New Disability Documentary: “Together They Were Stronger”
On May 25th, 2022, at the University of Washington Haring Center for Inclusive Education, more than 300 participants joined together for the debut showing of the new documentary short-film Together They Were Stronger.
“Together They Were Stronger, produced by Thriving Communities, documents the story of how four Seattle women mounted a civil rights campaign to establish the first-ever disability rights law in the United States, [House Bill/HB 90].” (Read more: tinyurl.com/3tvjsxk5.)
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(Pictured: Gov. Dan Evans with Northwest Center founders Janet Taggart [left], Cecile Lindquist, Evelyn Chapman and Katie Dolan, alongside University of Washington law students Bill Dussault and George Edensword-Breck. Photo from Washington State Archives.) |
Washington Governor Following the premiere showing of the film on May 25th, a panel discussion and Q&A was held that featured panelists:
- Janet Taggart, founder of Northwest Center
- Bill Dussault, legal author at Dussault Law Relationship Foundation
- Stacy Dym, The Arc of Washington State
- Ilene Schwartz, UW Haring Center
- Amy Dussault, Northshore School District
- Ivanova L. Smith, Self-Advocates in Leadership (SAIL)
- Jerry Millhon and Hannah Guggenheim, film producers
- Gene Boes, Northwest Center
Watch the event recording and discussion panel online at youtu.be/fZeNth7l8UA.
Access the full event packet and additional information at tinyurl.com/269zz2nx.
Did you miss the debut showing? No problem! View it online at vimeo.com/714609859.
Check it out!! This film captures exactly what parent/caregiver leadership and advocacy can look like and how it can change our communities, our state and every state.
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Whitney Stohr is the Leadership & Independent Living Program Manager at The Arc of Snohomish County. She is passionate about advocating for medically complex children and children with disabilities and their families. She is a mom and medical caregiver herself, who is energized by working closely with other parent/family caregivers. She lives with her spouse and their four-year-old son Malachi in Lynnwood. Connect with her on Instagram @rollin.w.spinabifida. Contact: whitney@arcsno.org.
A Community Story: “Amazing Mamas,” Friendship and Fun
A STORY BY JILL FORD, ARC LEADER & SNOHOMISH COUNTY MOM:
Jill Ford is a Snohomish County mom of a child with a disability and a leader in her community.
Recently, Jill joined other mom friends for a weekend camping get-away. This group of moms met years ago through their connection to The Arc as parents and loved ones of people with disabilities. Each of these moms are trained Arc leaders and engaged members of their communities.
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Here is the story Jill shared: I had sooooo much fun last weekend camping with friends. It’s our 5th annual “Amazing Mamas” camping trip. We all have a child with special needs or are very involved with loved ones with special needs. There really is nothing like the comfort of finding people who just get it, jump into help without asking, and aren’t afraid. Our glow stick parade through the campground was the best. If you are a special needs family and are feeling isolated and lonely (which, if you are a special needs family, you probably feel this way) seek out your local Arc chapter. |
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My daughter attends Sibshops, and I have attended Mother’s Network meetings with The Arc of Snohomish County. It’s between those groups that I befriended other moms who “get it.” Both my daughter and I have made friends for life!
READ-ALOUD:
I’m Basically a Unicorn — A Celebration of What Makes Us Unique
This book is a celebration of our unique traits and abilities that will help us realize we are all basically unicorns! From unique traits that make us look or feel a bit different, to different abilities, this book is for everyone. No matter our abilities, strengths, or weaknesses, each of us is precious, rare, and beautiful.
This book can open dialogue about uniqueness, inclusion and the beauty of diversity.
Click here to read more.
Join Whitney Stohr, Leadership & Independent Living Program Manager at The Arc of Snohomish County, as she reads: I’m Basically a Unicorn — A Celebration of What Makes Us Unique, by author/illustrator Melanie Hawkins (published 2020 by Inspire Joy Publishing, LLC).
Happy Father’s Day!!
The Arc of Snohomish County wishes all of the fathers, dads, papas and pops, across Snohomish County, the very best Father’s Day.
For all that you do to support, uplift and strengthen your family and each family member, and for all that you are to your children, your partner, your parents, your colleagues and your community — we celebrate your commitment, your involvement and your continual acts of caring and nurturing.
Happy Father’s Day, too, to all men who step up as father figures and role models for children in their lives. The grandfathers, the uncles, the friends… your role is essential, and we recognize and celebrate you today.
Happy Father’s Day to all!