A “Klee Cats” Project for Arc Siblings

The Arc of Snohomish County was thrilled to welcome Ms. Lori from Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett to host a special Sibshop event on Thursday, May 12th.

Participants used an oil pastel medium to create a feline inspired masterpiece in the style of artist Paul Klee (b.1879 – d.1940).

Look at those works of art!

Aren’t they just PURRRRFECT?!

Sibshops are designed for children, ages 8 to 12, who have siblings with developmental disabilities. The Arc of Snohomish County also offers a Teen Sib Connection program, for youth ages 13 to 18. Learn more about the national Sibshop movement at siblingsupport.org.

A BIG thank you to Imagine Children’s Museum, our community partner, and museum educator Ms. Lori, for leading this very special event. Learn more about Imagine Children’s Museum at imaginecm.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.

Self-Advocacy Report:

A Summary of Activities & Discussion from the April 2022 Meeting of the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council

The Arc of Snohomish County staff member, Leigh Spruce, currently serves on the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC), a position she was appointed to by Governor Jay Inslee in 2021.

DDC carries out the critical role in our state of planning, implementing and monitoring the State Plan to improve supports and services for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

The Council is comprised of a body of 27 Governor-appointed members, which include individuals with developmental disabilities, parents and family members of people with developmental disabilities, and representatives from various state agencies and other community partners. Members serve three-year terms.

The mission of DDC is to advocate, promote and implement policies and practices to create pathways to meaningful, integrated and productive lives for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) over the life course. (Click here to learn more about DDC work and Council activities.) The Council meets on a quarterly basis.

Below is a report from Leigh Spruce on the discussion and activities that occurred at the DDC 2nd Quarter meeting on April 14th and April 15th, 2022.

Thursday, April 14, we spent time discussing public policy and what that means. There was a survey distributed in 2020. The focus was to determine what was most important to people when accessing various services within the community. Most people and agencies said that getting clear and accessible information was needed, as well as the need to make improvements to services as they are needed. There are those who still do not have access because a lack of internet access was a barrier.

There was also a need to have information presented in various languages so that more people can look at information on services provided. Identifying direct translation in another language versus interpreting what information means can get confusing in any language for those who are applying for services. Translating alone into another language can create confusion and mistakes.

One goal of the DDC is to make improvements to the various committees and agencies for disabilities to provide the right supports needed. We also heard about what public policy is in relation to the purpose of DDC.

Adrienne Stuart [DDC Public Policy Director] gave a summary on which Bills that pertained to the I/DD community passed through the Legislature this past session. She talked about the North Star project which prioritized important needs, such as housing options, no need for IQ scores to receive services, elimination of the sub-minimum wage, better pay for care providers, as well as elimination of restraints and isolation of I/DD students in schools.

Ginger Kwan, who is the Executive Director of Open Doors for Multicultural Families, spoke about people in multi-cultural communities coming together to help provide needed services for their communities as well. “Ginger’s Kitchen” helps to provide needed employment as well as bringing people of multi-cultural backgrounds together for inclusion. This concept is known as “thrive through inclusion” to create pathways to services by building relationships and implementing changes in legislation. This service was discovered by Jeremy Norden-Paul [former DDC executive director] and is mainly located in King County.

We then broke into various groups and had a working lunch to discuss what criteria we wanted in a new Executive Director [for DDC]. There have been a number of applicants, and they have narrowed down some of the people applying for the position. They will be narrowing down candidates who most qualify. We are meeting in July for final interviews and selection.

Currently the State Plan is on hold until the new Executive Director is hired. Ed Holen [DDC Staff] is also providing support to the committees to help with the hiring process. Currently the State budget plan has spent about 75% of the budget on various activities such as grants for Advocacy groups such as S.A.I.L., local leadership groups, as well as other various advocacy groups and their activities. They also want to allocate money for some types of “innovative projects” that might be planned for. This budget needs to be spent by October 2023.

Finally, we heard from Moses Perez [Advocacy & Civic Engagement Program Manager at Open Doors for Multicultural Families] who talked about community engagement. He talked about the need to be able to provide services for those who are not English proficient. We need to be more inclusive. There needs to be information and individuals who can help families navigate systems to where everyone understands. It is not good enough to provide direct word-to-word translations.

DDC will hold their next quarterly meeting in July 2022. For more information, visit ddc.wa.gov/.

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Leigh Spruce is a Self-Advocacy Coordinator at The Arc of Snohomish County. In this role she supports engagement activities and leadership and advocacy training for adults with disabilities in Snohomish County and across the Puget Sound region. She serves on numerous community boards and committees and is an engaged activist for disability rights. Contact: leigh@arcsno.org.

A Power Playlist for Powerful Moms & Mom-Caregivers

Is there a song that has the power to uplift your spirits?

Do you have a personal anthem that makes you feel strong and influential?

Do you have a “hype-up” song?

This playlist is one curated for all the moms out there!

This is for the mom-caregivers and the mom-advocates! This is for all of the moms working hard, raising awesome kids, navigating systems, changing policies, and raising their voice to make a difference.

Keep rockin’ it, ladies!

