|
Developmental Disabilities Newsletter
MARCH 2025 EDITION
|
|
The 25th Annual Transition Resource Fair is Here!
March 18, 2025, at Cascade High School from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm
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.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Click here for more information
March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Each March, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), and their partners work together to create a social media campaign (#DDAM2025) that highlights the many ways in which people with and without disabilities come together to form strong, diverse communities.
This campaign seeks to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life, as well as awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the communities in which they live.
The theme for #DDAM2025 is “We’re Here All Year” this emphasizes that community, accessibility, and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities should be recognized and championed every day — not just in March.
Click here for more information and to view available resources from NACDD.
Snohomish County Recognizes March as Women’s History Month
Women’s History month is a time to recognize and honor the many people, events, and significant contributions of women to our community, nation, and world. According to the latest U.S. Census data, women compromise 49.5 of Snohomish County’s population, 61 percent of the nation’s adult labor force, and 43 percent of Snohomish County business are owned by women.
The National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA), founded in 1980, is a non-profit educational organization that she designated the 2025 theme around, “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.”
Women with disabilities who have advocated for the rights of others include past leaders such as Harriet Tubman (1822-1913), Sojourner Truth (1797-1883), Barbara Jordan (1936-1996), Joyce Ardell Jackson (1947-2013), Johnnie Lacey (1937-2010), Jazzie Collins (1958-2013), Judy Heumann (1947-2023), and Stacey Park Millburn (1987-2020). Women with disabilities who continue to lead these efforts include today include Anita Cameron, Mia Mingus, Alice Wong, Mary Lou Breslin, Imani Barbarin, Karen Nakamura, Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha, and many more.
Click here to learn more about Seven Women Who Shaped the Disability Rights Movement.
Click here to read the County Council's resolution recognizing March 2025 as Women's History Month and March 8, 2025, as International Women's Day in Snohomish County.
Currently Accepting Job Foundation and School to Work Applications
Attention 2027 Grads – Job Foundation is a program designed to help students and their team seamlessly move into their final year in Transition. A job coach will observe the student through a discovery process and compile the information in a report that is shared with the student’s team. The report includes recommendations including actionable next steps needed for success. Job Foundation is available to students in their second to last year of Transition (ages 19 to 20 years old) and who are eligible with Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). Students who participate in Job Foundation can segue into School to Work (S2W) in their final year of Transition.
Attention 2026 Grads – Applications for School to Work (S2W) are now open. This is an opportunity for your student to access the vital resources they will need once they graduate. The S2W team will help explore opportunities for employment and the goal is to be employed before the student graduates, creating a smooth transition from “School to Work”. Students who want to work, are enrolled in Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), have SSI, have selected a first and second Employment Provider of their choice (aligned with current provider capacity) and are 20-21 years old will qualify. This team provides a network of people who are invested is the student success and who will provide ongoing support during school and after graduation as long as needed. Please note, if you have participated in Job Foundation, you do not need to fill out a separate application for S2W. If you completed a Job Foundation application but were unable to participate due to not meeting the eligibility criteria with DDA but have since become eligible before your third year of Transition, you do not need to fill out another application.
Medicaid Matters
The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council, The Arc of Washington State and Self Advocates in Leadership (SAIL) have created a campaign to help people understand and participate in potential changes coming to their Medicaid services. They have a new webpage and series of videos dedicated to sharing information. These resources provide essential details on what Medicaid is, who uses it, and how it impacts lives across our community. Visit the website to follow the Medicaid Matters Campaign and learn more.
Click here to visit the website to learn more and to follow the Medicaid Matters Campaign.
State Superintendent Chris Reykdal Launches Universal Online Statewide High School and Beyond Plan Platform
In Washington state, K–12 public school graduates are required to have a High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP) in order to earn a diploma. The plan, which students begin in the 7th grade, is designed to help connect students’ career interests with their classes, and their classes with career training or college majors.
Following a request by State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, the 2023 Legislature directed OSPI to facilitate a transition to a universal online HSBP platform. On Friday, February 28, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) announced the launch of that transition.
The High School and Beyond Plan is a powerful platform that guides students to resources, course options, and other tools in support of their career and college exploration,” Reykdal said. “Every student needs a postsecondary plan for their success and the success of our state."
