Arnold Advocacy, Special Education Solutions

03/21/2025

When they go low, we go local! Novato friends, this is my baby, and this survey data will help us shape and argue for a better Novato. Especially if you have a disability , if your child has an IEP, if you care for or plan to care for your aging parents. This survey is for you! We are at 560 surveys and we need YOU to help us reach our goal. COMMENT when you finish! Link in story. Need a paper copy? I’ll drive one over to you!

02/24/2025

TONIGHT! This training is FREE!

**Arnold Advocacy in collaboration with Common Ground Society is offering a FREE Zoom online training to discuss best practices when advocating for your child's needs through the IEP process.**

Topics will include preparing for IEP meetings, effective strategies to use during the meeting, and how to navigate disagreements with district recommendations.

Additionally, we'll discuss how to maintain service levels and placement during this challenging time of budget cuts and service reductions.

📆 Monday, February 24
⏰ 6:00-7:15 pm
📍 Zoom
Link in calendar:
https://commongroundsociety.org/calendar/

02/11/2025

**Arnold Advocacy in collaboration with Common Ground Society is offering a FREE Zoom online training to discuss best practices when advocating for your child's needs through the IEP process.**

Topics will include preparing for IEP meetings, effective strategies to use during the meeting, and how to navigate disagreements with district recommendations.

Additionally, we'll discuss how to maintain service levels and placement during this challenging time of budget cuts and service reductions.

📆 Monday, February 24
⏰ 6:00-7:15 pm
📍 Zoom
Link in calendar:
https://commongroundsociety.org/calendar/

02/08/2025

📢 Help Shape Novato’s Future! 📢

Age + Disability Friendly Novato (ADFN) invites you to share your voice in our Community Survey! ADFN is a community-led volunteer task force working to ensure Novato is an inclusive place for people of all ages and abilities.

In partnership with the City of Novato, ADFN is striving to achieve an Age + Disability Friendly Community designation from AARP and the World Health Organization (WHO). Your input will help shape a strategic plan to create a more vibrant, accessible, and inclusive Novato—where everyone can live, work, play, and thrive!

📆 Survey closes March 21, 2025
📍 Open to Novato residents 18+
📝 Responses are anonymous

Take the survey today! Visit bit.ly/ADFNovatoSurvey or our link in bio🔗

01/28/2025

We were able to test out a terrain hopper at Roy’s Redwoods, Marin’s first wheelchair accessible hike! So proud to collaborate with Marin County Parks

The electric trail device could expand outdoors access for residents with mobility difficulties.

12/10/2024

Proud to be a part of this group of change makers, like and follow!

Age + Disability Friendly Novato, supporting a Novato that works for ALL it's residents.

12/05/2024

What a way to celebrate disability joy!

Accessibility:
Community Performance
Celebrating Diversity, Empowering the Next Generation
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
San Marin High School
6:00-7:15 pm
FREE EVENT
Flyer shows multiple performers posing and dancing Dedication to Special Education Infinite Flow Dance

12/02/2024

We love our community partners! Thank you for connecting us with for inclusive Santa! They will be back for the second year and are donating their time ❤️ 🪄. Thank you for helping us create this magical day!

Photo 1: young girl in green snuggling a bunny. Photo 2: DSE table boaters at our event last year. Photo 3: better with bunnies awesome set up

11/06/2024

Santa’s On His Way To North Bay!
Inclusive Event to Spread Holiday Cheer for Children with Disabilities

The holiday season is about to get a whole lot brighter for families in the North Bay! On December 7th, Santa Claus will make his highly anticipated appearance at Cypress School Primary Campus in Petaluma, bringing with him a sleigh full of joy, wonder, and unforgettable memories. This event is more than just a festive celebration— it’s a chance for children living with all disabilities to meet Santa in a sensory-friendly environment where their comfort and happiness are the top priorities.

Families will have the opportunity to take professional photos with Santa, with options tailored to each child’s individual needs to ensure a stress-free experience. Every child will be able to select a special gift from Santa, just for them, making the day even more magical.

A Legacy of Giving: The Heart Behind the Event

The event, founded by Dr. Colleen Arnold of Arnold Advocacy, reflects her lifelong dedication to supporting children with disabilities, inspired by her family's tradition of service. Dr. Arnold’s father, Bill, a decorated Vietnam-era Marine, left a true legacy through his unwavering community generosity—raising funds, offering time, and using his skills to help others.

“My father taught me the importance of giving back,” Dr. Arnold says. “This event celebrates that spirit, creating a joyful space where all children can experience the holidays surrounded by love, community, and magic.”

This year, the event is even more magical, as it comes on the heels of a significant merger between Matrix Parents Network and Resource Center and the Marin Center for Independent Living (Marin CIL). Together, these organizations now form a larger, stronger network dedicated to serving people of all ages living with disabilities, those aging into disabilities, and their caregivers across Marin, Solano, Sonoma, and Napa counties.

Eli Gelardin, CEO of Marin CIL, expressed his appreciation of Dr. Arnold’s unwavering dedication: “Colleen’s passion for this work truly embodies the spirit of the season. This event is the highlight of our year, and it’s an incredible reflection of the thoughtfulness she pours into everything she does.”

Support the Holiday Magic!

This event is more than just a festive celebration— it’s a chance for children living with all disabilities to meet Santa in a sensory-friendly environment where their comfort and happiness are the top priorities. To help keep this heartwarming event completely free, donations in support of families can be made at

https://www.marincil.org/inclusive-santa/

10/21/2024

Our founder will be presenting tonight elevating the experiences of our Novato residents as a part of Age And Disability Friendly Novato!

Join us!

01/26/2024

Let’s go Novato! Join us for some inclusive fun!

01/12/2024

Our founder was recognized at the Heart of Marin Awards yesterday for excellence in board leadership. It was a beautiful event full of hope, we were proud to sit among so many dedicated change makers. We are thrilled for the future of and and the accessible path for life we can create for our disabled community. Big thanks to for this honor