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Developmental Disabilities Newsletter
MAY 2024 EDITION
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Ben has been with the County almost 6 years and has been an outstanding co-worker, advocate, and support for our agencies and community. His passion for supported employment continues to push Snohomish County forward and it has been a privilege to have him here. It is hard to see someone go who has been so dedicated to supported employment in our County. This includes not only his time here, but his many years working as a provider. However, we are so excited for Ben and what he will do as he is taking on a statewide role at DDA as their Community Inclusion and Transition Program Manager. You can find out more about his new role in the announcement from DDA below.
Here is how Ben has described his great new role: “As the Community Inclusion and Transition Program Manager I look forward to utilizing my more than 25 years of experience supporting individuals and programs with their individual employment goals and having full inclusion in their communities. I bring a unique perspective by having had the opportunity to work in both private sector and county government. I look forward to continuing to enhance the relationships I have with our counties, providers, and many other stakeholders I have been fortunate enough to work with.”
2024 Transition Resource Fair Data
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. Throughout the month, various national, state and local organizations aim to eradicate stigma, extent support, and advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being of individuals and families affected by mental health (National Alliance on Mental Health).
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has recognized Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) every May. This month is dedicated to increased awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being and provide resources and information to support individuals and communities who may need mental health support.
It can be challenging to meet the needs of youth, including youth and adults with developmental disabilities, and for parents and caregivers. If you have a loved one who is served by Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), reach out to your case manager with any questions about mental health supports and services. If your loved one is school age, you can also reach out to your school’s counselor. Also, don’t forget your need for support as a parent, guardian, or caregiver of an individual with developmental disabilities. Here are some additional resources:
- Anyone can call the Volunteers of America Care Crisis Line at 1-800-584-3678. This service if 24/7 and free. They can connect you to a mental health provider.
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Click here to access information from the Snohomish County Behavioral Health Children and Youth Programs
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Click here for information from Kids’ Mental Health Washington and supporting the behavioral health needs of Washington kids, youth and families
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The Center of Parent Excellence (COPE). This is intended to provide a pathway for Washington State parents who are accessing and navigating the children’s behavioral health system to have peer support to ease their journey, whenever possible. Support is provided by A Common Voice, a statewide, family-run nonprofit organization that provides advocacy and support for families whose children have intensive behavioral health needs.
- If you are a Washington State parent/caregiver of a child/youth who may benefit from assistance accessing and navigating behavioral health services, please contact Jasmine Martinez, Jasmine@acommonvoice.org, Phone: 253-732-4944
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Click here to for more information about the C.O.P.E. Project
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Click here to learn more about SAMHSA and to access the Mental Health Awareness Month toolkit
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Jewish American Heritage Month
Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) is an annual recognition and celebration of American Jews’ achievements and contributions to the United States of America during the month of May. It recognizes culture, history military, science, government and more. In 2006, President George W. Bush made this proclamation as a result of a concerted effort by American Jewish leaders to introduce resolutions in both the U.S. Senate and the House urged the President to proclaim a month specifically recognizing Jews in America and their contributions. The White House and various regions in the US recognize Jewish people with proclamations. They celebrate accomplishments and value the Jewish Americans connections to their identity, culture and values. Many recognize the history of people fleeing persecution who have sought the promise of freedom and opportunity to start life anew in America. A theme running through many of the proclamations around the country is respect, embracing the rich diversity in communities, and a commitment to combating antisemitism, hate, bias or violence based on identity.
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Click here to read the White House Proclamation on Jewish American Heritage Month
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Click here to read a message from USAID on "Commemorating Jewish American Heritage Month"
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Click here to learn more about Jewish American Heritage
May 6, 2024 is also National Holocaust Remembrance Day. The Snohomish County TILT (Trauma-Informed Leadership Team) has shared information and resources with everyone that we would like to share out to our community:
Eight decades follow the Holocaust, but it is important to remember that trauma runs deep. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that as of 2019 there are approximately 80,000 Holocaust survivors that reside in the United States. Survivors and their families can be folks we work with, provide services to, and interact with outside of our work (and helps me remember just how important self and co-care are). Here’s the President’s remarks at today’s U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Annual Days of Remembrance ceremony and statement from the Secretary of State:
During this week of National Holocaust Remembrance, we remember the six million Jews who were murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators, as well as the millions of others, including Roma, LGBTQI+ persons, Slavs, and persons with disabilities who were persecuted and killed. Holocaust survivors and their families are a testament to courage and resilience. They are a living rebuke to those who sought to extinguish the future of the Jewish people and to those who try to distort or deny the Holocaust. Nazis and their collaborators engaged in murder on an unprecedented scale, systematically killing people simply because they were different. May we never forget the harrowing lessons of the Holocaust as we recommit ourselves to ensuring such horrors are never again perpetrated, suffered, or witnessed by humankind.