(Note: Of course, all of the amazing dads and any caregiver is welcome to dance it out to this playlist. The more, the merrier! Welcome to the fun!)

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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
Jenny Sommer — Parent to Parent & / Sibshop Coordinator

The Arc of Snohomish County welcomes Jenny Sommer to our team!

A Message about Jenny:

Jenny is a new Parent to Parent / Sibshop Coordinator for the Arc of Snohomish County! She enjoys volunteering for various organizations and is the Assistant Coordinator for the 2022 Seattle Rare Disease Fair. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors and immersing herself in nature, playing board games, watching movies and spending quality time with her loving husband and 3 wildly unique kids. Jenny has been involved with the Arc for several years, participating in trainings, workshops and support groups. She is so proud to be a part of such a meaningful organization!

Connect with Jenny by email, at jenny@arcsno.org, or by phone at 425-258-2459 x106

The Arc of Snohomish County

Advocacy Spotlight: Erica Knapp

Local artist, mother of three and a newly elected Arlington School Board member, Erica Knapp has taken the leap into more involved advocacy during the pandemic.

“When the pandemic hit, I reprioritized,” Erica shared. “I had been working on things, but keeping my head down. I really found a connection in advocacy, and during that time, I felt like I could really help.” In 2020, Knapp began leading a local parents group in Arlington.

“I wanted to be more involved in this community I’ve lived in for 15 years,” said Knapp. “I built up confidence [in myself] working for non-profits in the area. I got lots of personal support from friends to get more active in my advocacy.”

Knapp took the opportunity presented to her by the pandemic to participate in more local community zoom meetings, and began participating in political ones as well.

“The more connections I made, the more I learned I could be a stronger voice because I knew I wasn’t alone. I knew I wanted to get involved. I have three kids in the Arlington School District, so I have a strong vested interest there. As I went along this path, I realized I had lots of school connections, which made me more comfortable advocating in that realm. I knew it was important as a special needs parent to be in the room with that voice.”

Knapp won her election in the fall of 2021, and right away, realized how important it was to shine a light on special education and unmet needs.

“At the [Washington State School Director’s Association] meeting, a new director looked at me and asked ‘What’s an IEP?’ and I knew then how important it was to have a special education voice at the table.”

Knapp also works to build LGBTQ+ awareness in Arlington and co-founded Arlington WA Pride, a non-profit working with the school district and community to increase resources and education for and about the LGBTQ+ community.

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Originally published in The Arc of Snohomish County: Leadership Newsletter, 2022 – Issue I. Written by Jake Murray, Parent/Family Coalition Coordinator, and Rachel Kube, Communications & Advocacy.

AROUND THE ARC: NEW HIRES
Jenna Meyers — Parent to Parent Coordinator

The Arc of Snohomish County welcomes Jenna Meyers to our team!

A Message from Jenna:

My name is Jenna Meyers and I am the new Parent to Parent Coordinator at The Arc of Snohomish County. I am originally from Northern CA, (Go Giants!) and just celebrated 8 years as a “Washingtonian.” I live in the beautiful town of Snohomish with my husband and our two children, Kaia and Casey. Kaia was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 5. I am passionate about advocacy, being an active and collaborative community member, supporting families and celebrating each person’s unique and amazing qualities and achievements. My professional background is diverse; spending time in Public Relations, Hospitality, Owner/Operator of several pour over coffee bars in San Diego, and then Retail Banking Management. Of all these things, however, I am most excited about this next chapter with The Arc and being a pillar of support to those in our community. I look forward to connecting with you!

Connect with Jenna by email, at jenna@arcsno.org, or by phone at 425-258-2459 x115

Happy Mother’s Day!

The Arc of Snohomish County would like to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all of the fabulous moms, mom figures, grandmas and other maternal family members.

For your hard work, dedication and ability to juggle all of the many hats you wear for the benefit of your family and your community — we celebrate you and we honor the love you put out into the world. May this day, and every day, bring you peace, joy, self-love and confidence in who you are and the amazing person you show up as, for yourself and for your family.

Happy Mother’s Day

May is Bike Month! Let’s Get Rollin’

National Bike Month is celebrated throughout the month of May.

National Bike Month was established in 1956 and is currently celebrated in communities across the country. It is recognized as an opportunity to highlight the many benefits of cycling and encourage more people to try their hand… or rather, for most people, their feet… at riding a bike. (Learn more about National Bike Month at bikeleague.org/bikemonth.)

Biking is a great activity for physical fitness, as well as mental health. It is an activity that can be done for recreation or sport, and in a variety of settings. It is an activity that can be done independently or with family and friends. Biking also supports environmental and other community goals.

For individuals with disabilities, adaptive cycles are available. Options include three-wheeled trikes that are close to the ground, hand-cycles, tandem cycles, and e-bikes. The Seattle based, nonprofit organization Outdoors For All offers adaptive bike rentals, beginning this month, for both children and adults with disabilities, as well as bike lessons and equipment fittings for those interested in purchasing a ride of their own. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/2pmc662j.

The theme for National Bike Month 2022 is: #BikeThere.

The goal is to consider all of the ways that biking can improve individual and community wellbeing and how biking can connect individuals with their community.

