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Developmental Disabilities Newsletter
JULY 2026 EDITION
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July is Disability Pride Month!
Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and ongoing advocacy of the disability community. This year marks the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark civil rights law that continues to expand access and remove barriers to full participation in society. According to The Arc of the United States, “People with disabilities deserve to live full, self‑determined lives, just like everyone else. Yet discrimination persists for the 1 in 4 U.S. adults living with a disability.”
Learn more about the ADA’s 36th Anniversary and explore additional resources by following this link.
The 2026 Disability Pride Month theme, “The World Works Better With Us,” underscores how communities thrive when people with disabilities are included, respected, and supported. The theme highlights that disability‑led perspectives and innovations often improve life for everyone. The theme was selected by The Arc’s National Council of Self‑Advocates (NCSA), a disabled‑led national council dedicated to uplifting the voices and perspectives of people with disabilities.
The first Disability Pride Day was held in Boston in 1990, and Chicago hosted the first Disability Pride Parade in 2004. Today, celebrations take place nationwide, offering space for people with disabilities to express pride in their identities, challenge ableism, and build community.
Learn more about the history of Disability Pride Month and the history of the Disability Pride Flag.
Ways you can learn more and celebrate:
The Snohomish County Human Services, Developmental Disabilities team is hosting a special Disability Pride display on the first-floor lobby of West Administration Building located at 3000 Rockefeller Ave, Everett, WA. 98201. Feel free to visit the display and learn all about Disability Pride resources during the month of July, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. See below for this year’s display.
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The Ride Ahead wins the Emmy® for Outstanding Social Issue Documentary!
THE RIDE AHEAD, from father-son co-directors Samuel Habib & Dan Habib, is an Emmy® Award-winning feature length documentary. The film follows Samuel Habib, whose goals are pretty typical for a 21-year-old. Moving out of his family’s New Hampshire home. College. Establishing his career. Dating. Sex. Samuel is determined to avoid the statistical realities: unemployment, isolation, institutionalization.
A turning point comes when he starts talking to disabled adults, who have been through all he is going through now. And when he begins to channel their insights, a roadmap for himself, and for other young adults like him, begins to take shape.
To learn more about THE RIDE AHEAD and how to watch, visit the page.
Building Acceptance Through Stories: Explore the Ed Wiley Autism Library
Make an appointment to visit The Ed Wiley Autism Acceptance Lending Library, located in the lobby of the Stanwood Tattoo Company. The mission of the Ed Wiley Autism Acceptance Library is to promote understanding, acceptance and inclusion for Autistic people. Our organization is dedicated to the ideas of neurodiversity, Autistic/Disabled Pride and disability justice. The lending materials reflect the wide and diverse scope of autism and intersectional identities. They are working toward building an inclusive community and providing relevant resources and information for Autistic people, our families, friends and allies. Click here to learn more and make an appointment.
At our June Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board Meeting, the County Executive Office provided a briefing on the current fiscal outlook, the factors contributing to projected budget challenges, and the purpose of the community engagement process.
Following the briefing, attendees were invited to complete a survey to share their perspectives on community needs, priorities, and potential impacts. We know that not everyone can attend our board meetings, so we wanted to share this important information with you and give all Snohomish County residents the opportunity to provide feedback.
The survey is open to any community member. The County Executive Office asks that those who have not attended a live budget priorities briefing watch a recording before completing the survey. The survey page includes a recording of the presentation for anyone who missed it or would like to learn more.
For a brief overview and a link to the full report referenced in the briefing, visit the Fiscal Sustainability Task Force page.
To take the survey, visit the Snohomish County Budget Priorities Survey page.
Community Partner Roundtable (Co-Convened by Snohomish County, Work Opportunities, and Sherwood Community Services)
The Snohomish County Executive's Office, Work Opportunities, and Sherwood Community Services are co-convening community and system partners for a discussion about the County's fiscal outlook and 2027–2028 budget planning process.
Snohomish County is facing a significant fiscal challenge that will require difficult decisions about services, investments, and priorities. Community voices are essential to ensuring those decisions reflect the realities facing residents and organizations across the county.
