Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce Announces Formation of Intellectual and Developmental Disability Advisory Council (IDDAC).
The Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the formation and launch of our Intellectual and Development Disability Advisory Council. This council is made up of self-advocates and individuals who support people with IDD in a variety of ways.
“Our mission is to advocate and bring awareness to a range of intellectual and developmental disabilities and bring a sense of belonging, accessibility, and inclusion to the community,” said Suzanne Taylor, president of D.I.S.H Foundation and council member.
“One of our goals is to educate and invite the business community to learn how they can be more accessible to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Schantell Porter, Program and Event Manager at the Bellingham Chamber of Commerce.
There is a widespread myth that people with disabilities struggle to connect within the community, which creates a barrier to inclusion. We want to dispel this myth and demonstrate that people with disabilities are valuable members of our community, who want to engage and be included.
Advisory Council Members:
April Katz – AIROW project
Analisa Ficklin – Bellingham Public Schools Community Transitions
Anya Milton – Bellingham Technical College
Barbara Roxas – The Arc of Whatcom County
Betsy Hicks – Autism Odyssey
Caelan Tageant – Self-advocate
Erin Dahlman-Oeth – Cascade Connections
Meghla Julin – Self-advocate
Suzanne Taylor – D.I.S.H Foundation
Stacy Osterkamp - Windermere Real Estate
For more information about the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce visit Bellingham.com.
About the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce
The Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce has contributed to the success of the local business community for over 110 years. As a not-for-profit membership organization, the chamber advocates for its members by convening leaders and influencers, serving as a catalyst for business growth and advocating for policies that bring about positive change.
