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King County Legislative Forum on Developmental Disabilities
Nearly 600 Community Members Gather at the 20th Annual Legislative Forum
By Margaret-Lee Thompson, King County Parent Coalition Coordinator
Photo by Kristin Atkinson/Kristin Atkinson Photography
On Nov. 23, 2009, The Arc of King County and King County Developmental Disabilities Division co-sponsored the 20th annual Legislators' Forum at the Doubletree Guest Suites in Tukwila.
There were 592 people
present. Thirty-five of the 48 legislators, or their aides, from King County
were present. Four of the 6
Congressional offices were represented. The Governor’s office, the new DSHS
Secretary, ADSA and DDD leadership attended.
We were delighted to have King County
Executive Dow Constantine present to welcome the crowd. Also, King County Community and Human Services
leadership were present
The 16 speakers spoke on the
Legislative Agenda topics. The speakers were well prepared and eloquent.
Legislators listened attentively.
Thirteen adults with
disabilities were there to talk about their jobs. They were wonderful.
Eric Matthes, Board member of
The Arc of King County, spoke about President Obama’s Declaration on the Year
of Community Living. When he finished the room erupted with applause.
We thank the King County
Developmental Disabilities Division, Region IV D.D.D., employment vendors for
their help in finding some of the speakers. In addition residential providers
allowed us to show a 12 minute video. Many Parent Coalition members from all over King County
helped in the carrying out of the Forum.
This event was videotaped
by TVW, Washington State Public Affairs Network, for their broadcast, and may
be viewed by Clicking Here.
Margaret-Lee Thompson, Joanne
O’Neill and Betsy McAlister King County Parent Coalition
for D.D., The Arc of King
County
Advocacy Day 2010: To Make a Difference by Way of the Legislative Process
 The 2010 legislative session is about to begin! Each week on the Tuesday before Advocacy Days, which will be held on Wednesdays, The Arc of King County hosts Advocacy Learning Group, which is open to all. Advocacy Learning Group is an opportunity for anyone who is interested in learning about the legislative process and the bills under consideration. Participants also get the chance to practice advocacy skills. The group is casual and informal. Meetings include topics such as:
- Discussion of a particular advocacy skill (like making an office visit or setting up a meeting)
- Discussion of the previous week’s trip to Olympia Comments/Impressions/Reflections -- What went well? -- What could be improved?
- Review issue of the day for upcoming Advocacy Day
- Other issues for legislative visits for the current week
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Role Play
2010 Advocacy Learning Group will meet from 11-12:30 on January 12, January 19, January 26, February 2, February 9, February 16, February 23, and March 2 (All meetings are held in the large conference room at The Arc).
On Wednesdays, during the legislative session, interested advocates will meet at The Arc to travel to Olympia for Advocacy Day, which begins at 10 a.m. in Olympia. The day will begin with an hour briefing on the current issue that will be addressed for that day, including late breaking news on budget items and bills of interest relating to individuals with developmental disabilities. The day will end with an afternoon of advocacy.
For a listing of the dates for Advocacy Days in Olympia and the issues that will be addressed, Click Here.
For more information regarding Advocacy Day or Advocacy Learning Group contact Mary Jo Magruder at 206-829-7010, or mjmagruder@arcofkingcounty.org
The Arc of King County Welcomes Student Interns
The Arc is pleased to welcome Laddan Mohamed, Ashley Van Oeveren, Katharine Revello and Kathy Yi who are student interns working in the The Arc's Payee and Support Services program. They are all pursuing degrees at the University of Washington School of Social Work.
Ashley Van Oeveren is a Masters degree candidate with a focus in Mental Health. She also works at Bellevue College as a Career Specialist for students and graduates with developmental disabilities. "I have been thrilled to join The Arc and learn about what this amazing agency is
doing within their community."
The other student interns are enrolled in the undergraduate BASW program, within the School of Social Work. Yi adds, "We are studying to earn our Bachelor of Arts [degree] in social welfare, also known as a practice degree. We are excited to have joined The Arc team and look forward to the next six months we have left of our time at this wonderful practicum site."
The Arc of King County Welcomes New Team Members
The Arc's Supported Living Program welcomes Swema Likonde, Amanda Morris, Chrispus Musyoka, Razi A. Qadri, Jeffrey A. Reoch, Hope Strong. All join The Arc as Direct Support Professionals. The supported living team provides individualized supports to enable adults with developmental disabilities to live in the community.
The Outreach and Advocacy Program welcomes Catalina R. Angel, and Veronica Guzman.
Catalina R. Angel is the Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator in the Parent to Parent Support Program, who provides outreach to spanish speaking families.
Veronica Guzman joins The Arc as the Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator for the Family Support 360 Project, a program that is funded by a federal grant from the Administration on Developmental Disabilities. This five year project will focus on unserved and underserved people with developmental disabilities and their families in King County and Spokane County.
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