| | Building Inclusive Communities By Pamela Norr, Chief Executive Officer Each March, The Arc of Spokane recognizes Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. This focus on the ways people with disabilities add to a strong, diverse community is important to the advocacy work we focus on all year-round and highlights how people with IDD deserve respect, dignity, independence, and inclusion. This month always causes me to pause and reflect on how we build a community that truly highlights the voices, talents, and contributions of those we serve. At The Arc, our commitment guides our work every day through advocacy, independent living support, employment services, family programs and more. As we move through the rest of this month, I invite you to stand with us. Whether you are attending an event (Rock the Runway!), sharing stories (email our advocacy team!), advocating for inclusion policies (call your representatives!), or simply holding a conversation that challenges outdated assumptions, every action strengthens a movement toward true belonging. Cheers,
Pam |
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| |  | Get Tickets For Rock The Runway Join us on April 18 for Rock the Runway: a fashion show featuring people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), with auctions, games, and more. |
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 | Save $5 At The Thrift Stores Celebrate DD Awareness Month with deals that feel good and do good! Now through March 14, when you spend $40 or more at The Arc Thrift Stores, get $5 off your next visit! |
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| | Check Out This Month's Featured Stories 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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|  | Creating A Culture Of Inclusion Learn how three community partners are making Spokane more inclusive. |
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 | A Visit From Spokane Velocity FC Read about Spokane’s Velocity FC visit with The Arc of Spokane’s Community Center. |
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 | Community Feature: Brittany Howard Meet Brittany, a Spokane local with a full social schedule and a passion for disability advocacy. |
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| | Workshops, Events, & More 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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| Helping Parents Training Become a mentor and offer encouragement, guidance, and real-life insight to other parents and caregivers of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). 📅 Date: Wednesday, March 11 & 18
⏰ Time: 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
📍 Location: Virtual & Washington State Capitol Building
💸 Cost: Free |
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| Life After High School Join us for a 3-day workshop at The Arc of Spokane to help prepare students with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families or caregivers for what comes next after graduation. 📅 Date: Wednesday, March 11, 18, & 25
⏰ Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
📍 Location: The Arc of Spokane
💸 Cost: $20 |
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| Zephyr Non-Profit Feature Night Join us for a Zephyr soccer match and support inclusion in Spokane! Grab a $10 fundraiser ticket for a great afternoon of soccer. Add an optional $3.50 gift to support The Arc of Spokane’s work with people with IDD and their families. 📆 Date: Saturday, March 21
⏰ Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
📍 Location: 509 W Gardner Ave, Spokane, WA
💸 Cost: $10 (Optional $3.50 donation to The Arc of Spokane) |
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| IDD Talk & Play Every Other Friday, join a welcoming space for parents, caregivers, and families of children with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) under age 12 to connect and build community. 📅 Date: March 13 & 27 (Every other Wednesday)
⏰ Time: 10:15 am - 11:15 am
📍 Location: 4211 East Colbert RoadColbert, WA, 99005
💸 Cost: Free Questions: parenttoparent@arc-spokane.org | (509) 328-6326 |
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| IDD Parent & Caregiver Support Group Join us for a free, bi-weekly gathering designed for parents, guardians, and family members. This judgment-free space allows you to share practical ideas, talk openly about shared experiences, and build a reliable network of support. 📆 Date: March 2 & 16 (Every other Monday)
⏰ Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 Location: 2323 N. Discovery Pl., Spokane Valley, WA 99216
💸 Cost: Free Questions: parenttoparent@arc-spokane.org | (509) 328-6326 |
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| | March's Social Activities At The Arc Activities at The Arc provide a dedicated social space where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) connect through shared interests. These sessions offer a clear way to build friendships and practice independence through structured group activities like art, baking, and community outings. Every session is designed to be affordable and easy to join with a flat $10 private-pay fee. |
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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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