Join a one-hour virtual Community Partner Roundtable to help inform the County's budget planning process.
Participants will hear a brief overview of the County's fiscal outlook and engage in a facilitated conversation about:
- Community needs and emerging challenges
- Potential impacts of service reductions or funding changes
- Priorities for protecting community well-being
- Considerations County leaders should weigh as they make future budget decisions
Date: Wednesday, July 15th
Time: 11am-12pm
Registration: https://lisc-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/pHRuhcv1QDKQ9d9EjyKhmQ
Space is limited. Advance registration requested.
Have a Safe and Healthy Summer!
The Snohomish County Health Department shared this flyer as a reminder of the importance of staying connected throughout the summer. This flyer offers a variety of ways someone can receive and give help to those around them. Simple acts of kindness, such as checking in with your friends to see how they're doing, can make a positive impact.
Currently Accepting Job Foundation and School to Work Applications
Attention 2028 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 2027 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 20-22 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.
Extreme Heat and Weather Information
According to the Administration for Community Living, “Extreme heat has emerged as an increasingly prevalent and severe natural hazard, presenting significant risks to public health, safety, critical infrastructure, and agriculture. People with disabilities and older adults are disproportionately affected by extreme heat, and their exposure leads to a higher likelihood of experiencing severe health risks or death.” Preparing ahead of time can help to when the heat, and stress rises during the summer months.
- Stay hydrated and know the signs of heat-related illness.
- Take heat seriously. In extreme heat, a fan should NOT be relied on as the only method of cooling.
- Have an emergency kit, including extra medications if needed.
- Be careful about the amount of time spent outdoors
- Draw your curtains. 40% of heat can come through windows.
- If the power goes out, make sure to stay in contact with family and friends. Arrange to have family, friends, or neighbors check in with you at least twice a day throughout warm weather periods.
- If you need help paying your cooling bills, you may be eligible for LIHEAP assistance. To get more information, visit the information page or call 866-674-6327
Join the Snohomish County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board!
Are you passionate about helping to create a community where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families are respected, valued, and fully engaged? Snohomish County’s Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board is now accepting applications for new members.
As a board member, you will:
- Learn about issues related to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
- Share ideas about what makes our community a great place to live.
- Connect with others who are excited about making a difference and change in the community.
- Provide recommendations on how County money could be spent.
- Share ideas on County Programs that support individuals and families with developmental disabilities.
The Board meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm (meetings are hybrid – attend in Everett or join via Zoom).
“Story of Us” Korean American Youth Story sharing Workshop for High School Students
Korean Community Service Center (KCSC) serves as a bridge for Korean immigrants and the wider Asian community to access services and supports to thrive in community. This summer KCSC is offering a workshop for high school students to connect, express themselves, and to build community through storytelling and other activities.
See flyer for more information
Register for the international event here
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Helpful Websites
Click on the links below to view websites.
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Disability Community Celebration
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When: Saturday, July 11, 2026
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Time: 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
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Where: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (9320 Meadow Way, Everett, WA. 98208)
- Free event hosted by The Arc of Snohomish County and NW Rare Disease Condition
- Lunch provided, all ages are welcome, along with their families and friends
- Get additional information here
- Register here
Community Partner Roundtable (Virtual)
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When: Saturday, July 15, 2026
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Time: 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
- The Snohomish County Executive's Office, Work Opportunities, and Sherwood Community Services are co-convening community and system partners for a discussion about the County's fiscal outlook and 2027–2028 budget planning process.
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Register Here *Space is limited. Advance registration requested.
“Story of Us” Korean American Youth Story sharing Workshop for High School Students
Disability Pride in the Park – Potluck Picnic
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When: Thursday, July 30, 2026
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Time: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
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Where: Senator Henry M Jackson Park (3302 18th St, Everett, WA. 98201) – West entrance near playground, Bus #4 or #29
- Learn about Disability Pride History from Leigh Spruce from the Arc of Snohomish County
- Paint Pride Rocks and Play Games
- Bring your own lunch or bring a potluck dish to share with others!
