel discussion, performances, interactive activities and a Pride walk. Everett Herald reporter Jacqueline Allison wrote that attendees shared how this year’s Pride event “felt historic for their small, rural communities.”

Teri McKeehan, The Arc’s own Community Connections Coordinator, also attended the Arlington event, representing The Arc of Snohomish County.

Erica Knapp, an Arlington, WA Pride board member and Arc Leader, shared with the North County Outlook about the drive behind creating the event as an annual celebration. In a June 7th news article, NC Outlook reporter Christopher Andersson wrote:

“About a year ago local community members began forming the non-profit Arlington WA Pride for local LGBT people.

‘We saw a need in the community,’ said Knapp. ‘There was a social media post about how there is ‘no unicorns in Arlington’ and we have set to prove that wrong.”

Click here to read the full news article.

Arlington, WA Pride members plan to host a number of smaller community events throughout the year and will be back again next June for the 2nd Annual Arlington Pride event. (Find information about upcoming events at arlingtonwapride.org/calendar.)

Click here to read more about the Arlington Pride event, as well as a neighboring celebration on Camano Island.

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Whitney Stohr is the Leadership & Independent Living Program Manager at The Arc of Snohomish County. She is passionate about advocating for medically complex children and children with disabilities and their families. She is a mom and medical caregiver herself, who is energized by working closely with other parent/family caregivers. She lives with her spouse and their four-year-old son Malachi in Lynnwood. Connect with her on Instagram @rollin.w.spinabifida. Contact: whitney@arcsno.org.

Thank you to Arlington, WA Pride and Arc Leader Erica Knapp for allowing use of the images seen in this post.

Upcoming Leadership & Advocacy Training Opportunities

The Arc of Snohomish County will offer a number of opportunities in the coming months to brush up on your leadership and advocacy skills, and to gain new skills, as well!

Everyone is welcome to participate and engage — Whatever your current level of experience or confidence in leadership. We know you are a leader! We know you have what it takes to be an engaged and effective advocate. We are here to help you develop skills, grow your knowledge base, and flex your leadership muscles. These opportunities are made for YOU!

Leadership & Advocacy Workshop

Saturday, July 23rd | 10 AM – 2 PM | Zoom

Register at tinyurl.com/3sj2mdxy

The Arc of Snohomish County invites you to build leadership skills, identify your disability advocacy goals, and connect with fellow leaders at our inaugural Leadership & Advocacy Workshop. Participants will receive a “2022 Arc Trained Leader” certificate and support in taking their next steps in leadership and advocacy for the disability community. Questions? Contact Rachel Kube at rachel@arcsno.org.

This training is designed for everyone! This includes parents and family caregivers, siblings and self-advocates, providers and disability rights allies.

Self-Advocacy & Leadership ZOOM Workshop

August 4th | 1 – 3 PM | Topic: “Self-Advocacy 101” | Register: tinyurl.com/32br2pmw

August 11th | 6 – 8 PM | Topic: “Self-Determination 101” | Register: tinyurl.com/yckvs8yu

The Arc of Snohomish County is hosting a leadership focused training to teach young adults, ages 18 & older, to be effective self-advocates. This is an opportunity to empower individuals to develop advocacy and leadership skills and set lifetime goals for employment, recreation, independent living and community involvement. Questions? Contact Jessie Moore at jessie@arcsno.org.

This training is designed for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Conference Stipends Available: People First of Washington 2022 State Convention

October 7th – 9th, 2022 | Hybrid Attendance in Ocean Shores, WA, or remotely via Zoom

Apply at tinyurl.com/23u9ksmc

The Arc of Snohomish County is excited to offer stipends for remote attendance to the People First of Washington 2022 State Convention. People First of Washington is a self-advocacy organization by and for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Questions? Contact Kylie Walsh at kylie@arcsno.org.

Self-Paced Leadership Training

Register at tinyurl.com/2p9x8srf

Become an Arc Trained Leader and gain foundational knowledge and skills to support your legislative advocacy and community leadership goals. Program courses include:

• Community resources for developmental disabilities
• Family resiliency and sibling supports
• Government resources for developmental disabilities
• History of developmental disability
• Disability and intersectionality
• Legislative advocacy and self-advocacy
• Special Education
• Trauma informed approaches and self-care

Questions? Contact Rachel Kube at rachel@arcsno.org.

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Whitney Stohr is the Leadership & Independent Living Program Manager at The Arc of Snohomish County. She is passionate about advocating for medically complex children and children with disabilities and their families. She is a mom and medical caregiver herself, who is energized by working closely with other parent/family caregivers. She lives with her spouse and their four-year-old son Malachi in Lynnwood. Connect with her on Instagram @rollin.w.spinabifida. Contact: whitney@arcsno.org.

AROUND THE ARC: NEW HIRES
Tara Hand — Parent to Parent / Sibshop Coordinator

The Arc of Snohomish County welcomes Tara Hand to our team!

A personal introduction from Tara:

My name is Tara Hand and I have just started as a Parent to Parent Coordinator with The Arc of Snohomish County.  I currently live in Lynnwood but was raised in Eastern Washington.  I have 4 kids ranging in ages 5 -13 years old, and ranging in diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder to ADHD.  

I have previously worked in many areas from a non-profit animal shelter, opening MoPop, building stages for concerts and setting up large corporate events.  After my oldest son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, I really wanted to find a way to help other families learn about resources available and just have support, so I am very excited to be working and supporting the community in Snohomish and look forward to connecting with families. 

Connect with Tara by email, at tara@arcsno.org, or by phone at 425-258-2459 x122.