Parent Coalitions

Building a Strong Core of Committed Advocates:
Parents and Family Members of People with Developmental Disabilities

(Last updated on 6/19/09)

The Arc of Washington State works with Parent Coalitions around the state to help parents and guardians become effective advocates for their family members and others who have developmental disabilities. Efforts are directed toward:

• accessing and improving the service delivery system

• linking families with community supports

• ensuring adequate funding for programs and services

• forming a strong advocacy base

• impacting opinion leaders and policy makers through legislative advocacy

• working for a better future in the community for people with developmental disabilities

While Parent Coalitions vary in scope and funding, they typically draw from various parent groups to form a committed coalition that addresses common needs and concerns among people with developmental disabilities and those who support them.  Many of the Parent Coalitions receive local funding from their County Developmental Disabilities offices.

Listed below are the 14 Washington State Parent Coalitions.  Feel free to use the links provided to e-mail the Parent Coalition in your area, or click here to visit the Parent Coalition website.

Benton/Franklin Counties Parent Coalition
(509) 967-3974
Coordinator:  Sharon Adolphsen

Clallam County Parent Coalition
(360) 681-8642

Coordinator: Tresa Stuber

Jefferson County Parent Coalition
(360) 379-8934
Coordinator: Jenell DeMatteo

King County Parent Coalition
Coordinators:

Policy, Legislation & Advocacy: Margaret-Lee Thompson
Parent Training, Housing, Transition, CARE: Joanne O'Neill (425) 746-2178
Children's Issues, Special-Ed, Birth to three: Betsy McAllister

(425) 882-2010

Kitsap County Parent Coalition
(360) 769-2220
Coordinators: Nancy & Don Martin

Lewis County Parent Coalition
(360) 880-0672
Coordinator: Paula Zamudio

Pierce County Parent Coalition
(253) 564-0707

Skagit County Parent Coalition

(360) 610-6403 or (360) 416-7570

Whatcom County Parent Coalition
(360) 715-0170

Yakima County Parent Coalition
(509) 453-4756 or (509) 453-1614