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Developmental Disabilities Newsletter
JANUARY 2025 EDITION
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 Happy New Year!
We wish you a healthy and joyful year ahead! Our team is dedicated to fostering inclusive communities that support people with developmental disabilities to fully participate in and contribute to all aspects of community life. Each month, we share valuable information and resources to support people in living inclusively.
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.
All presentations and resources are in English. Please email ddinfo@snoco.org to request an accommodation or interpreter service before March 4, 2025.
Mark your calendars – we look forward to seeing you there!
Click here for more information
Social Security Administration Announces Simplified Online SSI Application for Some Adults
An online application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is now available for some adults, making the application process easier. Following up on an announcement earlier this year, the simplified online application is part of the agency’s overall commitment to improving access to SSA’s benefits and programs.
The enhanced online application is accessible to adults who:
- Are 18-64 years and 10 months and applying for SSI and SSDI
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Have never been married. • Have never applied for SSI for themselves or a child
- Are U.S. citizens or noncitizens
Click here to learn more and to apply
A message from the DSHS’ Developmental Disabilities Administration - Spread the Word: Inclusion Works and it is Our Future!
We continue engaging with families and education system partners to advance meaningful inclusion in our state’s public schools for all students, especially students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are excited to share new resources highlighting how we can all collaborate to build inclusive schools.
Check out our Snohomish County Health Department Communication Guide
This guide created by the Snohomish County Health Department to help increase and improve public health communication and supports with our IDD community members. This project was funded in part by our federal partner the Administration on Community Living (ACL). The guide has the potential to help other public health systems improve how they serve our community on a daily and emergency basis.
Click here to view guide
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 some 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).
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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
- Schedule a meeting with your legislator: Reach out to introduce yourself or discuss the issues that matter most to you.
- Click here to explore the new Washington State Legislature website
- Click here to familiarize yourself with the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council's 2025 Legislative Priorities
Makayla’s Voice: A Letter to the World, A Documentary Short available on Netflix
Makayla's Voice: A Letter to the World is a short documentary about a teenage girl with autism who unlocks a joyous world of self-expression by sharing her voice for the first time using a letter board. Her parents, filled with unwavering belief in her potential, embarked on a transformative journey to discover the true depth of Makayla's inner world.
Click here to learn more about the documentary and how to view it
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Helpful Websites
Click on the links below to view websites.
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Racism, Trauma, and Youth of Color Symposium
- Wednesday, January 14, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
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Join for an insightful educational program and panel discussion on Racism, Trauma, and Youth of Color at the Carl Gibson Center, 3025 Lombard Ave., Everett.
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This event is sponsored by NAACP-Snohomish County and Volunteers of America Western Washington Behavioral Health Program and aims to address the rise in race-based incidents in Snohomish County schools.
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The keynote speaker Dr. Kurt Hatch, Ed.D., will shed light on the impacts of racism and bias on youth of color in educational settings. Dr. Hatch's expertise and experience as a former high school principal make him a valuable resource on issues of equity and race. Don't miss the opportunity to hear from a panel of teens sharing their personal stories and perspectives. This event is free, but reservations are highly recommended. Refreshments will be provided.
- Email Kevin Henry for reservations and more details - khenry@voaww.org
OEO Team Virtual Event For Medical Professionals, ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND
- January 16, 2025 9:00-10:30 am PST
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The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO) is excited to present their OEO Team Virtual Event for Medical Professionals to learn about:
- Student Safety at School (Strategies to address HIB Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying, mental health, and physical wellbeing)
- Supports for Students with Disabilities
- These are some of the topics OEFO often get questions or concerns about when working with individuals in the medical field. The first part of the event will be an introduction to OEO and the second part will provide information on the topics listed above, answer questions, and we will discuss steps on how to open a case with OEO when needed.
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Click here to register
- CART services will be available. Interpretation available upon request (please request by January 10, 2025).
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If you have any questions, please contact Tamika Dean: 564-669-0323 / tamika.dean@gov.wa.gov.
- Click here to view flier in English / Spanish
Bottom Dollars Film Screening with Snohomish County Human Rights Commission
- Thursday January 23, 2025, 6:00 PM at the Everett Public Library Main Branch (2702 Hoyt Ave, Everett, 98201).
- The Snohomish County Human Rights Commission hopes you can join us as they kick off 2025 with their first Human Rights Movie Night.
- This is a 2016 documentary that examines the exploitative systems that ensure people with disabilities are paid below minimum wage. When the Fair Labor Standards Act passed in 1938, it included a revolutionary protection: a minimum wage. But Section 14(c) of the Act included an exemption allowing some workers, people with disabilities, to be paid less than minimum wage. This provision was originally designed to persuade employers to hire people with disabilities and open up opportunities. Instead, people with disabilities were often employed in “sheltered workshops,” segregated workplaces away from their communities, earning sub-minimum wage. Three quarter of a century later, 14(c) remains in effect. In 2023, the Washington State Labor and Industry (L & I) no longer issues sub minimum wage certificates for workers with a disability.
