Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2024
One year ago this month, we lost Judy Heumann, a true champion who dedicated her life to breaking down barriers and fighting for inclusivity. Judy's impact, from her pioneering activism to her instrumental role in shaping policies like the Americans with Disabilities Act, will forever be remembered. Her legacy continues to inspire generations, reminding us to strive for a world where everyone can live with dignity. May her passion and resilience echo through the ongoing journey toward a more accessible and just society. Rest in power, Judy Heumann.
March marks Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities in our communities. This month emphasizes celebrating their contributions while acknowledging and addressing existing barriers in schools and communities. The focus is on promoting inclusion, respect, and support, urging communities to embrace diversity for a thriving environment.
The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council, established in 1976, plays a vital role in advocating for improved services and supports. Comprising 27 Governor-appointed members, including individuals with developmental disabilities, family members, state agency representatives, and community partners, the council works collaboratively to address critical issues and champion equitable policies. Explore their impactful work and contributions to public policy, their council activities and their 5-year plan on their website: Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council | WADDC
Legislative Session Wrap Up
The 2024 legislative session has adjourned! We are grateful for the legislature's actions to increase funding by raising the special education enrollment funding cap to 16%, along with investments for inclusionary practices, funds to study the feasibility of a statewide IEP system, and oversight for non-public agencies. Please see OSPI’s legislative press release for highlights on this year’s session.
Please see our Special Education Bill Tracker to see which pieces of legislation are going to the Governor for signing.
If you have any questions, please contact David Green.
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Notice of Public Comment Period for Annual State Application of Federal Year 2024 of the IDEA Federal Grant
Washington state’s annual application for federal IDEA funds for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2024 has been posted and will be available for public review for 60 days, with a comment period of 30 days, prior to final submission to the US Department of Education (DOE) Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) by May 31, 2024. Check out this overview video about the application process, from Dr. Tania May, OSPI Assistant Superintendent of Special Education.
Two virtual/online Public Comment Hearings have been scheduled:
- Wednesday, March 27, 2024, from 1–2 pm | Zoom link
- Wednesday, April 17, 2024, from 9–10 am | Zoom link
All members of the public are invited to attend the Public Comment Hearings and provide verbal or written comment on the annual application for IDEA funds and the proposed budget. The Public Comment Hearings are posted to the OSPI Rulemaking and Public Comment website. Comments may also be submitted in writing to OSPI Special Education no later than May 8, 2024.
Note that each scheduled meeting has a separate Zoom link. If participants need accommodations beyond closed captioning, please contact the OSPI Special Education division at OSPI Special Education or call 360-725-0725.
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Inclusionary Practices Technical Assistance Network (IPTN) Website is LIVE!
In 2018, Washington state ranked 44th for K–12 inclusive practices among all 50 states. To enhance inclusivity, the State Legislature funded a multi-year professional development initiative, resulting in significant success. Students with an IEP spending 80% or more of their time in inclusive environments increased by 6.8% statewide and 20.7% in pilot districts. The Inclusionary Practices Technical Assistance Network (IPTN) now builds on this progress, specifically targeting student groups that are historically and currently less likely to access inclusive environments. The IPTN recently launched its website, offering insights into its vision for improved access to rigorous instruction and enhanced postsecondary outcomes for all Washington state students. Explore our evolving IPTN website and reach out to IPTN for questions.
Safety Net Updates and Reminders
The High-Need Individual Safety Net Application due date has been extended to March 15, 2024. High-Need Individual Safety Net Applications can be submitted anytime between now and March 15.
The Transportation Cost Calculator used in the Special Education High-Need Individuals Safety Net application is now available for download. If your LEA is unable to complete and submit transportation costs with the initial High-Need Individual application, the application may be updated during the May 10 update opportunity.
The Safety Net team hosts office hours every Tuesday and Thursday from 1–2 pm.
Questions? Contact Safety Net.
Save the Date: Integrated MTSS Conference
July 31–August 2, 2024 | Pullman, Washington
We are excited to share information about the 2024 Integrated MTSS Conference! The theme for the conference is Empowering Excellence: Co-Designing Systems through Instructional Leadership. The Conference will be held July 31, August 1, and August 2 at WSU in Pullman. Our planning team is already working to make sure that these are three incredible days of learning!
Day one of the conference, on July 31, will be a chance for participants to get together and dig into content and role-specific engagement. Days two and three will offer several integrated strands to bring partners together across content and roles. Focus strands will include MTSS and Integrated Student Supports, Student and Family Engagement and Supports, Inclusionary Practices, Reducing Restraint & Eliminating Isolation, and more. Registration opens on March 26, 2024.
Save the Date - Integrated MTSS Conference - July 31-August 2, 2024 WSU Pullman, WA
Governor Inslee Appoints Shauna Bilyeu to Lead Washington's Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth
Governor Jay Inslee announced on March 4, 2024, he is appointing Shauna Bilyeu as executive director of the Washington State Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth (CDHY). The position was previously held by Rick Hauan who departed last year.
Bilyeu has extensive experience in deaf education and is committed to ensuring all deaf and hard of hearing youth reach their full potential. She joined the CDHY (then called the Washington School for the Deaf) in 2005 as a high school English teacher. She worked in a variety of administrative roles beginning in 2009 and was named superintendent in 2016. She has served as interim executive director since April 2023. Prior to joining the CDHY, Bilyeu spent a decade teaching at the Columbia Regional Program for the Deaf.
This appointment is effective immediately.
Dana Phelps Named New DSHS DVR Director
Secretary of Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Jilma Meneses, has appointed Dana Phelps as the permanent director of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Meneses writes:
“Dana has served so capably as interim director since December, filling a critical role during a time of great transition. She demonstrates exceptional leadership skills, including trustworthiness, empowerment of others, resilience, grace and, most importantly, humility. She understands this is a critical moment in time for opening up more opportunities for people with disabilities to achieve their career goals. She has let me know that as the country faces workforce challenges, she intends for DVR to push open doors that have been closed in the past, and she is honored to serve alongside the DVR team and its partners in vocational rehabilitation.
Dana came to the interim role as a member of the DSHS team since 1991, having provided direct services to clients for the first 20 years of her career and overseen programs that delivered direct care, including education, employment and vocational training programs that primarily served youth and young adults. Her extensive experience, including prior leadership roles as DSHS’ legislative director, senior director of policy and rules, and deputy chief of staff, have prepared her to lead DVR today, and I am thrilled to see what happens next for her, the division and our agency.”
This appointment is effective immediately.
Click here for this month’s Program Improvement updates on the following topics:
- Disproportionality Workbooks due May 1 from Identified LEAs
- OSPI Special Education Data, Fiscal, and Program Office Hours
Click here for this month’s ECSE updates on the following topics:
- Myths & Facts about Inclusionary Practices- Preschool
- Assistive Technology Devices and Services for Children with Disabilities Under the IDEA
- Fact Sheet: Advancing Racial Equity in Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education
- Office of Head Start: Big 5 for All and Children with Disabilities Who are DLLs
- Transition to Kindergarten
- Professional Development Opportunities
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