- Get additional information here
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Register here - Register by July 24, 2026
Arc at M-Bar-C Ranch
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When: Saturday, August 8, 2026
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Time: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
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Where: M-Bar-C Ranch (5264 S Shore Meadow Road, Freeland, WA. 98249)
- Join the Arc of Snohomish County for a day of old-fashion family fun on Whidbey Island!
- Activities: Western dress-up, playtime in the old western village, games and crafts, assisted horse rides, hot dog lunch.
- Get additional information here
Sensory Days at The Museum of Flight
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When: Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, and Saturday, December 19, 2026, from 8:00 am to 10:00 am
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Where: Museum of Flight (9404 E Marginal Way, Seattle, WA. 98108-4097)
- Free Admission with pre-registration
- Sensory Days are for adults and families of children, teenagers and young adults with disabilities including intellectual disabilities, autism, sensory processing disorders and other cognitive disabilities. Guests will get access to the Museum, during off-hours*, where they can explore and self-guide through the galleries with adjusted light and sound for the best possible experience. To enhance the experience, we often provide hands-on, family activities for Sensory Day participants. Find us in the Alaska Airlines Aerospace Education Center in the Great Gallery.
- Sensory Days are intended as a positive and meaningful experience for families visiting The Museum of Flight.
- Get additional information here
- Register for Sensory Days at the Museum of Flight here
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Club Independence
- Meets the first Wednesday of the month from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm via Zoom, September to June.
- 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
- 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 tool 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
- Learn more about Transition Club
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Edmonds College: Pursuit Lab – College and Career Prep for Students with Disabilities
Trade School Guide for Students with Disabilities
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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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Upcoming Events:
- Virtual - Zoom: July 15, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Dementia Friends Information Session. Register here.
- In-Person (SEATTLE): July 29, 2026 from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm at the Hiawatha Community Center. Register Here.
- Virtual – For American Indian/Alaska Native Communities – Cultural Adaptation: October 7, 2026 at 10:00 am. For more information, follow this link: https://iasquared.org/find-an-information-session/
- Explore the 2026 Events
- Learn more about Dementia Friends WA
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.
- Access videos of the presentations (also available in Spanish and Vietnamese)
- Watch the presentation videos (available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese)
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- Self-Advocacy & Leadership Workshop via Zoom
- Thursday, July 9, 2026, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- Topic: Own My Story
- Get additional information here
- Registration Required - register here
- Self-Advocacy & Leadership Workshop via Zoom
- Thursday, July 23, 2026, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- Topic: My Choices, My Power
- Get additional information here
- Registration Required - register here
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Zooming Advocates - Travel Access Needs
- Monday, August 3, 2026, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- Presented by the Arc of Snohomish County
- Get additional information here
- For questions or to ask for accommodations contact: Leigh Spruce Leigh@arcsno.org / 425-258-2459 Ext 103
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Zooming Advocates - Lead the Way Speaking Up
- Monday, September 14, 2026, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- Presented by the Arc of Snohomish County
- Get additional information here
- For questions or to ask for accommodations contact: Leigh Spruce Leigh@arcsno.org / 425-258-2459 Ext 103
- Join the Snohomish County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board!
- The Board meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm (meetings are hybrid – attend in Everett or join via Zoom).
- Are you passionate about helping to create a community where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families are respected, valued, and fully engaged? Snohomish County’s Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board is now accepting applications for new members.
- As a board member, you will:
- Learn about issues related to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
- Share ideas about what makes our community a great place to live.
- Connect with others who are excited about making a difference and change in the community.
- Provide recommendations on how County money could be spent.
- Share ideas on County Programs that support individuals and families with developmental disabilities.
- Apply online: https://snohomishcountywa.gov/3339/Apply
- For questions or accommodations, please contact: Trisa Harris – 425-388-7332, Trisa.Harris@snoco.org or ddinfo@snoco.org
- Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board Recruitment Flier: English / Spanish
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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.
- CLASSES ARE HELD EVERY THIRD WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH
- How to Make a Budget and Save – Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 12:00 pm via Zoom – register here
- How to Build Credit, Manage Debt & Identify Scams – Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 12:00 pm via Zoom – register here
- How to Apply for SSI/SSDI Benefits for Adults – Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 12:00 pm via Zoom – register here
- Find more information here
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 2026, the basic monthly payments are $994 for individuals and $1,491 for couples.