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Resource: U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s 13-min video on the history of antisemitism.
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Resource: Definition of antisemitism used in federal anti-discrimination laws.
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Resource: White House Fact Sheet - Biden-Harris Administration Ramps Up Actions to Counter Antisemitism on College Campuses and Protect Jewish Communities
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Resource: “An American’s Guide to Allyship Through Civic Action,” developed by America Indivisible and the Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign, offers examples of actions that can help increase inclusion in communities.
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Resource: The Anti-Defamation League offers tools and strategies for responding to biased language and slurs.
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Resource: Best practices for bystanders and allies on countering online harassment.
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Resource: The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) provides in-depth information about hate crimes and bias incidents including scenario and case examples.
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Resource: DOJ also created a fact sheet on its efforts to combat hate crimes.
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Resource: Learn how to report a hate crime.
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May is National Military Appreciation Month
In 1999, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution to establish May as Military Appreciation Month. May has an opportunity to reminding Americans pay tribute to those who have served. Although the entire month is designated to honoring past and present military members and their families, there are several, specific military holidays that take place during Military Appreciation Month itself, including Loyalty Day (May 1st), VE Day (May 8th), Military Spouse Appreciation Day (May 10th), Mother’s Day (May 12th), Armed Forces Day (May 18th), and Memorial Day (May 27th).
For those who have served, are active duty, or reserve, military families with a loved one who experiences developmental disability can make accessing appropriate care and services very challenging. Often, learning about supports and services involves researching both military and civilian supports separately because they do not intersect enough and/or results in an increased administrative burden on military families. Most active duty and highly mobile families simply do not have the time in a single state to do that kind of research and connect with programs before they are uprooted and begin again in a new location. When civilian and military programs collaborate, the families served by both can more easily connect with necessary resources.
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Click here to learn more about how the Snohomish County community can support Military Families with Children with disabilities
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May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Month
This month is also dedicated to recognizing the contributions, culture, and influences Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities have made throughout the United States of America. These contributions include the work done on the transcontinental railroad, instituting Asian American civil rights movement, and influencing food, fashion, music and language (City of Marysville). Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders are the fastest growing racial group in our country and make up 12.7% of Snohomish County’s population. May is an opportunity to celebrate the culture, histories, and contributions of one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse groups in the United States.
For many Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders with developmental disabilities and their families, it can be challenging to navigate stigma associated with disability that could exist in different communities. Also, when English is not the primary language, a lack of interpreters, translation services, and lack of cultural responsiveness can create major barriers to utilizing services for family members with disabilities.
Ways the Snohomish County community can support the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders and improve access to services include:
- Provide culturally relevant resources on how to have conversations about disability with their families and in their community.
- Train healthcare and social service workers to be culturally responsive when interacting with this very diverse racial group.
- Make handouts and readings accessible by using plain language and offering pamphlets in the person’s desired language.
- Conduct more research on the unique struggles of disabled Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders as a product of both disability and Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders identities.
Snohomish County Council is also celebrating the heritage and culture of Asian American and Pacific Islander in Snohomish County.
- Click here to read Resolution No. 24-023 recognizing May 2024 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Snohomish County
Here are some resources:
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Click here to view the Asian Americans with Disabilities Resource Guide
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Click hereto learn more about the University of Hawaii Center on Disability Studies
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Click here to learn more about the Asians and Pacific Islanders with Disabilities of California
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Click here to read 'Disabled, Asian American, and Proud' by Sydney Tran and Kathleen Bogart (posted to Psychology Today on July 27, 2022)
- Asian Service Center (ACS) empowers and enables members of the Asian and other underserved communities in achieving their full potential and contributing to the larger society, through culturally and linguistically appropriate services and programs. ACS is a based in Snohomish County with their office in Edmonds, WA.
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Helpful Websites
Click on the links below to view websites.
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Social Service and Educational Resource Conference
Join United Indians at the Social Service & Educational Resource Conference hosted at Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center on May 11, 2024 from 10 am to 4 pm.
- Designed to empower Native families, this conference will host an array of community resources and insightful conference sessions and panels. Through providing access to critical services and information, we want to ensure the well-being and educational success of our Indigenous communities.
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Click here to register and for more information about conference
Seattle International Film Festival will screen “The Ride Ahead” by Samuel and Dan Habib
21-year-old wheelchair user Samuel Habib is itching to become an independent member of society, but he lives with a rare genetic mutation that necessitates 24/7 care. Witness how he sets out to manage a world that ignores the needs of Disabled people.
- Producer Erica Lupinacci scheduled to attend, and join Directors Dan and Samuel Habib for a virtual Q&A.
- At both screenings, ASL interpretation services will be provided, Audio Description devices will be available, and the film will be presented with Open Captions.
