|
Developmental Disabilities Newsletter
APRIL 2024 EDITION
|
|
Our Team Grows Stronger: Welcome Rich!
We're delighted to share the exciting news that our newest team member, Richard (Rich) Robinson, has joins us as our long-awaited program supervisor. Rich brings a wealth of experience and expertise that perfectly complements our dynamic team. Without further ado, here's a glimpse into Rich's background and journey:
The work of serving people with disabilities has been a lifelong interest of mine. My mother was a Special Education teacher in Michigan. As a child I spent many hours sitting with her in her classroom. I nearly went into education, but a last-minute decision sent me in a different direction. I have spent the past 13 years working with older adults and adults with disabilities at a local non-profit. My time there was very rewarding – and taught me that I wanted to more directly assist those with developmental disabilities. When this opportunity emerged, I knew it was time to make a change!
I live with my spouse in Edmonds. While I love to travel, Snohomish County will always be home. We have a dog named Jack who is 5 pounds and full of energy. When not chasing after my dog I have been slowly learning to play tennis.
I’m thrilled to be in my new role and honored to work with such a dedicated group of people. I look forward to meeting each of you in the near future.
|
Helpful Websites
Click on the links below to view websites.
|
|
|
Another Successful Transition Resource Fair in the books!
With an impressive turnout of over 350 community members, our 24th Annual Snohomish County Developmental Disabilities Transition Resource Fair held this past March was a resounding success. Featuring more than 50 community agencies, 16 workshops, and the participation of 2 Community Transit buses, the event buzzed with activity at Cascade High School, filling the cafeteria and surrounding hallways to capacity.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this year's fair, and eagerly anticipate welcoming you back next year for our milestone 25th Annual Transition Resource Fair!
For further details about the fair, including a comprehensive list of participating community agencies and other related news, click the link below.
Snohomish County Recognizes April as National Arab American Heritage Month
Arab American Heritage Month was first recognized by President Biden in 2021. In 2022, Congress, the U.S. Department of State, and 45 state governors issued proclamations commemorating the initiative. National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM) is a time to recognize and reflect the many contributions Arab Americans have made to enrich the political, economic and cultural landscape of America. Approximately four million Arab Americans live in the United States.
This month, Snohomish County is also celebrating the heritage and culture of Arab Americans in our community.
To read Resolution No. 24-009 go here: Snohomish County Council Resolution for Arab American Heritage Month - April 2024
To read the White House Proclamation on Arab American Heritage Month, go here: White House Proclamation on Arab American Heritage Month for April 2024
Other resources from the Burke Museum and Highline Museum: Arab American Celebration, Smithsonian: Arab American Heritage Month and the Arab American National Museum.
April is Month of the Military Child
The US Defense Department celebrates military children during the month of April. There are more than 1.6 million military children who face many challenges and unique experiences because of their parent’s service. The Month of the Military Child celebrates military-connected children and youth and underscores the critical role military children play in the armed forces community.
Washington is the 6th in the nation for the number of active-duty military and is home for many service members who have loved ones and children enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). The Exceptional Family Member Program is a service-wide program dedicated to serving Service Members and their Family Members with medical conditions of all ages. Snohomish County is home to Naval Station Everett which has an Exceptional Family Member Program Liaison who helps military families navigate schools and systems when their loved one is enrolled in the program.
To read the White House Proclamation on Month of the Military Child go to: A Proclamation on Month of the Military Child, 2024 | The White House
To learn more about Month of the Military Child go to Month of the Military Child | Resource Toolkit - Military Child Education Coalition
|
|
4th Annual American Indian Youth Disability Summit: "Strength in Numbers: A Celebration of Indigenous Youth Resilience"
- This virtual summit amplifies the voices of American Indian youth with disabilities, focusing on the rich aspects of American Indian life, history, culture, and heritage to address today's challenges.
- Saturday, April 13, 2024 via Zoom from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
-
Click here to view flier
-
Click here to register
Immigrant and Refugee Resource Fair 2024
- Tuesday, April 16,2024, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm or 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Woodway Hall, Room 202 - Edmonds College
- Resources to explore at the fair: Legal Aid, Housing, Employment Training, Tutoring, Childcare and much more. Snohomish County Developmental Disabilities will also be at this event.
-
Click here for more information and to register for fair
Cops for Inclusion: A Day with Kids of Diverse Abilities!
- Join the Lynnwood Police Department's "Cops for Inclusion": A day tailored for children and families with diverse abilities, especially those on the Autism Spectrum, offering sensory-inclusive interactions with police officers in a safe and fun environment. Activities include rotating through stations to learn about safety, meet police personnel and their tools, with designated quiet and teen/young adult-friendly time slots, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all attendees.
- Saturday, April 20, 2024 from 10:00 am to 3:45 pm
-
Click here for more information
14th Annual YWCA Stand Against Racism
- Where YWCA, our partner agencies and you can come together to raise awareness about institutional and structural racism and build a community working for racial justice.
- Thursday, April 25, 2024, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Snohomish County Plaza (3000 Rockefeller, Everett, WA 98201). This is an outdoor event.
