A. Family Connection and Support 1. Provide emotional and informational support to families related to parenting a child with developmental disabilities. 2. Provide regular social and networking opportunities for families to meet, share ideas and resources, and offer support and encouragement. 3. Provide opportunities for siblings of individuals with DD to meet and share common issues, learn about resources, and build relationships. 4. Support families to work together to address unmet needs. 5. Identify, screen, and train “helping parents” so that they can assist, support, and mentor other parents of children with disabilities based on common needs and interests. 6. Provide culturally relevant services and outreach to diverse communities within Whatcom County. B. Information, Education, and Referral 1. Provide information, education, and referral to individuals, families, and the community related to assessing and navigating the special education and social service systems serving individuals with DD. 2. Assist individuals with DD and their families to identify and access generic inclusive community resources, as well as those specific to individuals with DD. 3. Develop collaborative partnerships with schools and families related to the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process and by providing information about community resources. 4. Develop and distribute written information about local services, events, and issues relevant to the DD community. 5. Coordinate education and training opportunities on priority topics identified by families and other stakeholders supporting individuals with DD. C. Self-Advocacy and Self-Determination 1. Provide opportunities and support to individuals with DD to increase their self-advocacy and self-determination skills. 2. Support and advocate for the inclusion of individuals with DD in the community including participation in community boards, groups, and organizations. 3. Provide outreach and education to schools and the general community regarding the self-determination and inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities. D. Systems Improvement 1. Facilitate, coordinate, or participate in system improvement activities related to community services and infrastructure (housing, transportation, public safety) impacting children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. System activities include but are not limited to: a. Participating in community advisory, leadership groups and planning processes to represent the needs of people with developmental disabilities. b. Facilitating the participation of people with DD and their caregivers in such group. c. Providing coordinative support for forums or community groups specifically focused on the needs of children and adults with developmental disabilities.
