Hi, I’m Enrique Cerna.
Welcome to CityStream from the Arc of King County.
March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month.
That’s why we’re here at the Arc, an organization
that provides information, support and advocates for those
with intellectual and developmental challenges.
The Arc's vision is a world where kids and adults
with disabilities can thrive as equal
and valued members of the community.
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And with us now is Robin Tatsuda,
the executive director of the organization.
And, Robin, so tell me about the advocacy work
and the programs that you offer.
-Oh, absolutely.
So the Arc of King County is basically the go to resource
for all things developmental disability
across the whole life span of a person with a disabilities life,
from prenatal diagnosis to sort of end-of-life type issues.
We help individuals and families navigate resources,
connect with services, connect with each other,
and advocate both individually within systems,
but also with bigger picture like legislative topics
to ensure that the world
is inclusive of people with disabilities.
-So, you have about 36,000 residents in King County
that you serve. And what are the greatest needs?
Is it housing? Is it health care, jobs?
-I mean, that’s a tough question
because there’s needs everywhere.
But I would say for us,
the thing that we’re most challenged by
is lack of affordable, accessible housing.
That is by far kind of the biggest barrier
that we’re seeing for families with children
as well as adults with developmental disabilities.
But I think it’s important to know that any issue
that a non-disabled person would experience,
a person with disability would also experience
and usually with greater barriers.
So whether it be accessing health care
or employment or education
or whatever, uh, people with disabilities
are going to typically have more barriers and challenges
than a person without.
-March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
What do you want folks to be aware of?
-Yeah, I mean, to me,
the biggest thing ultimately is that people with disabilities
deserve the right to be welcomed,
included, valued members of their communities,
just like any non-disabled person.
And really, it takes everyone to accomplish that.
The Arc can’t do it alone.
And really, if we truly accomplish our mission,
the Arc wouldn’t even be necessary anymore.
So what I hope is that people, everybody think
how could I make a difference.
It’s not just about awareness,
it’s truly about acceptance and inclusion.
Is there a kid in my kid’s classroom
that I should be inviting over for playdates and birthdays?
Is there a neighbor down the street
who might like to have a friend?
Is there someone who could benefit from me
just being more involved?
That kind of thing is going to truly
accomplish that awareness sort of goal.
-So many programs that you offer,
but is there are one in particular that’s happening
or going to happen that you really are excited about?
-I’m so glad you asked,
because we are literally launching
sort of the biggest program in the Arc’s history.
And I say that with a lot of emphasis
because we’ve been around for nearly 90 years.
But as I mentioned, housing,
affordable housing is one of the greatest barriers,
and the Arc has actually taken steps
to become part of the solution.
We are partnering with an affordable housing developer
to build an affordable housing apartment complex
where the Arc’s office will be on the ground floor,
and we will serve the 36,000 members of our community
with developmental disabilities.
That apartment building will have 20% of the units
designed for and set aside
for people with developmental disabilities,
and the Arc will provide supports to them
while delivering all of our programs.
So that’s by far the most exciting.
-Sounds like a great program
and great opportunity for the community
and particularly the community you serve.
If you have more questions about the Arc,
want to know more about its programs
and the people that serve, just go to their website
arcofkingcounty.org.
And Robin Tatsuda, thank you so much.
-Thank you.
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