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Click here to view see show times (including virtual screening) and to purchase tickets
- The Seattle International Flim Festival runs from May 9 - 19, 2024 (streaming May 20 - 27, 2024)
Disability and Access in the Outdoors with Author Syren Nagakyrie
- Monday, May 13, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm
- Sno-Isle Libraries is hosting an online discussion with Syren Nagakyrie regarding their book "The Disabled Hiker's Guide to Western Washington and Oregon" and their work to create a more accessible and inclusive outdoors. Syren is also the founder of Disabled Hikers.
- The talk with Syren will be around:
- What does accessibility actually mean?
- What outdoor recreation opportunities are available for people with disabilities?
- How do we shift decades of misperception about disability and the outdoors?
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Click here to learn more and access to Zoom link
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Click here to learn more about Disabled Hikers,
- Click here to access the discussion on Sno-Isle Libraries YouTube channel after May 13, 2024. The video will be available for 1 year after it is posted.
Accessibility 101 Webinar for Arts and Culture Organizations
- May 16, 2024 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm via Zoom
- Join ArtsWA for a free 'Accessibility 101' webinar designed for arts and cultural organizations in Washington State.
- Attendees will gain an awareness of disability in our communities, understand the benefits of accessibility for everyone, increase understanding of accessibility laws and requirements, and learn how to get started in your accessibility work.
- Presenters: Beth Bienvenu, Ph.D., Accessibility Director of NEA Office of Accessibility; Katharine Hayward, Ph.D., Accessibility Specialist at NEA Office of Accessibility; and Elizabeth Ralston, MPH, Accessibility Consultant, Elizabeth Ralston Consulting, LLC
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Click here to register
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Click here to learn more about ArtsWA
Sherwood Community Services is the Official Nonprofit for the Washington Wolfpack Arena Football Team!
One of our 13 Employment Providers, Sherwood Community Services, is partnering with the new arena football team, Washington Wolfpack, as their official nonprofit. Sherwood states on their announcement via Instagram that "the Wolfpack's commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming community is incredible, they Believe in Abilities. We look forward to making a positive impact with the Wolfpack, both on and off the field, and cannot wait for their season to start!"
The Wolfpack has already started their season and is hosting their second home game on May 12, 2024. Sherwood and The Wolfpack are also offering a 20% off discount code for single game tickets, use 'Sherwood' at checkout to receive discount.
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Click here to learn more about the Wildcats, view their home schedule and to purchase tickets
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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!
- May 1, 2024 - Decision Making: Making Major and Daily Decisions
- June 5, 2024 - Employment/Daily Activities/Socializing
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Click here to register
- 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
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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
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Click here to learn more about Transition Club
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Edmonds College: Pursuit Lab – College and Career Prep for Students with Disabilities
- The Pursuit Lab is a pre-employment transition service for students transitioning out of high school or looking for jobs/careers
- SUMMER ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN: Pursuit is offering more classes and internships. Classes are provided at no cost to students, and internships pay minimum wage.
- All classes will include opportunities to learn self-advocacy and workplace readiness skills, discover personal strengths, and create a strengths-based resume. Students not doing internships will also be able to participate in informational interviews and job site tours from 12 to 1 p.m.
- Students are eligible if they are 14-21 years old (16-21 if applying for internships), have a documented disability (IEP, 504, medically diagnosed, or signed up for accommodation with Edmonds College’s Services for Students with Disabilities), and are enrolled in the K-12 system, a transitional program, or a college/university
- Summer classes start July 8, 2024 - REGISTRATION is due by May 15, 2024.
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Click here to register
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Click here to apply for an internship
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Click here to learn more
Trade School Guide for Students with Disabilities
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Community Homes
- Community Homes provides, promotes, and sustains exceptional community-based housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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Click here to visit website
- If you have any questions, send an email to: info@community-homes.org
Partners4Housing
- Offers free webinars to learn about Roommate Matching Pool, online Residential Assessment and Consulting Services
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Click here to get a free Residential Assessment
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Click here to learn more
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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.
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Click here to access videos (also available in Spanish and Vietnamese)
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Click here to view PDF of presentations
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- Self-Advocates: Zoom at Noon - "Mother May I'" Advocacy Questions
- Thursday, May 2, 2024, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
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Click here for more information
- Self-Advocates: Zoom at Noon - "Mother May I'" Advocacy Questions
- Thursday, May 2, 2024, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
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Click here for more information
- Self-Advocates - Woman's Self-Advocacy Group - Healthy Relationships and Abuse Awareness
- Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
- A group designed for woman ages 18 and up with intellectual or developmental disabilities, but all woman are welcome
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Click here for more information
- Self-Advocates: Zoom at Noon - What are you proud of about yourself?
