The Arc Cedar Valley

📅 Join us this March—support starts here.

The Iowa Regional Autism Assistance Program (RAP) is offering a free, 4-part Autism Basics Webinar Series created for parents and caregivers of children with a new autism diagnosis.

While the series is designed with families in mind, anyone is welcome to attend — including caregivers, professionals, educators, and community partners.

Attend the full series or simply join the sessions that fit your schedule.

✔️ Free and virtual
✔️ Sessions recorded
✔️ Live attendance approved for foster parent training credit

🔗 Learn more and join us: https://bit.ly/AutismBasics2026

Tomorrow (February 13) from 5:00–6:30pm is the Cedar Valley's Legislative Forum at Hawkeye Community College's Van G. Miller Adult Learning Center, 120 Jefferson St, Waterloo. This forum's topic will be education. Local state legislators will give updates on committees they serve on, and moderators from The League of Women Voters of Black Hawk-Bremer Counties will engage in a general Q&A. There is often time for the public to ask topic-related questions!

Stay informed. Mark your calendars!

Happy New Year, Cedar Valley! 🎊
We’re already dreaming up plans for the year ahead and want your input! What events, activities, or ideas would you love to see us bring to the Cedar Valley in 2026? Drop your thoughts below 👇 — let’s make this year amazing together!

Today's resource spotlight is a guidebook on Alzheimer's disease and Down syndrome developed by the National Down Syndrome Society, in partnership with the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices and the Alzheimer's Association. It contains a wealth of information to support individuals with Down syndrome and their caregivers.

Topics include:
▪ the connection between Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease
▪ screening and diagnosis
▪ stages and progression
▪ planning meaningful daily activities for individuals with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease
▪ care for the caregiver
▪ and many more.

Our Resource Library has a link to this resource and others on Alzheimer's disease and Down syndrome ➡ https://adscresources.advocatehealth.com/alzheimers-disease--down-syndrome-a-practical-guidebook-for-caregivers/

💚 A huge thank you to Veridian Credit Union for their generous donation to The Arc Cedar Valley in celebration of International Credit Union Day! Through their Give Back to the Community initiative, Veridian supports organizations like ours and we’re so grateful for your support today. Your generosity helps us continue advocating for and supporting people with disabilities in our community! 💚

Great opportunity!

🗣️ Your Story Matters — Let It Be Heard! 🗣️

Don't miss your opportunity to apply!!

Join the Storytelling for Family Leaders course from the Iowa Family Leadership Training Institute!

📅 September 18 – November 21, 2025
📍 Hybrid format: In-person kickoff in Ankeny, followed by Zoom sessions

✨ This 9-week training helps you:
✅ Craft and share your lived experience
✅ Gain confidence as a family advocate
✅ Learn how to impact systems and policies
✅ Connect with other Iowa family leaders
🔗 Apply now: https://bit.ly/IFLTI-SFL
📩 Questions? Contact Diane Brenneman at [email protected]

📚 Want to understand IEPs better?
Join us for an inspiring session with Anna Crenshaw — a passionate advocate and experienced teacher who’s here to break it all down.
📍 Cedar Falls Public Library | 📅 August 10th | 🕑 2:30 PM

✨ Whether you're a parent, educator, or just curious, this is for you!

🔗 Register today!: https://app.dvforms.net/api/dv/e3kkyd

Don’t miss it!