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Developmental Disabilities Newsletter
APRIL 2025 EDITION
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Another Successful Transition Resource Fair in the books!
With an impressive turnout of over 450 community members, our 25th Annual Snohomish County Developmental Disabilities Transition Resource Fair held this past March was a resounding success. Featuring more than 45 community agencies, 10 workshops, the event buzzed with activity at Cascade High School, filling the cafeteria and surrounding hallways to capacity.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this year's fair, and eagerly anticipate welcoming you back next year for our 26th Annual Transition Resource Fair!
Click here for further details about the fair, including a comprehensive list of participating community agencies and other related news.
Join Us for the Mini Transition Resource Fair – May 3, 2025, 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Stilly Valley Health Connections, Arlington, WA.
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 is a smaller version of our large resource fairs and hosts community agencies and 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.
Mini Transition Resource Fair Flier - English / Russian / Spanish
Click here to visit the Mini Transition Resource Fair website for more information
*Please email ddinfo@snoco.org to request accommodation or interpreter services before April 17, 2025
Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month!
"The world needs different kinds of minds to work together”- Temple Grandin, an Autistic advocate and scientist
Join Sno-Isle Libraries in celebrating Autism Acceptance Month. From Sno-Isle Libraries: “Autism Acceptance Month is more than just raising awareness; it's about fostering understanding, inclusion, and appreciation for Autistic individuals. This month is a time to celebrate the unique strengths, perspectives, and talents of Autistic individuals while promoting meaningful acceptance in all aspects of life. Similarly, Christopher Banks, CEO of the Autism Society of America, emphasizes the importance of true inclusion: "Awareness is knowing that somebody has Autism—acceptance is when you include a person with Autism in your activities. Help (them) to develop in that community and get that sense of connection to other people."
Click here to explore Sno-Isle Libraries' page featuring various events and community engagement opportunities in celebration of Autism Acceptance Month.
Click here to discover the resources Sno-Isle Libraries provides for neurodivergent individuals by visiting their Accessibility page
Click here to learn more about the Ed Wiley Autism Acceptance Lending Library, available online and in-person in Stanwood.
Snohomish County Recognizes April as National Arab American Heritage Month
Arab American Heritage Month was first recognized by President Biden in 2021. In 2022, Congress, the U.S. Department of State, and 45 state governors issued proclamations commemorating the initiative. National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM) is a time to recognize and reflect the many contributions Arab Americans have made to enrich the political, economic and cultural landscape of America. Approximately four million Arab Americans live in the United States.
This month, Snohomish County is also celebrating the heritage and culture of Arab Americans in our community.
Click here to read Resolution No. 25-007 from the Snohomish County Council declaring April 2025 as Arab American Heritage Month.
Click here to explore additional resources from the Burke Museum, Highline Museum: Arab American Celebration, Smithsonian: Arab American Heritage Month, and the Arab American National Museum.
April is Month of the Military Child
The U.S. Department of Defense celebrates military children during the month of April. There are more than 1.6 million military children who face unique challenges and experiences due to their parents' service. The Month of the Military Child honors military-connected children and youth, emphasizing the vital role they play in the armed forces community.
Washington ranks 6th in the nation for the number of active-duty military personnel and is home to many service members whose families participate in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). The EFMP is a service-wide program that supports service members and their families with medical conditions of all ages. Snohomish County is home to Naval Station Everett, where an EFMP Liaison assists military families in navigating schools and other systems when their loved ones are enrolled in the program.
Click here to learn more about Month of the Military Child go to Month of the Military Child.
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 move 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.
Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act is Available on YouTube
Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act tells the emotional and dramatic story of the decades-long push for equality and accessibility that culminated in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. While curb cuts, ramps at building entrances, and braille on elevator buttons seem commonplace today, they were once the subject of a pitched battle that landed on the steps of Congress. Told through the voices of key participants and witnesses, the film highlights the determined people who literally put their bodies on the line to achieve their goal and change the lives of all Americans. A story of courage and perseverance, the film brings to life one of the great civil rights movements in American history, where ordinary people made their voices heard and Congress responded. A testament to the power of coalition building and bipartisan compromise, the passage of the ADA is a shining example of democracy in action.
Click here to learn more about Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act.
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Helpful Websites
Click on the links below to view websites.
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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.
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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
- Upcoming Workshop
- Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 5:00 pm
- Upcoming Webinars
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Click here to learn more about Partners4Housing Workshops and Webinars
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Click here to get a free Residential Assessment
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Click here to learn more about Partners4Housing
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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.
- Virtual - Zoom: April 15, 2024 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Dementia Friends Information Session - Cultural Adaptation: American Indian and Alaska Native. Hosted and led by the International Association for Indigenous Aging. Click here to register
- In-Person: April 16, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Camano Island Library (848 N Sunrise Blvd Suite D, Camano, WA 98282). Dementia Friends Information Session. To RSVP, email: kconway@camanocenter.org or call: 360-387-0222
- Virtual - Zoom: April 17, 2025 from 3:30 pm to 4:45 pm. Dementia Friends Information Session. Click here to register.
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Click here to view the April 2025 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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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
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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 - Share Something New!
- Thursday, April 17, 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
- Thursday, May 1, 2025, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
- Presented by the Arc of Snohomish County
- 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)
- 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
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Click here for more information
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Click here to register
- Guardianship Workshop (In-Person Event)
- Wednesday, March 16, 2025, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
- Facilitated by: Sage Graves Slugic, Attorney at Law with Graunke Ayoub Law
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Click here for more information
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Click here to register
- Crafting and Implementing an Inclusive IEP
- Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm via Zoom
- Presenter: Jaimee Kidder, Gail Ghere and Jennifer Sammerness
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Click here for more information
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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)
- Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Monroe Library (1070 Village Way, Monroe, WA. 98272)
- Information and resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families
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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
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Click here for more information
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Click here to register
- A Snapshot of Housing Options for People with Developmental Disabilities
- Monday, April 28, 2025, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm via Zoom
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Click here for more information
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Click here to register
- WISe: Wraparound with Intensive Services
- Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm via Zoom
- Presenter: Megan Axley, MSW, MHP, CMHS, LICSW
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Click here for more information
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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 and geared towards Employment Providers and their staff)
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Front Door Events:
- Snohomish School District
- Wednesday, April 16, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
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Click here for flier
- Stanwood/Camano School District - Thursday, May 1, 2025
- Mukilteo School District
- Wednesday, May 7, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
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Click here for flier
- Lakewood School District
- Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
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Click here for flier
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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