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Developmental Disabilities Newsletter
OCTOBER 2024 EDITION
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New Staff Alert: Please welcome our newest team member, Jessica Sowa!
Jessica Sowa (she/her) joined our team in August, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to her role. Growing up in a family that owned and operated an adult family home for individuals with developmental disabilities for over 30 years, Jessica has been actively involved in the community from a young age. This background inspired her to pursue a career in social work, where she focuses on advocating for underserved and marginalized populations. She holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Social Work, specializing in community-centered practice and equitable systems of care.
Before joining Snohomish County, Jessica worked at the University of Washington School of Social Work, where she developed evidence-based training modules for long-term care providers. These modules were designed to equip providers with the knowledge and skills necessary to be more inclusive and supportive of LGBTQ+ older adults. This role ignited her passion for data-driven approaches, which she aims to integrate into her work at the county.
In addition, Jessica previously served as a family advocate in the Shoreline School District, where she gained valuable insight into the challenges families encounter and the importance of accessible resources. As a longtime resident of Edmonds, she is excited to join the team and give back to her Snohomish County community.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October 2024 marks the 79th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), originally established in 1945 to raise awareness about the employment of people with physical disabilities. It has since expanded to a full month, with its name and scope evolving to highlight the importance of increasing workforce inclusion for individuals with any disability, reflecting the diversity of communities across the United States. NDEAM celebrates the value and talent that workers with disabilities bring to America’s workplaces and economy, confirming our commitment to ensuring they have access to good jobs year-round.
This year's theme, “Access to Good Jobs for All,” emphasizes the importance of providing equitable job opportunities for everyone. Snohomish County collaborates with various agencies to support over 800 individuals annually in finding competitive employment, ensuring access to integrated work environments and ongoing job coaching. The county is dedicated to promoting equality, opportunity, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities, affirming their right to be valued members of the community.
Click here to read the Proclamation from Snohomish County Executive, Dave Somers
Click here to read the Proclamation from White House
Click here to learn more about NDEAM
Come see us at our 1st Mini Resource Fair on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Everett Community College
This is a free, community event that welcomes individuals with developmental disabilities (ages 12 and older), their families, caregivers, teachers, employees, and other interested community members. The event will host community agencies and a variety of free workshops that will provide information on services, community connection and access to the people and tools available to help everyone pursue their employment and career goals.
Click here for more information
Mini Transition Resource Fair Flier - English / Russian / Spanish
Disability History and Awareness Month
In 2008, Washington State legislature passed a law declaring October as Disability History Month in public schools and institutions of higher education. 1 out of 5 people in the United States has a disability and learning about the history and contributions of those with disabilities matters. What matters even more is that this is taught through the perspectives of disabled individuals.
There are free resources available to support learning, including the One Out of Five: Disability History and Pride Project. This resource is designed to celebrate the history and identities within this large and diverse community. One Out of Five was designed by the Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO) in partnership with two local educators, Adina Rosenberg and Sarah Arvey, as a guide for schools to address Disability History Month.
Click here to learn more
Additional Opportunities to Celebrate and Grow in October
Down Syndrome Awareness Month
National Down Syndrome Awareness Month is observed every October to promote awareness, acceptance, and inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome. This month serves as a platform to celebrate the unique abilities and contributions of those with Down syndrome, while also educating the public about the challenges they face. Through events, campaigns, and personal stories, the initiative fosters understanding and encourages communities to support individuals and families, emphasizing that everyone deserves to be valued and included. Click here to learn more
Filipino American History Month (FAHM)
Commemorating the first recorded presence of Filipinos in America in October 1587. According to the Filipino American National History Society, the month raises awareness of Filipinos' significant roles in American history. FAHM was established in 1992; and in 2009 under President Barack Obama, October was officially declared Filipino American History Month by the United States Congress. Click here to learn more.
National Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 to October 15
From September 15 to October 15, the U.S. government celebrates the countless contributions of more than 60 million Hispanic Americans, Latinos, Latinas, and Latinx - identifying people to our culture and society. Click here to learn more.
Indigenous Peoples' Day
Monday, October 14, 2024, is a holiday in the United States that celebrates and honors Indigenous American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. It is celebrated across the United States on the second Monday in October and is an official city and state holiday in various localities. Learn more about the City of Seattle’s celebration and check out what might be happening in your community. Click here to learn more.
International Dyslexia Awareness Month
October is a time to celebrate the power of Dyslexic Thinking. New research, revealed by global charity Made By Dyslexia and Randstad Enterprise, tells us that Dyslexic Thinking is now vital for every job, in every sector, worldwide. Click here to learn more.
LGBTQ+ History Month
LGBTQ+ History Month is also celebrated this month. LGBT History Month was first celebrated in October 1994, when it was known as Lesbian and Gay History Month. It was founded by Rodney Wilson, who was the first openly gay public school teacher in Missouri. Learn more about LGBTQ+ month in Washington by visiting the WA LGBTQ Commission. Click here to learn more about LGBTQ+ history in Washington State. Click here for more resource on LGBTQ+ History Month.
Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
Beginning the evening of October 31st through November 2nd, Día de Los Muertos a vibrant Mexican holiday that honors and celebrates deceased loved ones. It combines indigenous traditions with colorful altars, marigold flowers, sugar skulls, and offerings to welcome the spirits back for a joyful reunion. Click here to read more about Día de Los Muertos.