“Our goal for this project is to ensure all Washington students have access to a platform that offers the most comprehensive suite of tools and resources, and that provides real-time data and information to students, parents, guardians, and counselors,” Reykdal continued.
During this initial launch, OSPI will be partnering with SchooLinks to support 156 school districts, technical colleges, state-tribal education compact schools, and charter schools across the state who’ve committed to implementing the SchooLinks platform in the 2025–26 school year. School districts in Snohomish County committed to this implementation in the next school year include: Darrington, Granite Falls, Lake Stevens, Lakewood, Northshore, Mukilteo, and Stanwood-Camano.
Click here to read the OSPI press release.
Click here to learn more about High School and Beyond Plans
|
|
Helpful Websites
Click on the links below to view websites.
|
|
|
SAVE THE DATE: Virtual Community Summit is June 4, 2025
Uniting for Impact: Engaging for Change
DSHS Developmental Disabilities Administration is proud to announce Community Summit 2025: Uniting for Impact, Engaging for Change. This year the Summit will be an all-virtual conference, bringing together self-advocates, families, friends, partners, and allies to collaborate in building more inclusive communities. Please plan to join on June 4, 2025, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Click here to stay up to date with information on speakers, schedules, registration and more.
|
|
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
-
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
-
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
|
|
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.
-
Click here to view upcoming 2025 Information Sessions for 2025 for Dementia Friends WA
-
Click here to learn more about Dementia Friends WA
|
|
-
Zooming Advocates - Afternoon Zoom - Questions Only Game
- Thursday, March 6, 2025, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
- Presented by the Arc of Snohomish County
-
Click here for more information
- For questions or to ask for accommodations contact: Leigh Spruce Leigh@arcsno.org / 425-258-2459 Ext 103
-
Zooming Advocates - Evening Zoom - My Movie, My Life
- Thursday, March 20, 2025, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- Presented by the Arc of Snohomish County
-
Click here for more information
- For questions or to ask for accommodations contact: Leigh Spruce Leigh@arcsno.org / 425-258-2459 Ext 103
-
Zooming Advocates - Afternoon Zoom - Disability Rights and How to Advocate
- Thursday, April 3, 2025, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
- Presented by the Arc of Snohomish County
-
Click here for more information
- For questions or to ask for accommodations contact: Leigh Spruce Leigh@arcsno.org / 425-258-2459 Ext 103
-
Zooming Advocates - Evening Zoom - Share Something New!
- Thursday, April 17, 2025, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- Presented by the Arc of Snohomish County
-
Click here for more information
- For questions or to ask for accommodations contact: Leigh Spruce Leigh@arcsno.org / 425-258-2459 Ext 103
|
|
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
Guidance for Helping Others Apply for Social Security
-
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.
-
The four-part video series includes:
-
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.
-
Click here view videos and to learn more.
|
|
Arc of Snohomish Events (virtual setting)
- 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
-
Click here for more information
- Strengthening Marriages and Partnerships While Raising Children with Disabilities (2-part Virtual Series)
- Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm via Zoom (part 1)
- Monday, April 14, 2025, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm via Zoom (part 2)
- Presenter: Georgia Faye Grammer, MA, M.Ed, LMFT
-
Click here for more information
-
Click here to register
- Protecting Vulnerable Adults with IDD
- 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
-
Click here for more information
-
Click here to register
- The Arc of Snohomish County - 2025 Mobile Office Hours
- Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Darrington Library (1005 Cascade St, Darrington, WA. 98241)
- Information and resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families
-
Click here for more information
- Strengthening Marriages and Partnerships While Raising Children with Disabilities (2-part Virtual Series)
- Monday, April 14, 2025, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm via Zoom (part 2)
- Presenter: Daniel Schmekel, LMFT, CMHS, CART
-
Click here for more information
-
Click here to register
-
Click here to view Arc's Event Calendar
Wise Webinar Series (virtual setting and geared towards Employment Providers and their staff)
|
|
Front Door Events:
- Snohomish School District
- Wednesday, April 16, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
-
Click here for flier
- Stanwood/Camano School District - Thursday, May 1, 2025
- Mukilteo School District - Wednesday, May 7, 2025
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 2027 Grad Cohort Applications Now!
-
Click Here to learn more about Job Foundation and how it works.
School to Work Application: Accepting 2026 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 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.
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