- Click here to learn more about the documentary
- Click here to learn more about subminimum wages in Washington State
- Click here to learn more about the Snohomish County Human Rights Commission
Aging as a Parent of a Person with Intellectual / Developmental Disability
- Monday, January 27, 2025
- As people with IDD and their caregivers age, it becomes more important to ensure that a long-term plan is in place.
- Join the Arc of King County for a “Lunch and Learn” presentation about the considerations parents and caregivers should have for the future, and the resources for having conversations about loss and grief.
- For more information, contact Trace Warren-Lozano: twarren@arcofkingcounty.org
Save the date for You are Not Alone, a Youth Suicide Prevention Event
- Saturday, March 1st, 2025 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Rosehill Community Center (304 Lincoln Avenue, Mukilteo)
- The Snohomish County Youth Suicide Taskforce is hosting ‘You are Not Alone’, a youth suicide prevention event.
- The goal is to build hope, resilience, and skills to navigate crisis for adults and youth.
- There will be art, music, therapy dogs, many workshops, food, a gaming tournament, and lots of resources.
- Click here to view event flier
- Click here for more information on volunteering for this event or email Lindsay Donovan: ldonovan@voaww.org
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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:
- 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
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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: 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
- In-Person: January 22, 2025 from 11:15 am to 12:15 pm at the Everett YMCA (4730 Colby Av, Everett, WA. 98203 / (425) 258-9211). Dementia Friends Information Session. To register or if you have any questions, email: dementiafriendswa@uw.edu
- In-Person: January 29, 2025 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at the Carl Gibson Center (3025 Lombard Ave, Everett, WA 98201 / (425) 818-2784). Dementia Friends Information Session. To register or if you have any questions, email: dementiafriendswa@uw.edu
- Virtual - Zoom: January 29, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Dementia Friends Information Session. Click here to register.
- Virtual - Zoom: February 3, 2025 from 10:30 am to 11:45 am. Dementia Friends Information Session. Click here to register.
- Virtual - Zoom: February 20, 2025 from 3:30 pm to 4:45 pm. Dementia Friends Information Session. Click here to register.
- In-Person: February 25, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Edmonds Waterfront Center. Dementia Friends Information Session. To register or if you have any questions, email: dementiafriendswa@uw.edu
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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
Medicaid Matters
- Medicaid is more than healthcare, it funds all Home & Community Based Services for people with I/DD.
- Come learn more about why is matters, potential threats to services and how you can be involved.
- Presented by the Arc of Washington State
- January 8, 2025 at 6:30 pm
- Click here to register
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Zooming Advocates - Afternoon Zoom - Planning Goals
- Thursday, January 2, 2025, 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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ABC's of Advocacy
- Monday, January 13, 2025, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm via Zoom
- Presenter: Cathy Murahashi
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Click here for more information
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Click here for Zoom link
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Zooming Advocates - Evening Zoom - Helping Others with Goals
- Thursday, January 16, 2025, 6:00 pm - 7:00 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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Zooming Advocates - Afternoon Zoom - Name That Advocacy Game
- Thursday, February 6, 2025, 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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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)
- ABC's of Advocacy
- Monday, January 13, 2025, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm via Zoom
- Presenter: Cathy Murahashi from The Arc of Washington State
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Click here for more information
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Click here for Zoom link
- SSI Eligibility and Benefits
- Thursday, January 23, 2025, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm via Zoom and in-person
- In-person at the Arc of Snohomish County Conference Room (127 E. Intercity Ave, Everett, 98204)
- Presenter: Ruth Daugherty, AFC, WIP-C from Northwest Access Fund
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Click here for more information
- Hot Tips for Legislative Advocates
- Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm via Zoom
- Presenter: Ruth Daugherty, AFC, WIP-C from Northwest Access Fund
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Click here for more information
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Click here for Zoom link
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Click here to view Arc's Event Calendar
Wise Webinar Series (virtual setting)
- 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
- Welcome Aboard: Best Practices for Effective Onboarding
- Wednesday, January 22, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Presenter: Anne-Marie Lake
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Click here for more information
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Front Door Events:
- Lake Stevens School District
- Tuesday, February 4, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Lake Stevens School District - District Office (12309 22nd St NE, Lake Stevens, WA. 98258)
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Click here for flier
- Arlington School District
- Tuesday, February 18, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Arlington High School Library
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Click here for flier
- Everett School District
- Tuesday, February 25, 2025 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
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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