- Thursday, May 16, 2024, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
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Click here for more information
- Self-Advocates - People First of Snohomish County - Recycling Challenges: Barriers People with Disabilities Encounter
- Thursday, May 23, 2024, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
- A self-advocacy group by and for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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Click here for more information
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The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and Northwest Educational Service District 189 are thrilled to announce a variety of summer events specifically designed for students with disabilities in Snohomish County. Any student with an IEP/504 Plan, aged 16-21, is eligible to participate in these events.
Paid Internships and Experiences for Snohomish County Transition Students:
- Boys & Girls Club of Snohomish County
- Locations: Alderwood, Cascade, Coupeville, South Whidbey Elementary School, Edmonds, Everett, Granite Falls, Lake Stevens, Lummi, Marysville, Monroe, Mukilteo, Oak Harbor, Snohomish, South Everett/Mukilteo, Sultan, Trailside, and Tulalip
- 2023-2024 Snohomish Boys & Girls Club Flyer - Google Docs
- Volunteers of America
- Cedar Grove Compost
- Symmetria Integrative Medical
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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
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Click here for more information
BenefitU Info and Overview Series
- Overview Sessions Will Cover:
- How to navigate the BenefitU website to find tools and resources
- Benefit Planning service eligibility
- Why and when benefit planning is important
- What services BenefitU is and is not able to offer
- How to request an intake for benefit planning support
- What to expect from BenefitU planning services and other frequently asked questions
- May 15, 2024 from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm via zoom
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Click here for more information
Outreach Materials for those Facing Barriers
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program offers monthly financial assistance to individuals aged 65 or older, or those with disabilities or blindness, who have limited income and resources. SSI aids in covering essential expenses such as rent, food, clothing, and medicine. In 2024, the basic monthly payments are $943 for individuals and $1,415 for couples.
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Click here to learn more about SSI eligibility and how to apply
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Click here to explore Outreach Materials for People Facing Barriers resources
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Click here to visit the SSI website
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Technology Opportunities for DDA Clients
- If you have a loved one who is eligible with Developmental Disabilities Administration, even if they do not have an assigned case manager, they could be eligible for a free phone.
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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
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Arc of Snohomish Events (virtual setting)
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2024 Community Summit
- When: May 7th, 8th, and 9th, 2024,
- Where: Wenatchee Convention Center
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Click here for more information
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DDA: An Overview of Eligibility for Consumers and Families
- Monday, May 13, 2024, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
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Click here for more information
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DDA Employment and Community Inclusion Services
- Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
- Click here for more information
- 2024 Summer Camp Resource Guide
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Click here to view Arc's Event Calendar
Wise Webinar Series (virtual setting)
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Front Door Events
- Monroe School District
- Monday, May 6, 2024 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- Monroe School District Administration Office - 14692 179th Ave SE, Monroe, WA 98272
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Click here to join via Zoom
- Contact Jill Vandemoortele for more information (vandemoortelej@monroe.wednet.edu / (360) 804-4521)
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 10th, 2024)
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Click here to view flier for more information
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Click here to apply
Youth Exploration Program
The Youth Exploration Program is designed to introduce career exploration to in-school youth ages 14-21 with an IEP or 504 Plan to apprentice-able pathways in the trades.
The program consists of:
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Work-Readiness Classroom Workshops: Held virtually or in-person during the school year
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Summer Boot Camps: Work-based learning, 40-hour paid training
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Exploring Trades Careers: Through job site tours, informational interviews, and job shadowing, when available
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Strength Building: How to support ones needs while practicing self-advocacy, workplace communication, and team building
- Our goal is to provide interest into ANEW’s Trades Rotation Program (TRP) and the Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Education (PACE) Program which are our pre-apprenticeship training programs for those interested in pursuing occupations in the construction trades. These 12-week programs give womxn and men the confidence and competitive edge needed to enter apprenticeship programs and high-paying construction careers.
Build Your Future Weekly Summer Camps
- Weekly camps from June 24, 2024 thru August 23, 2024
- Students will earn a stipend; learn construction terminology; learn how to use hand and power tools; create a team project; and learn transferable skills
- Eligibility: 14 to 21 years old; students with an IEP, 504 plan, or any other documented disability
- Location: classes will be held at ANEW Tukwila Training Center or may be held at hosting schools
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Click here for more information or contact Dee Jackson (dee@anewcareer.org / 206.710.1004)
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.
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Click here to learn more
Job Foundation Application: Accepting 2026 Grad Cohort Applications Now!
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Click Here to learn more about Job Foundation and how it works.
School to Work Application: Accepting 2025 Grad Cohort Applications Now!
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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.
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Everett Transit Free Youth Transit Pass
- For those 18 years and under
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Click here to get your free Transit Pass
SNOTRAC
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Click on the links below to quickly access one of the many helpful DD webpages!
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If you have any questions, comments, concerns or topic/content ideas for this Developmental Disabilities Newsletter, please email us at ddinfo@snoco.org
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