At age 61, I became a mother.

That was in 2005 when my brother, George Niznansky, a developmentally challenged individual, moved from Pennsylvania to Seattle live with me. After Mom died in 2003, George did not thrive in the adult family home he lived in Pennsylvania, so we moved him to Seattle with me.

When we did this, I did not realize the amount of effort it takes to research and establish a care plan for George.

After some consulting and working with over 30 medical professionals, 50 government representative and employees, 16 caregivers, and making multiple trips to Pennsylvania and back to unearth medical records, we have establish a happy life in our house. for both George and me, George is a great asset to our home, and it wouldn't be home without him.

Having said that, I recognize that the developmentally challenged citizens of our state are among the most vulnerable. They cannot advocate for themselves and need family, friends, and the community in general to speak our for them.

I want to invite the West Seattle Community to do exactly that at the ARC of King County's 18th Annual Legislator's Forum. It will be held Monday, Nov. 19 at The Doubletree Guest Suites, 16500 South center Parkway, starting at 7 p.m.

The Legislator's forum is the largest gathering of our developmental disabilities community in King County each year. This is a free opportunity for families and people with developmental disabilities to share directly with their King County Legislators about issues that impact them. Last year, 41 Legislators and Congressional staff attended. You can meet other family members, advocates, county and regional staff. You can also talk to your legislator before or after the program.

I could not have survived without the ARC and the support of our legislators.

Please join me to advocate for those who are unable to advocate for themselves.

Joan Bateman

Seaview