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.
- Watch the videos and explore more information
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Arc of Snohomish Events
- Housing Workshop – IN-PERSON
- Thursday, July 16, 2026, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- Location: 127 E. Intercity Ave., Ste. B, Everett, WA. 98208
- Get additional information here
- Register here
- Disability Community Celebration – IN-PERSON
- Saturday, July 11, 2026, 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
- Location: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (9320 Meadow Way, Everett, WA. 98208)
- Get additional information here
- Register here
- Disability Pride in the Park – Potluck Picnic – IN-PERSON
- Thursday, July 30, 2026, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
- Location: Senator Henry M Jackson Park (3302 18th St, Everett, WA. 98201) – West entrance near playground, Bus #4 or #29
- Get additional information here
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Register here - Register by July 24, 2026
- Arc at M-Bar-C Ranch – IN-PERSON
- 2026 Legislative Candidates Form – IN-PERSON
- Thursday, September 10, 2026, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
- Location: Everett Station (Weyerhaeuser Room – 3201 Smith Ave., (4th floor), Everett, WA. 98201)
- Get additional information here
- View Arc's Event Calendar
Wise Webinar Series (geared towards Employment)
- The series runs from October through June, with live webinars held every Wednesday from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.
- View Wise's Training Calendar
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Job Foundation Application: Accepting 2028 Grad Cohort Applications Now!
School to Work Application: Accepting 2027 Grad Cohort Applications Now!
- 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 Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) but have since become eligible before your third year of Transition, you do not need to fill out another application.
Empowering your Transition to Life After High School
The Washington State Rehabilitation Council has collaborated with the agencies named within this resource to support the development and publication of the Washington Transition Partnership Map. This resource provides a high-level summary to help individuals and families learn about and connect to transition services for which they may be eligible as students plan for their transition from high school. Additionally, it serves as a valuable tool for disability support resources and agencies to establish meaningful connections with transition services, thereby supporting individuals with disabilities in securing and maintaining employment. It is not intended to include all transition resources, many of which are available through local counties.
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.
Find more information here.
School-Based Behavioral Health Services
The Northwest Educational Service District (NWESD) is a licensed Behavioral Health Agency that provides school-based outpatient mental health treatment services in partnership with participating school districts. Services are accessible at specific locations and to the students directly served by that school. Student-clients receive a mental health assessment and individualized treatment to meet their mental health goals. Treatment is provided for most diagnoses including anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD and other common youth mental health conditions. Their therapists are trained in and utilize evidence-based treatment modalities appropriate for the student-clients. These services comply with applicable health care law. Students under 13 must have consent and participation in treatment by their parent/guardians. Students 13 and over may access services independently, however, coordination and participation with parents/guardians is always strongly encouraged. For more information contact Natalie Gustafson, ngustafson@nwesd.org or go here.
Mental Health Professionals are located in Arlington, Granite Falls (Telehealth), Lakewood, Marysville (Telehealth), Snohomish, Stanwood-Camano, Sultan. Contact your school district for more questions and/or if you don’t see your district listed.
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Everett Transit Free Youth Transit Pass
SNOTRAC
- Snotrac works with the public and decision-makers to create and connect affordable, age- and ability-friendly communities for all people.
- Learn more about Snotrac transportation services.
Washington Residents Can Add Developmental Disability Designation to Driver License or ID
Washington residents now have the option to add a developmental disability designation to their driver license or ID card, a voluntary step designed to improve communication and safety during interactions with first responders.
The designation can be added to the Department of Licensing (DOL) system and, if the individual chooses, printed directly on the physical card. Law enforcement can view the designation through the DOL system, while medical personnel can only see it if it appears on the card itself.
Individuals or families may request the designation if they believe it will help first responders better understand communication needs or behaviors during emergencies or stressful situations. No medical documentation is required.
Residents can add or remove the designation by submitting a request form by mail or by visiting a driver licensing office. If the symbol is printed on the card, DOL will issue a new card once the request is processed.
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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
To be removed from this distribution list, please email ddinfo@snoco.org and include your full name and email address.
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