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Developmental Disabilities Newsletter
MAY 2025 EDITION
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Reimagine DSHS
The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) recently announced a series of changes to its organizational structure, effective May 1. DSHS will establish the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) to serve clients receiving home and community-based services through the state’s contracted provider network. This change brings together the community-based services of the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) with those of the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA).
As part of the same restructuring, DSHS will also create the Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration (BHHA) to serve clients who receive residential habilitation and behavioral health services in state-operated facilities where they live 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This new administration will merge the Behavioral Health Administration with State-Operated Living Alternatives and Residential Habilitation Centers.
Click here to learn more about these changes and what they mean for you and your family on the Arc of Washington blog.
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 Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) (formally known as 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 Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) (formally known as 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 HCLA (formally DDA) but have since become eligible before your third year of Transition, you do not need to fill out another application.
2025 Transition Resource Fair Grows
This year marked the 25th anniversary of the Transition Resource Fair, highlighting the growth and evolution of this important event. The fair continues to reflect the deep community support and collaboration that exists in Snohomish County. Every year, people come together with a shared belief: that everyone should have the opportunity to live, work, and play in their own community.
This year’s fair welcomed over 450 attendees - a 25% increase from previous years. Families traveled from across Snohomish County, including Stanwood, Marysville, Monroe, Everett, Sultan, Bothell, and Lynnwood. We were also excited to welcome guests from Seattle and King County.
Exit surveys revealed that attendees appreciated the wealth of information, the welcoming atmosphere, the opportunity to engage at their own pace, and the knowledge and care demonstrated by all involved.
Thank you to everyone who made this event possible. We look forward to seeing you next year!
Click here for more details about the fair, including a full list of participating community agencies and related updates.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. Throughout the month, various national, state and local organizations aim to eradicate stigma, extent support, and advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being of individuals and families affected by mental health (National Alliance on Mental Health).
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has recognized Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) every May. This month is dedicated to increased awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being and provide resources and information to support individuals and communities who may need mental health support.
It can be challenging to meet the needs of youth, including youth and adults with developmental disabilities, and for parents and caregivers. If you have a loved one who is served by Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), reach out to your case manager with any questions about mental health supports and services. If your loved one is school age, you can also reach out to your school’s counselor. Also, don’t forget your need for support as a parent, guardian, or caregiver of an individual with developmental disabilities. Here are some additional resources:
- Anyone can call the Volunteers of America Care Crisis Line at 1-800-584-3678. This service if 24/7 and free. They can connect you to a mental health provider.
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Click here to access information from the Snohomish County Behavioral Health Children and Youth Programs
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Click here for information from Kids’ Mental Health Washington and supporting the behavioral health needs of Washington kids, youth and families
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The Center of Parent Excellence (COPE). This is intended to provide a pathway for Washington State parents who are accessing and navigating the children’s behavioral health system to have peer support to ease their journey, whenever possible. Support is provided by A Common Voice, a statewide, family-run nonprofit organization that provides advocacy and support for families whose children have intensive behavioral health needs.
- If you are a Washington State parent/caregiver of a child/youth who may benefit from assistance accessing and navigating behavioral health services, please contact Jasmine Martinez, Jasmine@acommonvoice.org, Phone: 253-732-4944
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Click here to for more information about the C.O.P.E. Project
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Native and Strong Lifeline – a suicide & crisis line now open: call 988 and press 4.
- Calls are answered by Native crisis counselors who are Tribal members and descendants closely tied to their communities. They are fully trained in crisis intervention and support, with special emphasis on cultural and traditional practices related to healing. The Native and Strong Lifeline offers a new way of healing that centers the lived experiences, traditions, and wisdom of Native people. The Native and Strong Lifeline is confidential, free, and available 24/7.
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When to contact: Contact the Native and Strong Lifeline if you or a loved one is experiencing: Thoughts of suicide; Mental health crisis; Substance use concerns; Any other kind of emotional distress
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Click here to read about Native and Strong Lifeline
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Click here to visit the 988 Lifeline website
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Click here to learn about the Washington State Tribal Prevention System
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Click here for information about the Washington Indian Behavioral Health Hub
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Click here to learn more about SAMHSA and to access the Mental Health Awareness Month toolkit
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Jewish American Heritage Month
May is Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), a time to celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans throughout our nation's story.
Honoring different heritages helps build understanding and appreciation for the diverse identities that make our communities strong. Jewish American Heritage Month is an opportunity for everyone - regardless of background or ability - to learn, reflect, and participate in the ongoing journey toward inclusion and equity.
Why This Month Matters
Jewish Americans have played important roles in shaping American life - from the arts and sciences to civil rights and social justice. This month also reminds us of the resilience of the Jewish community in the face of discrimination, and the importance of standing against hate in all its forms, including ableism and antisemitism.
Intersectionality Matters
Some individuals in our community identify as both Jewish and as having developmental disabilities. Their stories and experiences show how cultural identity and disability can intersect in unique and meaningful ways. By creating space to listening to those voices, we honor their contributions and support their full participation in community life.
How to Celebrate and Learn
Here are a few accessible and inclusive ways to observe Jewish American Heritage Month:
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Attend a Virtual Tour or Program: Many museums, like the Jewish Museum in New York or the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, offer virtual exhibits and programs that are inclusive and accessible.
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Read a Book Together: Consider a group reading of a book by a Jewish American author or about Jewish life. Choose stories that are age-appropriate and available in formats like audiobooks or large print.
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Cook a Traditional Recipe: Food is a joyful way to experience culture. Try making challah bread, latkes, or matzo ball soup - many of which can be adapted for different abilities.
