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Ed Baker Turns 100
 Ed Baker and his family were pioneers in the establishment of rights for individuals with developmental disabilities in Washington State. They did not set out to become leaders in advocacy for inclusive education, but through the love of a mother for her son, it became a necessity in order to provide her son with the life that he deserved.
Ed Baker, born a century ago, was denied the opportunity to attend Seattle public schools as he was perceived to be unteachable because of his developmental disability. It was instead recommended that he be institutionalized. His mother, Minnie, knew differently.
She moved her family to a farm on what is now the Sammamish Plateau, and built a small two room school for her son. Minnie, who formerly worked as a teacher in the Seattle School District, took it upon herself to give her son an education.
By doing so, Minnie essentially established the first special education program in the state of Washington. This served as an antecedent to establishing the law that gives all citizens the right to an education, with or without a disability. Her school also represented the beginnings of the Issaquah School District.
When Ed's parents passed away, thier farm was left to The Arc of King County with the stipulation that Ed be supported for the rest of his life by the remaining estate, managed by The Arc of King County. When cash reserves ran out, much of the 33 acre farmland was sold and the proceeds were invested. A provision in the sale ensured that 2.5 acres of the land remained for Ed to live on with his caregiver.
Today, Ed shares his memories of growing up and working on the farm, telling how his favorite chore was sawing firewood. Throughout Ed's life, he would assemble and disassemble anything he could. Ed's propensity for doing this gained him both praise and angst. It was Ed who determined how the farm's cream separator was supposed to be put together, when no one else could. It was also Ed who dismantled the lawn mower on more than one occasion, when there was no mechanical reason to do so.
This explains his enthusiasm for Legos. Almost every year Ed has celebrated his birthday in Legoland, since the park opened, and this year was no exception. Upon Ed's arrival for his 100th birthday celebration, Ed was honored with a Lego representation of himself; a birthday present given to him by Legoland staff and designers. Ed's Lego likeness was given a permanent home in the New England farm scene of Miniland USA. Ed's Lego is positioned near a wagon where characters are unloading bales of hay; an homage to Ed's childhood.
The work
that is accomplished by The Arc will ensure that the
legacy of Ed and his family will live on and continue to impact the lives of people
with developmental disabilities and their families.
The opportunities that were created for Ed arose from the love of his family. It is from this tradition that countless other individuals with developmental disabilities will be allowed to realize their potential. Ed's memory will endure through the lives of so many who were given the gift of a chance by Ed.
To follow Ed's example, as he never fails to say thank you, from all of us at The Arc of King County, thank you, Ed. Happy 100th Birthday!
Watch the story of Ed Baker that aired on KING 5 News.
For questions or comments pertaining to this article, please contact Patricia McNiff at 206-829-7001, or pmcniff@arcofkingcounty.org
Independent Living Day Rally In Olympia
The Arc of King County staff, advocates and clients
Katie Wilkins / Katie Wilkins Photography
The rain did not dampen the spirits of The Arc of King County staff, clients, and many other advocates who gathered on the steps of the capitol building in Olympia, February 24th, to demonstrate unity and commitment to the efforts of advocating for the rights of people with developmental disabilities and their families.
Those who stood in the cold and rain were slightly warmed by the enjoyable and humorous performance by the Seattle Raging Grannies, who opened the Independent Living Day Rally with a fight song.
The rally, sponsored by WPAS-Port for Change, The Arc of Washington State and Disability Rights Washington, featured several speakers who shared personal stories of perseverance and gave examples of tenacity. Calls were made to inspire advocates to continue to show solidarity and steadfast determination in the advocacy for people with developmental disabilities and their families.
The Arc of King County urges you to...well, The Raging Grannies said it best at the close of the Independent Living Day Rally, "urging you off of your fannies, we're raising our voice, we want a new choice - NO MORE CUTS!"
For questions or comments pertaining to this article, please contact Patricia McNiff at 206-829-7001, or pmcniff@arcofkingcounty.org
Sylvia speaks to the Shoreline City Council
Sylvia Fuerstenberg, Executive Director of The Arc of King County, spoke to the Shoreline City Council on February 16th in support of community living for people with developmental disabilities.
This is a particularly relevant issue for the city of Shoreline, as Fircrest Residential Habilitation School, a state run institution that provides care for approximately 200 people with developmental disabilities, resides in the city of Shoreline.
Sylvia pointed out that there are presently 422 people with developmental disabilities living in the community of Shoreline, outside of the institution, receiving individualized support services. Sylvia urged the city council to allocate resources currently being used for state run institutions, such as Fircrest, to be directed toward the expansion of community based support services that need to be available for people with developmental disabilities and their families.
By doing so, this option will actually prove to be more cost effective for the city of Shoreline and its taxpayers, even when providing extensive support services for individuals who require it, such as 24 hour care.
Scott Livengood, CEO of Alpha Supported Living Services, mentioned to the council that currently there are 37 vacancies within King County for supported living services. Livengood indicated that 12 states have chosen to close their state run institutions, preferring a community living model for people with developmental disabilities. He cited a bill before the Washington State Legislature, SB_6780, which identifies a phase-out plan for the closure of state run institutions that transfers resources to a community living based approach.
Several members of the community spoke to the council in favor of expanding community living opportunities. Many told personal stories of themselves or family members who have experienced the transition from living in an institution to living in the community.
Jean Anderson, an active advocate, shared of how she once lived in an institution and is now happily living in the community with individualized supports. "The Arc helps with my money. I can go to staff for problems and all of my medical needs are met." Jean expressed how glad she is that she now has the freedom, every day of her life, to make her own choices. It is her hope that others will have the same opportunity and feeling.
Watch Videos of Advocates who have lived the life.
Supporting documents for the closure of institutions
Community Living Myths versus Facts, by The Arc of Washington State.
Quality Assurance Indicators for Persons who have Moved from RHCs to the Community.
Frequently Asked Questions Residential Habilitation Centers: Proposed Closures and Transfer of Residents.
Closing Residential Habilitation Centers (DD Institutions) Background and Advocacy Information Pages.
For questions or comments pertaining to this article, please contact Patricia McNiff at 206-829-7001, or pmcniff@arcofkingcounty.org
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