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Developmental Disabilities Newsletter
DECEMBER 2024 EDITION
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Planning Ahead to Support Yourself and Your Loved One Through December
December marks the end of the year which often culminates a variety of activities, travel, and gatherings. Depending on how your family celebrates the end of the year, there are some good resources available to help prepare and guide through fun (and sometimes chaos) of the season. Planning ahead means you can ensure that your sensory needs are met, as well as those of your loved one with a disability.
Click here to read PAVE’s article on "Giving the Gift of Sensory-Regulation: Supporting a Happy Holiday Season for All"
Here are observances that happen this month:
December 21 to 22: Winter solstice
December 25 to January 2: Hanukkah (aka Chanukah)
December 25: Christmas Day
December 31: New Year’s Eve
Empowering your Transition to Life After High School
The Washington State Rehabilitation Council has collaborated with the agencies named within this resource to support the development and publication of the Washington Transition Partnership Map. This resource provides a high-level summary to help individuals and families learn about and connect to transition services for which they may be eligible as students plan for their transition from high school. Additionally, it serves as a valuable tool for disability support resources and agencies to establish meaningful connections with transition services, thereby supporting individuals with disabilities in securing and maintaining employment. It is not intended to include all transition resources, many of which are available through local counties.
Click here to download the Washington State Transition Map and additional languages will be available soon.
December 3rd: Celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed each year on December 3, 2024, to recognize the achievements, rights, and dignity of individuals with disabilities worldwide – politically, socially, economically, and culturally. This year's theme, "Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future," highlights the vital role that people with disabilities play as leaders in building a more inclusive and sustainable society. President Biden has issued a proclamation in recognition of this day, reaffirming the commitment to equal rights and opportunities for all. This annual observance serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to ensure full participation, inclusion, and accessibility for all individuals. Let’s work together to raise awareness, celebrate the contributions of persons with disabilities, and continue striving for a more equitable and inclusive future for everyone.
Click here to read President Biden's Proclamation on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 2024
Click here to read more about International Day of Persons with Disabilities from the United Nations
Click here to read more about International Day of Persons with Disabilities from the World Health Organization
Save the Date: 25th Annual Transition Resource Fair - March 18, 2025
Join us for the 25th Annual Transition Resource Fair on March 18, 2025 at Cascade High School in Everett! This free community event is open to individuals with developmental disabilities (ages 12 and older), along with their families, caregivers, teachers, and community members.
The fair will feature a variety of community agencies and offer a range of free workshops focused on services, community resources, and tools to support employment and career goals. It’s a great opportunity to connect with others and discover valuable resources to help navigate the transition to a fulfilling future.
Mark your calendars – we look forward to seeing you there!
Click here for more information
Legislative News
The Washington State Legislature will convene for the 2025 regular session on January 13, 2025, and is expected to last 105 days, ending on Sunday, April 27, 2025. Lawmakers could face a budget shortfall of between $10 billion to $12 billion over the next four years. Here are two ways you can learn more about how this session could impact those with developmental disabilities and services.
Click here to check out the Arc of Washington’s Legislative Notebook. It includes public policy ideas that community members are working on and information to help you understand how health, education and social services affect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Second, the Arc of Snohomish County runs the Parent Family Coalition. This is a membership-driven organization made up of families, siblings, foster parents, grandparents, kinships, individuals, guardians and other interested community members. The Coalition provides information and education about legislative policies, disseminates information and teaches families about the social service system, resources in their community, and how their participation in their local community builds integration and inclusion of all people with developmental disabilities. To get involved in the Parent Family Coalition, or to find out more about leadership training, reach out to Rachel Kube, Public Policy & Advocacy Coordinator at 425-258-2459 x107 or Rachel@arcsno.org
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Helpful Websites
Click on the links below to view websites.
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Holiday Party
- Wednesday, December 18, 2024
- Presented by CFI: Center for Independence - Marysville Office
- Call or Email Jesse to join/RSVP: (360) 393-3890 / jesseg@cfinorth.org
Sensory Friendly Christmas Play
- Friday, December 20, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
- Saturday, December 21, 2024 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
- Saturday, December 21, 2024 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- Spring of Life Baptist Church - 4711 116th St SW, Mukilteo, WA. 98275
- $10 fee to participate
- Families of children with special needs are warmly invited to join us for a sensory-friendly play event filled with festive fun! Enjoy holiday craft stations, games, photo opportunities, and light snacks in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
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Click here to view flier
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Click here to register - Registration is required for all 2 years and older.
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Click here for more information
Tulalip Lights and Ice
- November 23, 2024 through January 12, 2025
- Tulalip Amphitheatre - 10400 34th Ave NE, Tulalip, WA. 98271
- Click here for more information
Holiday Spark at the Evergreen State Fair Park
- December 5 - 8, 2024
- 14405 179th Ave SE. Monroe, WA. 98272
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Click here for more information
Holiday Native Bazaar
- December 6 - 7, 2024 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Native art, beaded jewelry, drums, cedar baskets, native prints, clothing, carvings, crafts, and more. Free and open to the public.
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Gathering Hall 7512 Totem Beach Rd (1-5 Exit 199, follow signs to Tulalip)
- Click here for more information
Merrysville for the Holidays
- December 7, 8, and 15, 2024
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Click here for more information
Stanwood - Light Up Your Holidays
- December 7, 2024 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
- 8727 271st Street NW, Stanwood
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Click here for more information
Granite Falls Winter Market
- December 14, 2024 from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
- 110 S Alder Ave, Granite Fall, WA 98252 (Boys and Girls Club Gym)
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Click here for more information
Marysville Jingle Bell 5K Fun Run
- December 15, 2024 at 9:00 am
- Race starts at Lakewood High School
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Click here to register for 5K Fun Run
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Click here for more information
Arlington Hometown Holidays
- Multiple Dates throughout December 2024
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Click here for more information
Wintertide - Everett's Happy Holiday's
- Multiple Dates throughout December 2024
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Click here for more information
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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
- 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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DO-IT Scholars: Seeking WA High School Students with Disabilities for College Prep Program
- The DO-IT Scholars program prepares high school students with disabilities for college and careers through two summer sessions at the University of Washington. Scholars engage in hands-on labs, lectures, and college life, while receiving support for technology needs and self-advocacy.