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Celebrate Inclusive Role Models: Learn about Jewish Americans with disabilities who have made a difference, like Judith Heumann, a disability rights advocate who was also proud of her Jewish identity.
Moving Forward Together
As we recognize Jewish American Heritage Month, let’s continue to celebrate the full spectrum of identities in our community. Every person brings value, and every story deserves to be told. Together, we can create spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and included.
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Click here to learn more about Jewish American Heritage
Resources
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Resource: U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s 13-min video on the history of antisemitism.
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Resource: “An American’s Guide to Allyship Through Civic Action,” developed by America Indivisible and the Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign, offers examples of actions that can help increase inclusion in communities.
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Resource: The Anti-Defamation League offers tools and strategies for responding to biased language and slurs.
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Resource: Best practices for bystanders and allies on countering online harassment.
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Resource: The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) provides in-depth information about hate crimes and bias incidents including scenario and case examples.
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Resource: Learn how to report a hate crime.
May is Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Month
This month is also dedicated to recognizing the contributions, culture, and influences Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities have made throughout the United States of America. These contributions include the work done on the transcontinental railroad, instituting Asian American civil rights movement, and influencing food, fashion, music and language (City of Marysville). Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders are the fastest growing racial group in our country and make up 12.7% of Snohomish County’s population. May is an opportunity to celebrate the culture, histories, and contributions of one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse groups in the United States.
For many Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders with developmental disabilities and their families, it can be challenging to navigate stigma associated with disability that could exist in different communities. Also, when English is not the primary language, a lack of interpreters, translation services, and lack of cultural responsiveness can create major barriers to utilizing services for family members with disabilities.
Ways the Snohomish County community can support the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders and improve access to services include:
- Provide culturally relevant resources on how to have conversations about disability with their families and in their community.
- Train healthcare and social service workers to be culturally responsive when interacting with this very diverse racial group.
- Make handouts and readings accessible by using plain language and offering pamphlets in the person’s desired language.
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Conduct more research on the unique struggles of disabled Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders as a product of both disability and Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders identities.
Snohomish County Council is also celebrating the heritage and culture of Asian American and Pacific Islander in Snohomish County.
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Click here to read Resolution No. 25-015 recognizing May 2025 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Snohomish County
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Click here to view the Asian Americans with Disabilities Resource Guide
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Click here to learn more about the University of Hawaii Center on Disability Studies
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Click here to learn more about the Asians and Pacific Islanders with Disabilities of California
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Click here to read 'Disabled, Asian American, and Proud' by Sydney Tran and Kathleen Bogart (posted to Psychology Today on July 27, 2022)
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Asian Service Center (ACS) empowers and enables members of the Asian and other underserved communities in achieving their full potential and contributing to the larger society, through culturally and linguistically appropriate services and programs. ACS is a based in Snohomish County with their office in Edmonds, WA.
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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King County Developmental Disabilities 2025 Resource Fair
The resource fair is for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and delays, their families, caregivers, and service providers.
- When: Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
- Where: Microsoft Mixer Commons Building (15255 NE 40th St, Redmond, WA. 98052)
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Click here to register (require for all attendees) Pre-registration ends May 22, 2025. You may still attend the fair but will need to register when you arrive.
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Click here for more information
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
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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: May 15, 2024 from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Dementia Friends Information Session. Click here to register
- In-Person/Hybrid (Session in Russian): May 22, 2025 from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm at the Auburn Library (1102 Auburn Way S., Auburn, WA. 98002). Dementia Friends Information Session. To register: (253) 931-3018 to receive ZOOM link; registration not required if attending in-person.
- Virtual - Zoom: May 28, 2025 from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm. Dementia Friends Information Session. Click here to register. Questions: Email dementiafriendswa@uw.edu.
- In-Person: May 29, 2025 from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm at the Carl Gibson Center (3025 Lombard Ave., Everett, WA. 98201). Dementia Friends Information Session. Questions: Contact Cora Koffski, ckoffski@voaww.org or (425)818-2372
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Click here to view the May 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 - Let's make a recipe for your good life
- Thursday, May 1, 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 - Transportation access: How to advocate to make it better?
- Thursday, May 15, 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
- Leadership & Advocacy Workshop
- Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm
- In-person at The Arc of Snohomish County
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Click here for more information
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Click here to register
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Zooming Advocates - Afternoon Zoom - Word Expression Game
- Thursday, June 5, 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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Zooming Advocates - Evening Zoom - Expressing Your Self Awareness
- Thursday, June 19, 2025, 6:00 pm - 7:00 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)
- The Arc of Snohomish County - 2025 Mobile Office Hours
- Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Monroe Library (1070 Village Way, Monroe, WA. 98272)
- Tuesday, June 3, 2025, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Granite Falls Library (815 E Galena St, Granite Falls, WA. 98252)
- Information and resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families
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Click here for more information
- 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
- Housing Workshop: Focus on Shared Living for People with Developmental Disabilities
- Thursday, May 15, 2025, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm via Zoom
- Presenter: Pam Blanton, Founder & CEO of Partners4Housing
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Click here for more information
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Click here to register
- Multicultural Event for Arabic-Speaking Families
- Saturday, May 17, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Evergreen Islamic Institute (6210 188th St SW, Lynnwood, WA. 98037)
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Click here for more information
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Click here to register
- DD Endowment Trust Fund & WA State ABLE Savings Plan
- Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm via Zoom
- Presenter: Dylan Simpkins from The Arc of Washington State
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Click here for more information
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Click here to register
- Leadership & Advocacy Workshop
- Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm
- In-person at The Arc of Snohomish County
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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:
- 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 Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) (formally known as Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)) 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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