PAVE's News

• A Special Education Law and Advocacy Conference with Pete Wright, ESQ THURSDAY, JULY 16TH, 2009 at SHOWALTER HALL EWU CAMPUS, CHENEY, WA

For the families of children with any and all disabilities, as well as for educators, advocates, service professionals and legal representatives, this full-day workshop is designed to provide invaluable information and guidance on special education rights and responsibilities. Northwest Autism Center offers support information and support services to individuals and families affected with autism and their providers, and recommends the award-winning Wrightslaw website for its expertise, accuracy, and up-to-date information regarding special education. Pete Wright is an attorney whose law practice has been devoted to serving families of children with disabilities. Along with his wife, Pam, he founded Wrightslaw and has authored several books on special education and advocacy. Pete will be presenting at the July conference, to be held at Eastern Washington University’s Showalter Hall on July 16th, 2009. The Wrightslaw approach to the complex issues of providing fair and appropriate educational opportunities to all children emphasizes the importance of understanding special education law and the rights and responsibilities it confers upon everyone involved. The Wrights help families to become effective advocates for their children and support them as essential and full partners in a team approach to educational planning. This conference is brought to you by Northwest Autism Center. Co-sponsors include Eastern Washington University, The Arc of Spokane, Region One Division of Developmental Disabilities, Autism Society of Washington, and Inland Center for Autism and Related Disorders. To learn more about this conference go to http://www.nwautism.org 7/09

• New Look for PAVE

PAVE’s LOGO HAS CHANGED! PAVE has a new updated logo and tagline. We have eliminated “Washington” from the original name and are known simply as PAVE--“Partnerships for Action, Voices for Empowerment”. The stylized V in PAVE represents a welcome to the information, resources and support PAVE has to offer. Included in the new look, the clasped hands represent partnerships among people. We believe these changes present a stronger statement about PAVE’s mission, beliefs, and commitment to our purpose of helping and supporting families in their advocacy. It is also more encompassing of the variety of programs in the PAVE organization. The various programs assist families at all ages and stages in navigating the many systems with which they come in contact. PAVE’s major principles and beliefs have not changed. Parents and families are the experts on their own children. Educators, other professionals and parents working together and respecting each other’s expertise make effective teams for the benefit of the children. Our webpage will soon reflect the new look also. 0709

• New Executive Director for PAVE

Ms Tracy Kahlo who resides in Puyallup, Washington has accepted the position as the next Executive Director of PAVE. In her essay question Ms Kahlo stated “Have you ever reached a moment in your life when you know that your journey has prepared you for that next step? It seems as I survey all the twists and turns, valleys and highpoints of my life they have been leading me to this moment. I have been waiting to support families, individuals with disabilities, staff and community members once again. The timing is truly humbling, especially as I consider the twenty-nine years of service invested by Joanne Butts in all the lives of everyone at PAVE. Individually Ms. Butts and collectively with the current staff, board and families you have built an excellent reputation and a rich legacy. It is an exciting time in PAVE’s history and an honor to be a part of as the new Executive Director.” Ms Kahlo has a Bachelors of Arts degree from The College of New Rochelle and a Masters of Not-For-Profit Leadership from Seattle University. Ms Kahlo was formerly the Vice President of the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), an organization that primarily supports families and individuals with eating disorders headquartered in Seattle. Ms Kahlo has a history of community service working with families and individuals with special needs that includes, a residential habilitation center serving Native Americans in Arizona, Center Force and is a founding and contributing member of the Tools 4 Success conference that primarily serves high school transition students living in Pierce, Thurston and Kitsap counties. “I feel that Ms Kahlo’s proven management skills will be a fitting complement to the PAVE’s staff who already work with a strong passion and commitment to the families and individuals that they serve,” Gary Mann, President of the Board. In her spare time Tracy enjoys hiking the beautiful northwest with her family and showing and breeding their Affenpinschers. Affens are a toy dog about 10 lbs. and are also known as the Monkey Dog. “This significant transition is a time to honor, reflect and dream with all PAVE constituents to create the future that is destined for the organization and those it serves. As a change agent who thrives on building collaborative relationships, enriching community life, and is deeply passionate about serving families and individuals with special needs, I look forward to working with each of you to build that future.” 0609

• Disability History Exhibit (Available at PAVE)

The Disability History Exhibit was purchased by Self Advocates of Washington with grant funds from Pierce County Human Services, Developmental Disabilities. The twenty-one panel exhibit traces perceptions, attitudes, services, struggles, and achievements in the history of persons with developmental and other disabilities. The exhibit brings viewers through an illustrated timeline, chronicling societal interpretations of disability through moral, medical and civil rights view-points. Color-coded to easily trace models throughout history. Uses plain language and hundreds of images, this exhibit connects historical themes in disability to societal values and the treatment of people with disabilities throughout the ages. Powerful visual images to use for workshops, conferences, and disability events.

The History Exhibit is being kept in Washington PAVE lending library and can be used, free of charge, by organizations that support people with disabilities in Pierce County, Washington. The Exhibit may also be used at state-wide conferences and conventions. The exhibit is displayed accordion style on five 8 foot tables, which are stored in sturdy easy to move carrying cases with wheels. Hook Velcro on back of panels also allows for easy mounting to fabric walls or displays.

If you are interested in using the exhibit or have questions, contact PAVE at 253-565-2266 (v/tty) or 1-800-572-7368 (v/tty ) or send an email to wapave9@washingtonpave.com.
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