| Holiday Reflections By Pamela Norr, Chief Executive Officer |
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| Every year, my family celebrates Christmas Eve with the Icelandic tradition of the Yule Book Flood. I visit The Arc’s Thrift Store to find an eclectic mix of books that look interesting to me. Then I gather with my loved ones to make tea, hot cocoa, and something sweet with lots of cinnamon. Then, we turn off our phones, dim the lights, and spend the evening reading snippets of our books out loud to each other, just like you might share a funny reel! It is a tradition I highly recommend. Beyond being fun, this tradition creates a cozy transition from the holiday season into the New Year. |
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| It also reminds me that New Year's resolutions don't have to be about chasing perfection; they can be about slowing down and being present. The best resolutions are those that allow us to savor small moments of joy and make time to connect with others. One of my favorite aspects of this tradition is how reading together sparks conversation, laughter, and a sense of belonging that makes space for every voice in the room. It reminds us that we all have a story worth sharing and a perspective worth hearing. Which leads me to consider a broader New Year's Resolution: building a world where everyone, including people with IDD, feels welcomed and included. So this year, I want to invite you to join me in that resolution. We can work together to listen to the lived experiences of others and ensure people with IDD have the spaces they need to thrive. Because tradition, like community, is richer when every voice is heard, and everyone has a space at the table. Happy Holidays!
Pam PS: If you'd like to join me in this resolution, here are two ways to get involved: take time to learn about topics affecting people with IDD during our upcoming Advocacy Days, or share your own testimony with The Arc of Spokane. |
| | Check Out This Month's Featured Story Stay up-to-date with the latest advocacy, events, and general news from
The Arc of Spokane. Click here to read the full stories! |
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|  | Breakfast With Santa 2025 On December 13, The Arc of Spokane hosted Breakfast with Santa, providing a relaxed and accessible way for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to enjoy a holiday tradition. Read more about how this event prioritized inclusion and helped our community connect over a meal. |
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|  | Breakfast With Santa 2025 On December 13, The Arc of Spokane hosted Breakfast with Santa, providing a relaxed and accessible way for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to enjoy a holiday tradition. Read more about how this event prioritized inclusion and helped our community connect over a meal. |
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|  | Seeing Through My Child’s Eyes Misinformation and social stigma often create unnecessary barriers for people with autism and ADHD. Taylor Crisp, a self-advocate and parent of a child with autism, shares her experience of moving from speaking on her daughter's behalf to empowering her daughter in using her own voice. |
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 | Building Inclusive Schools On January 12, the Washington State House of Representatives will be considering HB 1795, a bill addressing the restraint or isolation of students in public schools. Dana Fletcher spoke with SPS Superintendent Dr. Adam Swinyard about the district's policy on restraint and isolation. |
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| | Upcoming Events Explore what’s happening this month! From advocacy workshops and educational sessions to support groups and inclusive community gatherings, there’s something for everyone. Stay connected, get involved, and find the support you need. Click here to view all upcoming events. |
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| Community Engagement: Sage’s Portal Connect with fellow gamers at Sage’s Portal on January 13 for Pokémon and tabletop board games. Enjoy a welcoming, social environment perfect for strategy and fun. 📅 Date: Tuesday, January 13
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM — 11:30 AM
📍 Location: Virtual
💸 Cost: Free |
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| New Year's Ball Join the Community Center for an evening of music and dancing with friends at The Arc. This high-energy social event is one of the Community Center's most popular monthly activities. 📅 Date: Wednesday, January 14
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
📍 Location: The Arc of Spokane Community Center
💸 Cost: $10 |
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| Advocacy Days: Protect Services & Rights The Arc of Washington and The Arc of Spokane invite you to join a virtual rally to advocate for essential disability services! Find out how you can get involved and what can be done to protect disability rights. 📅 Date: Wednesday, January 14
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM — 11:30 AM
📍 Location: Virtual
💸 Cost: Free |
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| ABLE Savings Disability Pop Up Learn how to use tools that support long-term financial stability for individuals with disabilities! Ben Chase breaks down ABLE Accounts and Special Needs Trusts so you can feel confident saving money while maintaining SSI eligibility. 📅 Date: Thursday, January 15
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Virtual (Meeting link provided after registration)
💸 Cost: Free |
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| IDD Talk & Play Parent Support Group Every Other Friday, join a welcoming space for parents, caregivers, and families of children with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) under the age of 12, where they can connect and build community. 📅 Date: Wednesday, January 16 & 30
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
📍 Location: 4211 East Colbert RoadColbert, WA, 99005
💸 Cost: Free |
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| Community Engagement: Dave & Buster’s Enjoy arcade games and social time with friends at Dave & Buster’s on January 26. We’re heading to the venue for a fun afternoon of games and community building. 📅 Date: Monday, January 26
⏰ Time: 2:30 PM — 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Dave & Buster's
💸 Cost: Free |
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| Advocacy Days: Community Living Rally Join The Arc of Washington and The Arc of Spokane in Olympia or virtually for a rally to protect services & support that provide autonomy & inclusion! 📅 Date: Wednesday, January 21
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Virtual & Washington State Capitol Building
💸 Cost: Free |
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| Community Engagement: Art Class Show off your artistic talent at the Community Center during our Community Engagement follow-along art class lead by Community Center staff! 📅 Date: Tuesday, January 27
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM — 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Virtual
💸 Cost: Free |
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| Advocacy Days: Employment Rally Advocate for individualized services that ensure inclusive & accessible employment virtually or in Olympia alongside The Arc of Washington and The Arc of Spokane. 📅 Date: Wednesday, January 28
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM
📍 Location: Virtual & Washington State Capitol Building
💸 Cost: Free |
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| Advocacy Days: Session Update Check in virtually to review what's happened so far in the 2026 Washington State Legislative Session during this virtual open mike session. 📅 Date: Tuesday, February 3
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM
📍 Location: Virtual
💸 Cost: Free |
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| | Parents and caregivers of children (ages 3–12) with developmental delays or disabilities are invited to a 10-week virtual series. Hosted by the University of Washington, this program offers practical ways to support your child through challenging behaviors while connecting with other families. 📅 Cohort 2: February 26 — May 7
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM — 12:15 PM
📍 Location: Virtual
💸 Cost: Free |
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| | January Community Engagement Events The Arc of Spokane’s new program helps people with IDD build skills, make friends, and explore Spokane through fun outings and activities. Waiver and private pay options available. Call 509-789-8791 to learn more. Explore January's Community Engagement activities at The Arc of Spokane. |
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| | | | Parents may have questions and concerns as they learn about services that can help their child and family and often need time and support to navigate their own emotions and adjust to raising a child with special needs. Personal support from fellow parent can help with: - Emotional support for parents
- Information and referrals to community resources
- Connecting you to Trained Helping Parents
- Social and recreational events
- Current information on disabilities, medical conditions and community resources
- Training for parents who would like to become Volunteer Helping Parents
- Public awareness and outreach to the community regarding individuals with disabilities
Learn more about Parent to Parent resources here. |
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| | The Arc of Spokane
320 E. 2nd Ave. | Spokane, Washington 99202
(509) 328-6326 | info@arc-spokane.org |
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