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Developmental Disabilities Newsletter
FEBRUARY 2025 EDITION
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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
Snohomish County Recognizes February as Black Heritage Month
Black Heritage Month is a time to recognize and honor the many people, events, and significant contributions of Black and African American people have and continue to make in communities, Nations, and the world. More than 25,000 Black and African American people live and work in Snohomish County and help shape the economy, arts and culture, science, education every day.
Black and African American people with disabilities continue to shape American history including past leaders such as Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Brad Lomax, Johnnie Lacy (to name a few). Current leaders like Imani Barbarin, Andraea LaVant, and long-time disability justice activists, Anita Cameron, create greater understanding of the many contributions and ongoing leadership of Black individuals with disabilities.
Click here to learn about some of these leaders and others, visit Voices of Change: 10 Black Leaders with Disabilities
Click here to learn more about the work of Anita Cameron, go to We Were There Too: Blacks in the Disability Movement
Click here to read the Snohomish County Executive Proclamation
Click here to read the Snohomish County Council Resolution
Year of the Snake- Lunar New Year January 29 – February 12
Lunar New year is widely celebrated in China and other Asian countries. Participants honor their ancestors, show love and gratitude, enjoy family time, and serve traditional foods. Deeply rooted in history, it is the most important holiday for billions of people world-wide.
2025 is the Year of the Snake. Click here to learn more about the significance across a variety of cultures.
In Snohomish County, more than 117,000 residents identify as Asian American, and many observe Lunar New Year. Not every Asian American observes Lunar New Year, but many do. In Washington State, Gov. Jay Inslee signed legislation in 2024 officially making Lunar New Year a recognized legislative holiday.
The bill’s sponsor, Rep. My-Linh Thai, D-Bellevue, proposed it as part of an effort to promote inclusion of Asian Americans. The bill passed the House on Jan. 31 2024 with a vote of 96-1 and on Feb. 28 it unanimously passed the Senate with a 96-0 vote.
Washington joins Colorado and California, which mark Lunar New Year as an official, but unpaid, holiday. In recent years, New York state and Philadelphia began recognizing it as a public school holiday.
Legislative News
The Washington State Legislature is in 2025 regular session is expected to end on Sunday, April 27, 2025. Lawmakers are actively moving legislation through committees continues to face a budget shortfall of between $10 billion to $12 billion over the next four years. February 21 is Policy Committee Cutoff. This will be the last day to read in committee reports in house of origin, except House fiscal committees and Senate Ways & Means and Transportation committees. February 29 the Fiscal Committee Cutoff and this is the last day to read in committee reports from House fiscal committees and Senate Ways & Means and Transportation committees in house of origin. 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 Bill Tracker. It includes bills of interest and hearings of legislation that may affect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
- Click here to visit the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council website and videos throughout the 2025 Legislative Session with WADDC Public Policy Director, Emily Rogers.
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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. Click here to learn about upcoming advocacy days and how to participate.
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Helpful Websites
Click on the links below to view websites.
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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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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.
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Local Dementia Friends WA - IDD Events
- 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 (220 Railroad Ave Box 717, Edmonds, WA 98020). 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
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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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Zooming Advocates - Evening Zoom - Self-Awareness and Support
- Thursday, February 20, 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 - Questions Only Game
- Thursday, March 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)
- Applying to DDA
- Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm via Zoom
- Presenter: Jeanette White, Intake/Eligibility Supervisor for DDA
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Click here for more information
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Click here for Zoom link
- DDA Waiver Services
- Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm via Zoom
- Presenter: Elizabeth Walker and Annu Lalan from DDA
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Click here for more information
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Click here for the Zoom link
- The Arc of Snohomish County - 2025 Mobile Office Hours
- Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Lakewood/Smokey Point Library (3411 169th Place NE, Suites ABC, Arlington, WA. 98223)
- Information and resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families
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Click here for more information
- Protecting Vulnerable Adults with IDD
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- Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm via Zoom
- Presenter: Micah Smith, DSHS Adult Protective Services and Leigh Walters, Office of DD Ombuds
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Click here for more information
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Click here for the registration link
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Click here to view Arc's Event Calendar
Wise Webinar Series (virtual setting)
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Front Door Events:
- 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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