|
Developmental Disabilities Newsletter
AUGUST 2024 EDITION
|
|
Getting ready for back to school, Tips and reminders!
It is hard to believe that our students will be heading back to school in just a few short weeks! We have some reminders and tips to make heading back to school successful for everyone.
It is not too late to apply for Job Foundation! Job Foundation engages, connects, and gives students advanced prep by starting early in their second to last year of school. This occurs through discovery and the completion of a Job Foundation Report that includes actionable next steps for employment. Click here to learn more about Job Foundation and how to apply.
Any student who participated in Job Foundation this past year is eligible for the School to Work program this fall. All students who have completed Job Foundation should have received a welcome letter for School to Work. Students who did NOT participate in School to Work should have received a letter to explain next steps for School to Work, or reasons why they might not be eligible for School to Work at this time. Please check your email. Click here to learn more about School to Work.
DVR (Division of Vocational Rehab) enrollment is a requirement to participate in School To Work in the 2024-2025 school year. If you have not yet met with your DVR counselor, make sure to do this right away. If you need help connecting to your DVR counselor, please let us know. We are here to support connections!
Other ways to support your young adult get ready for school includes this useful 4 week planner from Understood.org. It is a helpful resource for any student, younger or older. Back to school starts now! Click here to order the planner.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to age 22
Washington state students with disabilities are eligible to receive services from public schools until they turn 22 this fall. If you are a student, or a family with a student that will have the opportunity to access school longer and were enrolled in School to Work, your services should continue into the school year. Please reach out to your DVR counselor or the Snohomish County Transition Team if you have any questions. Click here for more information from the Office of Public Instruction.
August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month!
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord and impacts the muscles used for activities such as breathing, eating, crawling, and walking. 1 in 50 individuals are a carrier for the gene that causes SMA. Click here to learn more and get involved in spreading awareness about SMA Awareness Month.
James Ian is a singer/songwriter, actor, model and is living with SMA. In July he performed at the White House in celebration of Disability Pride Month, and his song “Spaces”, was made by, and for, the disabled community. Click here to read about how James was able to capture the collective voice of the disability community through his song. You can also find him on Instagram @JamesIanMusic and Facebook at JamesIanMusic.
DSHS Opens the Lake Burien Transition Care Facility
The Lake Burien Transitional Care Facility is a new therapeutic center offering specialized treatment for youth ages 13 to 17 with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and co-occurring disorders. DSHS is hosting presentations for DDA staff and community partners to explain how to submit a referral and an application. DSHS administration will present every Tuesday and Wednesday until August 28, 2024.
For questions, please email at lakeburientcf@dshs.wa.gov.
Click here to read more about the Lake Burien Transition Care Facility.
|
|
Extreme Heat and Weather Information
According to the Administration for Community Living, “Extreme heat has emerged as an increasingly prevalent and severe natural hazard, presenting significant risks to public health, safety, critical infrastructure, and agriculture. People with disabilities and older adults are disproportionately affected by extreme heat, and their exposure leads to a higher likelihood of experiencing severe health risks or death.” Preparing ahead of time can help to when the heat, and stress rises during the summer months.
-
Stay hydrated and know the signs of heat-related illness.
-
Take heat seriously. In extreme heat, a fan should NOT be relied on as the only method of cooling.
-
Have an emergency kit, including extra medications if needed.
-
Be careful about the amount of time spent outdoors
-
Draw your curtains. 40% of heat can come through windows.
-
If the power goes out, make sure to stay in contact with family and friends. Arrange to have family, friends, or neighbors check in with you at least twice a day throughout warm weather periods.
-
If you need help paying your cooling bills, you may be eligible for LIHEAP assistance. Click here for more information or call 866.674.6327
- Click here to sign up for SnoCoAlerts and learn more about Extreme Heat Events and Cooling Centers.
Click here to take the Global Heat Health Indoor Heat – Myths and Facts Quiz.
|
|
Helpful Websites
Click on the links below to view websites.
|
|
|
Inclusion 101 Workshop at the Stanwood Library with Inclusion for All
- August 7, 2024 at 6:00 PM
- IFA will present on the research, the importance of Inclusion, the values of inclusion, the work being done on inclusive education, and what needs to be done in Washington.
- Stanwood Library - Meeting Room (9701 271st St NW, Stanwood, WA. 98292)
- For more information contact: Lei@awnnetwork.org
-
Click here to view flier
MontCOMM ‘24
- Friday, August 9, 2024 from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm MDT
- MontCOMM '24 is the place to be for anyone passionate about alternative ways to communicate. Featuring Lauren Enders Gonzales and Brenda Del Monte,
- MontCOMM '24 will tackle topics requested by past attendees; topics like AAC Evaluations, AAC and Autism, and empowering communication partners of AAC users.
-
Click here to register (In-Person and Virtual)
-
Click here to learn more about the MontCOMM Scholarships opportunities
Snohomish County Elections - Disability Advisory Committee Meeting
-
Monday, August 19, 2024 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
- Snohomish County Elections Division has scheduled their August 2024 Disability Advisory Committee Meeting and are seeking interested individuals and groups to participate.
-
Click here to register for the Zoom meeting
Speaking Up for Yourself as a Parent with I/DD: Being Part of Your Child’s Life at School.
- September 12, 2024 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am
- This information comes from The Association for Successful Parenting. Your kids will spend many hours at their local school and it’s important for you as their parent to be connected and involved. Learn tips to communicate with school staff and other parents more easily, simple ways you can support your child’s education at home and ideas for how you can volunteer or participate in activities at your child’s school.
- This webinar is intended for parents with disabilities, as well as the people who support them.
-
Click here to register for the webinar.
|
|
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
-
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
|
|
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
|
|
Community Homes
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
|
|
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
Dementia Friends WA
- Dementia Friends is a global movement changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia.
- We offer free, 60-minute information sessions to anyone in the community who would like to attend.
- At these sessions, we share information about dementia, communication tips, ways to take action, resources and support that are available.
- We have adapted versions of our materials, and one adaptation is for the IDD community. The focus is dementia and IDD.
- Local Dementia Friends WA - IDD Events:
- Virtual Event via ZOOM - August 18, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. To register, email dementiafriendswa@uw.edu.
- In-person: Granite Falls Library - August 18, 2024 from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm. To register, call 360-691-6087 ext. 5120.
- In-person: Camano Island Library - August 22, 2024 from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. To register, email Karen - kconway@camanocenter.org.
- In-person: Bothell Library - August 26, 2024 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. To register, email dementiafriendswa@uw.edu.
- Interested Volunteer Overview - Virtual Event via ZOOM - August 30, 2024 from 10:00 am to 10:30 am. To register, email dementiafriendswa@uw.edu.
-
Click here to view the whole list of Dementia Friend WA - IDD - August 2024 Events
-
Click here to learn more about Dementia Friends WA
|
|
-
Self-Advocates: Zoom at Noon - How Do You Get Around?
- August 15, 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
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.
-
Click here to learn more about SSI eligibility and how to apply
-
Click here to explore Outreach Materials for People Facing Barriers resources
-
Click here to visit the SSI website
|
|
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.
-
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
|
|
Arc of Snohomish Events (virtual setting)
- Introduction to Special Education for Families
- 2024 Summer Camp Resource Guide
-
Click here to view Arc's Event Calendar
Wise Webinar Series (virtual setting)
|
|
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 filled out a Job Foundation application but did not participate due to not being eligibility with DDA but have become DDA eligible for
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