The Latino Educational Training Institute and the Edmonds Waterfront Center are hosting a local event to celebrate Día de Los Muertos. Come experience the colorful altars, lively music, traditional dances, and delicious food that make this celebration so special. This family-friendly event is open to all ages and promises an evening filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. This is a free event taking place on Friday, November 1, 2024 from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Click here to learn more about the event and to purchase tickets.
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Helpful Websites
Click on the links below to view websites.
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Helping Parent and IEP Parent Partner - Free Volunteer Training
- Virtual: Monday - October 7, 14, and 28, 2024 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
- In-Person (Everett) - October 9-10, 2024 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at The Arc of Snohomish County
- In-Person (Lake Stevens) - October 23-24, 2024 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at VOAWW Lake Stevens Community Resource Center.
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Click here to learn more.
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Click here to register
Film Screening of the Ride Ahead
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Thursday, October 10, 2024 on Zoom from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, with community discussion from 5:15 pm to 6:00 pm.
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In honor of Disability Awareness Month, UW Disability Staff and Faculty Association (DSFA) is partnering with DO-IT, UW Disability Studies Program, and UW Honors Program to host a virtual screening of an award-winning film: The Ride Ahead.
- The film by 21-year-old Samuel Habib documents his journey into adulthood and finding community, largely shown from the point of view of two GoPros attached to his wheelchair.
- Click here to learn more about the film: The Ride Ahead
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Click here to RSVP to the screening of The Ride Ahead
Film Screening of Intelligent Lives
- Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 6:30 PM at the Teaching and Learning Center (9600 Sharon Dr., Everett, WA. 98204)
- Click here to learn more
Movie Night and Pumpkin Painting Party
- Wednesday, October 23, 2024
- Presented by CFI: Center for Independence - Marysville Office
- Call or Email Jesse to join/RSVP: (360) 393-3890 / jesseg@cfinorth.org
Mini Transition Resource Fair
- Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 9:00 am to 11:30 am at the Henry M Jackson Conference Center (Everett Community College: 2000 Tower Street, Everett, WA 98201-1390)
- Hosted by Snohomish County Developmental Disabilities
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Click here for more information
Día de Los Muertos 2024
- Friday, November 1, 2024 from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the Edmonds Waterfront Center (220 Railroad Avenue #Box 717, Edmonds, WA 98020)
- Hosted by the Latino Educational Training Institute and the Edmonds Waterfront Center
- Come experience the colorful altars, lively music, traditional dances, and delicious food that make this celebration so special.
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Click here to learn more about the event and to purchase tickets.
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Club Independence
- Meets the first Wednesday of the month from 6:30 pm 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 2024/2025 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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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
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 - Zoom: October 7, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Dementia Friends Information Session. To register or if you have any questions, email: dementiafriendswa@uw.edu
- Virtual - Zoom: October 7, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 2:45 pm. Dementia Friends CHAMPION Session. To register or if you have any questions, email: dementiafriendswa@uw.edu
- Virtual - Zoom: October 8, 2024 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Dementia Friends Information Session - Cultural Adaptation: American Indian and Alaska Native. Click here to register
- Virtual - Zoom: October 22, 2024 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Dementia Friends Information Session - Cultural Adaptation: American Indian and Alaska Native. Click here to register
- In-Person - Mount Vernon: October 22, 2024 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Salem Village Apartments. Dementia Friends Information Session. To register, call (360) 770-4240
- In-Person - Marysville: October 22, 2024 from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm at the Marysville Library. Dementia Friends Information Session. Click here to register
- Virtual - Zoom: November 4, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Dementia Friends Information Session. To register or if you have any questions, email: dementiafriendswa@uw.edu
- Virtual - Zoom: November 4, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 2:45 pm. Dementia Friends CHAMPION Session. To register or if you have any questions, email: dementiafriendswa@uw.edu
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Click here to view the whole list of Dementia Friend WA - IDD - October 2024 Events
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Click here to learn more about Dementia Friends WA
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Self-Advocates: Zoom at Noon - What Scares You About Trying New Things?
- October 3, 2024, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
- Presented by the Arc
- Click here for more information
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Self-Advocates: Zoom at Noon - Voting Ideas and Strategies
- October 17, 2024, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
- Presented by the Arc
- Click here for more information
- 2024 Leadership and Advocacy Workshop
- Saturday, October 19. 2024, 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm
- In-Person Event at The Arc of Snohomish County
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Click here to learn more
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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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Arc of Snohomish Events (virtual setting)
- Navigating DDA Adult Services
- Wednesday, October 16, 2024, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
- Presented by Ashlyn Pisano and Laura Lagerstedt from DSHS DDA
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Click here to learn more
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Click here to register via Zoom
- 2024 Leadership and Advocacy Workshop
- Saturday, October 19. 2024, 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm
- In-Person Event at The Arc of Snohomish County
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Click here to learn more
- Helping Parent and IEP Parent Partner - Free Volunteer Training
- Virtual: Monday - October 7, 14, and 28, 2024 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
- In-Person (Everett) - October 9-10, 2024 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at The Arc of Snohomish County
- In-Person (Lake Stevens) - October 23-24, 2024 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at VOAWW Lake Stevens Community Resource Center.
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Click here to learn more.
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Click here to register
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Click here to view Arc's Event Calendar
Wise Webinar Series (virtual setting)
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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 2026 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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