Life Works

D-Day Remembrance Day honors the Allied forces who stormed Normandy on June 6, 1944, marking a pivotal turning point in World War II and commemorating the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom.

Historical Significance
D-Day, part of Operation Overlord, was the largest amphibious military assault in history, beginning the liberation of N**i-occupied France and Western Europe. On June 6, 1944, roughly 160,000 Allied troops from the United States, Britain, Canada, and other nations landed on five beaches—Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword—after extensive planning and deception operations to mislead German forces.

The invasion included airborne assaults by the U.S. 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions and the British 6th Airborne Division, which faced scattered landings and heavy resistance behind enemy lines.

Despite obstacles such as fortified positions, mines, and rough seas, the Allies established beachheads that paved the way for the eventual defeat of N**i Germany.

Commemoration and Remembrance
D-Day Remembrance Day is observed to honor the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought and died during the Normandy landings. Over 2,500 Americans lost their lives on that day alone, and thousands more were wounded .

Memorials such as the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia and the numerous cemeteries in Normandy, including the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, provide spaces for reflection and education about the human cost of the invasion.

These sites preserve artifacts, personal stories, and historical exhibits, ensuring that future generations understand the significance of D-Day and the courage of the soldiers who participated.

Congratulations to the Arc of Washington State!
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You may notice our logo across social media has changed!

This year, The Arc of Washington is celebrating 90 years of advocacy and community, so we are updating our logos with a special anniversary version.

For 90 years, we have worked alongside people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to advocate for inclusion, rights, services, and opportunities in communities across Washington.

We are proud of our history and grateful to everyone who has been part of this work over the years. 🧡

We honor and remember those that gave their lives for our freedom. We hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day!

We are grateful for Bud Clary Subaru of Longview - they help us to extend our reach and our mission to so many people in our community. Thank you!

We completely agree!
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A good day is not the same as a compliant day. Too often, people with intellectual disabilities are praised for being “good” simply because they followed directions and caused no problems. Compliance may make support easier, but it does not tell us whether the person felt happy, respected, or heard. Doing everything you are told is not the same as living a meaningful life.
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ID: Title reads: Remember: For people with intellectual disabilities compliance is not the same as a good day. Image shows a professional-looking person talking to a support staff person. The speech bubble reads: “He had a really good day today.”
Person with an intellectual disability with a thought bubble: “I did everything you told me to.”

Happy Mother's day!

Way to go Jonathan!

Today, we’re continuing to highlight another Together We Can Award recipient, celebrating individuals and community partners making a difference in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our next recipient is:

Congratulations to Jonathan King! Jonathan’s positive encouragement helps clients succeed and grow in their workplace roles. His problem-solving skills, innovative community partnerships, and collaborative leadership at Life Works create new employment opportunities and strengthen the team around him.

This award is presented to an employment specialist or job coach who demonstrates dedication, creativity, and professionalism in helping individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities thrive in the workforce.

We also extend our appreciation to Cowlitz County Commissioner Steve Rader for his continued support and attendance at the Together We Can Conference on April 24.

View the full list of award recipients and learn about the Together We Can conference here: https://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/TogetherWeCan

Learn more about our Developmental Disabilities program at https://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/DD