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Developmental Disabilities Newsletter
JUNE 2024 EDITION
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Congratulations to all our young people graduating from Transition Programs in Snohomish County!
IDEA to 22 and Congratulations to the 2024 Cohort of DD Eligible Students in Snohomish County
Big changes happened in Washington Public Schools this month! On May 29, 2024 the Office of the Superintendent released this statement:
N.D. v Reykdal Update - 9th Circuit Court Ruling
“You are likely aware that, on Thursday, May 23, 2024, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling relating to a preliminary injunction in N. D. v. Reykdal. The 9th Circuit concluded that the availability of adult-education programs triggers an obligation under the IDEA to provide special education services to 21-year-old students eligible for special education through their 22nd birthday. You can read the full opinion on the 9th Circuit Court's website.
This is the right decision for students, and OSPI remains in support of this policy change. OSPI will not be seeking an appeal or a stay. We will be working with the Legislature, however, to reconcile our state law which, per the 9th Circuit’s ruling, is now in conflict with the IDEA.
School district partners should start identifying 21-year-old students currently receiving services and convening Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meetings to discuss whether the student is on track to graduate with a diploma or age out, and whether the IEP team believes the student requires additional services over the summer or into the 2024–25 school year, until their 22nd birthday.
We are working closely with the Attorney General's Office to understand the full implications of the ruling, and we will share additional guidance about next steps with school districts to support IEP team discussions as soon as possible.”
You can read this bulletin at N.D. v Reykdal Update: 9th Circuit Court Ruling
Some of our 2024 cohort of students eligible for Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) will continue in school until their 22nd birthday. Others have met with their Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams and have determined they are ready to exit high school. For those who will complete their PreK-12 education this month, we wish you well and hope to see our young adults continue their journey in competitive and integrated employment and a full life into adulthood.
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Pride Month 2024
All people have a right to live, work, and play free from harassment and discrimination. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally. The concept behind the initial Pride march came from members of the Eastern Regional Conference of Homophile Organizations (ERCHO), who had been organizing an annual July 4th demonstration (1965-1969) known as the "Reminder Day Pickets," at Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
Pride Month is held each June to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion in New York City on June 28, 1969, marking the beginning of the LGBTQIA+ rights movement.
Click here to read the Snohomish County Council Resolution
Click here to learn more about Pride Month from the Library of Congress website
For more Pride Month Events throughout Snohomish County, scroll down to 'Community Events'
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Juneteenth in Snohomish County
Juneteenth National Independence Day also called “Juneteenth”, “Freedom Day”, and “Emancipation Day” is an annual celebration marking the end of slavery in the United States. The holiday began in Galveston, Texas in the late 1800s and is the longest-running African American holiday in America. Juneteenth is commonly celebrated with community events, food, sharing in community, and educational and cultural experiences. All county offices will be closed Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
Click here to read more about Juneteenth in Snohomish County
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Youth Employment: A Foundation for Mental Health and Well-Being
The U.S. Department of Labor knows the workforce system is an important partner in supporting the mental health of young people, and that good jobs are a critical component of well-being and security.
Click here to read more about ways communities can step up to help young people.
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Business Ownership, Self-Employment and Entrepreneurship Among People with Disabilities
An inclusive and thriving economy needs business ownership among people with disabilities, employment of disabled people in small businesses, and policies to promote both. Good data form the starting point for policymakers to design sound policies, target initiatives and provide support services to encourage business ownership and entrepreneurship among disabled people.
Click here to read more from the US Department of Labor Blog.
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Announcing the 2024 NDEAM Theme: “Access to Good Jobs for All”
The 2024 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) theme speaks to our commitment to two equally important issues—expanding the number of employment opportunities for people with disabilities and the quality of those opportunities. Click the link below to watch Assistant Secretary Taryn Williams reveal the 2024 theme and start planning your NDEAM activities for October 2024.
Click here to watch the video on YouTube
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Helpful Websites
Click on the links below to view websites.
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Pride Month Events in Snohomish County
- Arlington: Arlington Pride - June 8, 2024
- Eastside (Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Issaquah, Bothell, Fall City, etc.): Eastside Pride PNW
- Edmonds: City of Edmonds Pride Events
- Everett: Everett Pride - June 15, 2024
- Lake Stevens: Pride on the Lake - June 8, 2024
- Marysville: Teen Pride and Tacos - June 6, 2024
- Monroe: 2024 Monroe Pride - June 9, 2024 (website address says 2023 but links to 2024 info)
- Seattle: Seattle Pride Events and Seattle Pride 50th Anniversary
- Snohomish: Snohomish Pride Event - June 1, 2024
- Stanwood-Camano: Stanwood-Camano Pride Parade and Party in the Park - June 1, 2024
Sensory Days at The Museum of Flight
- Wednesday, June 12, 2024 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
- Free Admission with pre-registration
- Sensory Days are for adults and families of children, teenagers and young adults with disabilities including intellectual disabilities, autism, sensory processing disorders and other cognitive disabilities. Guests will get access to the Museum, during off-hours*, where they can explore and self-guide through the galleries with adjusted light and sound for the best possible experience. To enhance the experience, we often provide hands-on, family activities for Sensory Day participants. Find us in the Alaska Airlines Aerospace Education Center in the Great Gallery.
- Sensory Days are intended as a positive and meaningful experience for families visiting The Museum of Flight.
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Click here to register for Sensory Days at the Museum of Flight
Fun at the Farm presented by Courageous Connections
- Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm in Lake Stevens
- Farm tours, games/raffles, crafts, photo ops and Therapy Horses!
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Click here to learn more
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Club Independence
- Meets the first Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 7:30 pm via Zoom
- 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
- Club Independence is currently doing a Planning Your Future Series!
- 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
Trade School Guide for Students with Disabilities
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Community Homes
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
Section 8 Waiting List Open
- May 21, 2024 to June 15, 2024
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Click here to Apply for Section 8
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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 - Share a time when you were needed
- Thursday, June 6, 2024, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
- Presented by the Arc
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Click here for more information
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Self-Advocates: Zoom at Noon - Advocating for change that includes everyone
- Thursday, June 20, 2024, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
- Presented by the Arc
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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
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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Inclusion Recreations Roundtable
- Monday, June 10, 2024, 6:30 pm - 8:00 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)
Snohomish County Transition Kick-Off Event for the 2024-2025 School Year
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SAVE THE DATE: August 16, 2024 from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm at the Everett Public Schools - Community Resource Center
- Emails will be sent out to anyone who is involved in our Transition Services.
- If you are interested in attending this event and have not received an email with the RSVP link by June 10, 2024, please email S2W@snoco.org
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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)
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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.
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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 filled out a Job Foundation application but did not participate due to not being eligibility with DDA but have become DDA eligible for
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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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