-
Click here to view flier
Two-Day Workshop: The SCERTS Model and Uniquely Human with Dr. Barry M. Prizant
- The SCERTS Model - Wednesday, May 8, 2024 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- This workshop will explore the SCERTS model: support for autistic and neurodivergent people, directly addressing the core areas of social communication development, emotional regulations and transactional support.
- Uniquely Human - Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- This presentation will analyze the myths surrounding: Behaviors observed in autism, the family experience of autism, the view of autism as a tragedy, and the belief that autism is only experienced by the individual with the diagnosis of ASD will be questioned and a paradigm-shifting perspective will be offered.
- Event will be held at the Darrington Community Center (570 Sauk Ave, Darrington, WA 98241)
- Click your preferred language for more information: English / Spanish
|
|
Club Independence
- Meets the first Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 7:30 pm via Zoom
- Club Independence is currently doing a Planning Your Future Series!
- March 6, 2024 - What is Future Planning? Where will you Live?
- April 3, 2024 - Financing your Future
- May 1, 2024 - Decision Making: Making Major and Daily Decisions
- June 5, 2024 - Employment/Daily Activities/Socializing
- A monthly group that The Arc of Snohomish County facilitates and is a place for young adult, self-advocates to discuss topics for successful independent living.
- For information contact Brandi Piecora - Brandi@arcsno.org/425-258-2459 x113
-
Click here to learn more about Club Independence
Transition Clubs
- The Arc of Snohomish County facilitates monthly clubs in partnership with local school districts and community.
- Transition Clubs use the Charting the Life Course Tools and Philosophy in order to teach participants and practice the skills for Self-Determination, Self- Awareness and Self-Advocacy.
- If you are interested in partnering with The Arc for the 2023/2024 school year, please contact: Jessie Moore - Jessie@arcsno.org/425-258-2459 x109
-
Click here to learn more about Transition Club
|
|
Dan Thompson Rallies: Statewide Event
- Please join us to celebrate, share the history of our movement, and work together to define a vision and create a plan to move Employment forward through 2030.
- Thursday, April 18 and 19, 2024 from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
-
Click here to register for the in-person event at Central Washington University - Student Union Building (1007 N Chestnut St, Ellensburg, WA 98926)
-
Click here to register for the virtual event
-
Click here for more information
|
|
Pursuit at Edmonds College – College and Career Prep for Students with Disabilities
- Pursuit at Edmonds College is a pre-employment transition service for students transitioning out of high school or looking for jobs/careers.
- Now through the summer, Pursuit is offering more classes at no cost for on job readiness, and self-advocacy to prepare students with disabilities between the ages of 14-21 for employment (those with any type of documented disability - i.e. medically documented anxiety to those who have/had IEP/504s). Please note that students will need to be able to participate independently in group settings. Also, 16 to 21 year old students may get referrals for internships and students do not have to be a DVR client or have graduated HS)
-
Spring: Get prepared for Summer internships!
- Morning | April 9th- June 13th (T/Th) 11:00-12:30pm 2x Weekly (In Person @ Edmonds College)
- Afternoon | April 9th- June 11th (T) 3:30- 5:00pm 1x Weekly (Fully Online)
- Evening | April 9th- June 13th (T/Th) 5:30-7:00pm 2x Weekly (Fully Online)
- Please reach out with any questions to Diana Ro George diana.george@edmonds.edu
-
Click here to learn more about everything Pursuit offers
Trade School Guide for Students with Disabilities
|
|
Everett Housing Authority Waiting List Open Now
-
The Everett Housing Authority (EHA) has opened the Project Based Voucher waiting list to applicants for the Grandview Homes, Pineview Homes, Timber Hill Apartments, Evergreen Court Senior Apartments, and Village East Senior Apartments.
-
Click here for more information about each property
- Waiting list open from April 1, 2024, and closes on April 26, 2024, at 5:00 pm.
- Applications may only be submitted through their on-line application system. The web address for the application is: https://www.rentcafe.com/onlineleasing/everett-housing-authority/guestlogin.aspx
- If you or anyone in your family is a person with disabilities, and you require a specific accommodation to fully utilize our programs and services, please contact the housing authority. The on-line application is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Vietnamese, and Korean. They also provide translation services for people with limited English proficiency upon request, free of charge. Requests for reasonable accommodation should contact 425-339-1045 for Evergreen Court and 425-339-1049 for Village East, 425-303-1189 for Grandview, 425-303-1150 for Timber Hill, or 425-339-1042 for Pineview.
- Waitlist flyers in translated languages (Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Ukrainian, Vietnamese) are available at the site.
Partners4Housing
- Offers free webinars to learn about Roommate Matching Pool, online Residential Assessment and Consulting Services
-
Click here to get a free Residential Assessment
-
Click here to learn more
Community Homes
- Community Homes provides, promotes, and sustains exceptional community-based housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
-
Click here to visit website
- If you have any questions, send an email to: info@community-homes.org
|
|
Washington Medical Legal Partnership/Seattle Children’s Hospital: Your child with Disabilities is Turning 18
- On-Demand classes for parents and caregivers of youths in their late teens who will need ongoing support as adults or help with legal decision making. Classes include Supported decision-making; Durable power of attorney; Legal guardianship; and Conservatorship.