- The program offers free housing, meals, and accommodations.
- Applications are open to high school sophomores and juniors in Washington state. Priority is given to applications received by January 30, 2025.
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Click here to learn more, attend an info session or visit the program website to apply.
- Info Session Times:
- 12/10/2024, Tuesday, 7:00 PM
- 12/18/2024, Wednesday, 3:00 PM
- 1/16/2025, Thursday, 7:00 PM
- To request a printed application, please email - doit@uw.edu.
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
- Next webinar - Thursday, January 8, 2025, 1:00 pm PST/4:00 pm EST
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Click here to register for webinar
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Click here to get a free Residential Assessment
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Click here to learn more
Tacoma Housing Authority - Section 8 Choice Voucher Waiting List OPENING November 14, 2024
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Good news! The Tacoma Housing Authority is opening its Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list on November 14th! That makes seven open lists in Washington State alone. If there are any in Washington you haven't yet applied for, make yourself a plan to apply for each one and then track the progress of those applications. Receiving one of these vouchers could be an integral piece of your family's overall housing plans.
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Click here to see all the waiting lists available from Affordable Housing Online, and let us know if you need help navigating the site or understanding the application process. Receiving a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher is crucial for many families and self-advocates in supporting their dreams for the future.
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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.
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Local Dementia Friends WA - IDD Events:
- Virtual - Zoom: December 2, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Dementia Friends Information Session. Click here to register.
- Virtual - Zoom: December 4, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 2:45 pm. Dementia Friends CHAMPION training - for new Volunteers. To register or if you have any questions, email: dementiafriendswa@uw.edu
- Virtual - Zoom: December 5, 2024 from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm. Interested Volunteer Overview. To register or if you have any questions, email: dementiafriendswa@uw.edu
- Virtual - Zoom: December 10, 2024 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Dementia Friends Information Session. Click here to register.
- Virtual - Zoom: January 6, 2025 from 10:30 am to 11:45 am. Dementia Friends Information Session. To register or if you have any questions, email: dementiafriendswa@uw.edu
- Virtual - Zoom: January 16, 2025 from 3:30 pm to 4:45 pm. Dementia Friends Information 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 Friends WA - IDD - December 2024 Events
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Click here to view upcoming 2025 Information Sessions for 2025 for Dementia Friends WA
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Click here to learn more about Dementia Friends WA
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Self-Advocates: Zooming Advocates - What Legislative issues are important to you?
- Thursday, December 5, 2024, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
- Presented by the Arc of Snohomish County
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Click here for more information
- For questions or to ask for accommodations contact: Leigh Spruce Leigh@arcsno.org / 425-258-2459 Ext 103
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Celebrate Self-Advocacy Leadership
- Wednesday, December 11, 2024, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Carl Gipson Center
- Games, Light Dinner and Celebration!
- Registration is required - click here to register by December 9, 2024
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Click here for more information
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Self-Advocates: Zooming Advocates - Do you have an evening routine?
- Thursday, December 29, 2024, 6:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Presented by the Arc of Snohomish County
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Click here for more information
- For questions or to ask for accommodations contact: Leigh Spruce Leigh@arcsno.org / 425-258-2459 Ext 103
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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
Guidance for Helping Others Apply for Social Security
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Did you Know? Social Security provides information for those who are helping young adults, and their families navigate the Social Security Application process? Whether you help a family member or friend or help someone through a group or organization, there is a Third-Party Disability Application Video Series for you. These videos offer detailed guidance for people who help claimants file a disability application, whether online or with paper forms. Specifically, the series focuses on the required forms and steps needed to file a complete third-party disability application.
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The four-part video series includes:
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Video 1: “Helping Others Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits”
- Video 2: “The Application Package” - The application package for filing a disability application online on someone’s behalf.
- Video 3: “Additional Information & Forms” - Additional information and forms for filing a disability application online on someone’s behalf.
- Video 4: “Tips & Best Practices” - Tips and best practices for filing a disability application online on someone’s behalf.
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Click here view videos and to learn more.
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Arc of Snohomish Events (virtual setting)
- Special Needs Trusts - Virtual Event
- Monday, December 9, 2024, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
- Presented by Mercedes C. Vargas Aguirre and the Arc of Snohomish County
- Topics include: First Party vs. Third Party Trusts, Pooled Trusts, ABLE Accouts
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Click here for Zoom link
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Click here for more information
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Click here to view Arc's Event Calendar
Wise Webinar Series (virtual setting)
- Advocacy
- Wednesday, December 4, 2024 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Presenter: Aaron Dickson
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Click here for more information
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Click here to register
- Building Resilience: Mental Wellness Practices in Supported Employment and Community Inclusion Services
- Wednesday, December 11, 2024 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Presenter: Heather Evans
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Click here for more information
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Click here to register
- Dual Diagnosis in Employment Settings
- Wednesday, December 18, 2024 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Presenter: Laura O'Rourke
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Click here for more information
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Click here to register
- Invisible Disabilities: Unmasking Your True Self
- Wednesday, January 15, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Presenter: David Murahashi and CJ Webb
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Click here for more information
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Click here to register
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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 2027 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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