As shared by The League of American Bicyclists: There are so many ways to celebrate Bike Month and to #BikeThere. Whether you’re riding for fun, fitness or with family, or taking essential trips to work or shop, you are part of our movement for safer streets, connected communities, a healthier planet, and happier people. (Read more at bikeleague.org)

So, hop on your bike all through this month!

Bike here…,

#BikeThere…,

Bike, bike everywhere!

(And CLICK HERE for a map of bike paths and trails in Snohomish County.)

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Snohomish County “Bike Month” Resources

• Love to Ride Washington: “Bike Everywhere Challenge” — net/Washington (Teams of up to 10 riders can compete for prizes and bragging rights!)
• Cascade Bicycle Club: Bike to School Program — com/mryfj3pz (Individual students and/or schools can participate for the chance to win prizes!)
• Bike Everywhere Day: Everett Station Celebration (May 20th, 7 am – 12 Noon) — Community event with prizes, cycling safety training information, bike checks, information about new bike paths and trails, and more! (Location: 3210 Smith Ave., Everett)

Additional Resources

• 10 Ways Riding a Bike Can Save the World [Infographic], by Joe Peace — com/2vmhkdbb
• 11 Amazing Benefits of Biking — com/yfuxc4rx
• 19 Bike to Work Day Facts, by James Partlow — com/3kxjhkjv
• 7 Amazing Health Benefits of Cycling for Kids, by Mahak Arora — com/4b7f56mp

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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.

LEGO Club Projects: A Minecraft Creation by Luca Keogh of Lynnwood

Thank you to Luca Keogh — one of our regular LEGO & Arc Club participants — for sharing this photo of the LEGO project he completed during our monthly club meetings!

The project shown here is a LEGO kit featuring a Minecraft scene. Great job, Luca!

In recent months, Luca has undertaken a new project: a LEGO Tyrannosaurs Rex!

The Arc of Snohomish County’s LEGO & Art Zoom Club meets on the 2nd Sunday of each month, from 1 PM to 2 PM. It is an inclusive club and open to individuals and families of all ages and abilities.

Register to attend the next club meeting through our online calendar of events: arcsno.org/calendar.

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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.

Hot off the Press:

Recent News to Read from Around the Region

Unlearn Ableism with these 4 Talking Books

By David Wright — The Seattle Times (4/8/2022)

“Love audiobooks? Thank a person with a disability. Originally termed ‘talking books,’ audiobooks were first created to make print books more accessible to people with blindness or low vision, just one among many modern conveniences such as speech-to-text and voice-recognition software, closed captioning, electric toothbrushes and curb cuts that were first conceived as adaptive technologies.” In this article, David Write, a librarian at Seattle Public Library’s Central Branch, recommends four audiobooks that address ableism and help us identify ableist attitudes and perspectives in ourselves and others. Read more: tinyurl.com/ys2auxyz.

Meet the woman Behind Stanwood’s Autism Acceptance Library

By Claudia Yaw — Everett Herald (4/14/2022)

“At Stanwood Tattoo Company, locals can book an appointment to get inked, or to sit down and chat with autistic activist Lei Wiley-Mydske. Tucked away in the chic and buzzing tattoo parlor is Wiley-Mydske’s autism acceptance library — a sky blue cabinet filled with anthologies, resources and picture books by autistic authors and scholars. When the collection started in 2014, it was the first of its kind, Wiley-Mydske said. Now, she’s helping other neurodivergent activists start their own little libraries around the globe.” Continue reading: tinyurl.com/yckptxth.

Why Are Moms so Lonely? (And What to Do About It)

By Rebecca Hastings — Parent Map (3/15/2022)

“Invisible. Unknown. Never by yourself, but feeling completely alone. These are just some of the ways moms describe loneliness. It’s more than a lack of friends (although that can be part of it). Loneliness is deeper, affecting people in varied ways.” This article identifies some of the factors contributing to loneliness in motherhood, including disability caregiving, and what can be done to address them: tinyurl.com/ycx64cpy.

‘We Can Do Hard Things’: Morgan Models Resilience Amid Stress and Challenges

By Susanna Block — Seattle’s Child (3/28/2022)

“Morgan is 32 years old and was born extremely premature (at 25 weeks, while a full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks). While he has had a lifetime of health challenges, surgeries and hospitalizations, Morgan describes them as “unwanted visitors” that do not define him. His parents taught him at an early age to ‘control the things he can and not try to control the things he can’t.’ He takes that to heart.” This article shares Morgan’s insight on resilience and goal-setting: tinyurl.com/3rnd74rf.

New Lake City Café Provides Unique Opportunity for Neurodiverse Community

By Chris Cashman — King5 News (3/28/2022)

Located in Seattle, In the Loop Café is a unique business venture and partnership between Ryther and Thrive Seattle Living, a housing program for young adults with autism and related disabilities, that seeks to create a café environment supportive of the neurodiverse community. The café is located on the bottom floor of a new micro apartment community, operated by Thrive Seattle. Autistic baristas are provided professional training and work opportunities at the café. Learn more: tinyurl.com/3uhhyfp6.