-
Click here to access videos (also available in Spanish and Vietnamese).
-
Click here to view PDF of presentations
|
|
-
Self-Advocates: Zoom at Noon - Two Truths and Lie Advocacy!
- Thursday, April 4 , 2024, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
- Presented by the Arc
-
Click here for more information
- Self-Advocates in Leadership (SAIL)
- Tuesday, April 9, 2024, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
- Adults with disabilities focused on legislative change. Legislative updates and more.
- Presented by the Arc
-
Click here for more information
-
Sibs in Advocacy
- Saturday, April 13, 2024, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
- Celebrate National Siblings Day with Sibs in Advocacy.
- Presented by the Arc
-
Click here for more information
-
Self-Advocates: Zoom at Noon - This or That Game Self Determination
- Thursday, April 18, 2024, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
- Presented by the Arc
-
Click here for more information
|
|
Northwest Access Fund: Navigating SSI Applications
- Bring your questions! Monthly classes are led by a Certified Benefits Planner and provide an overview of the SSI application process. Get tips and strategies for the application and redetermination process and leave with a clear idea of the next steps to take.
- These classes are recorded and shared with the people who registered.
- Over Age 18 Initial Application & Age 18 Redeterminations
- CLASSES ARE HELD EVERY THIRD WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH
-
Click here for more information
BenefitU Info and Overview Series
|
|
Technology Opportunities for DDA Clients
- If you have a loved one who is eligible with Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), even if they do not have an assigned case manager, they could be eligible for a free phone.
-
Click here for more information and to access the online form to make a request for a free phone
- If you do not know who your DDA Case Manager is, you can contact DDA - 425.740.6400
Game Design Spring Camp
- As we approach Spring Break, we are thrilled to offer your students a unique and enriching opportunity to dive into the world of game design - at no cost! We understand the importance of providing inclusive educational experiences that cater to the diverse needs of all students. That's why we are excited to announce our One-Week Game Design Workshop, specifically designed for students with IEPs and 504 plans.
-
Create and Develop Games: Students can bring their imagination to life by creating, developing, and coding their own games.
-
Learn from Industry Experts: Our instructors are experienced game developers and educators passionate about making game design accessible and fun.
-
No Cost: This workshop is offered entirely free of charge, ensuring that every interested student can participate without financial barriers.
-
Inclusive Learning Environment: Tailored to meet the needs of students on IEPs and 504 plans, our workshop provides support and resources to ensure a successful and enjoyable learning experience.
- April 8 - 12 2024 and August 26 - 30 2024 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
-
Click here to view flier
|
|
Arc of Snohomish Events (virtual setting)
-
Behavior as Communications
- Monday, April 8, 2024, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
- Click here for more information
-
Guardianship Periodic Reporting
- Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
-
Click here for more information
-
How to use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to Promote Communication and Self-Regulation Across the Day
- Monday, April 22, 2024, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
- Click here for more information
-
2024 Community Summit
- When: May 7th, 8th, and 9th, 2024,
- Where: Wenatchee Convention Center
- Hosted by DSHS DDA
-
Click here for more information
- 2024 Summer Camp Resource Guide
-
Click here to view Arc's Event Calendar
Wise Webinar Series (virtual setting)
|
|
Front Door Events
- Lake Stevens School District
- Wednesday, April 17, 2024 from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
- Click the following links to view flier for more information - English / Spanish
- Mukilteo School District
- Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 6:00 pm
-
Click here for more information
- Monroe School District
- Monday, May 6, 2024 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Youth Transition Summer Workshop
- This is a FREE overnight workshop where you will develop self-advocacy and leadership skills, plan your career goals, build a network of friends and supports, and have a college experience on campus!
- July 7 - 12, 2024 at the University of Washington (Apply by May 24th, 2024)
-
Click here to view flier for more information
Transition Supports and Services: Summary for Students, Families and Caregivers
- The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction developed a resource is to support students and families to learn more about how the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Transition Plan and aligned High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP) support a student to be ready for their goals for post-secondary goals. Employment providers, community members, and other agency providers can benefit in their work with supporting students and families.
-
Click here to learn more
Job Foundation Application: Accepting 2026 Grad Cohort Applications Now!
-
Click Here to learn more about Job Foundation and how it works.
School to Work Application: Accepting 2025 Grad Cohort Applications Now!
-
Click Here to learn more about School to Work and how it works.
- Please note, if you have participated in Job Foundation, you do not need to fill out a separate application for School to Work. If you completed a Job Foundation application but were unable to participate due to not meeting the eligibility criteria with DDA (Developmental Disabilities Administration) but have since become eligible before your third year of Transition, you do not need to fill out another application.
|
|
Everett Transit Free Youth Transit Pass
- For those 18 years and under
-
Click here to get your free Transit Pass
SNOTRAC
|
|
Click on the links below to quickly access one of the many helpful DD webpages!
|
|
|
If you have any questions, comments, concerns or topic/content ideas for this Developmental Disabilities Newsletter, please email us at ddinfo@snoco.org
|
|
|
|
|
