|
Developmental Disabilities Newsletter
AUGUST 2026 EDITION
|
|
Getting ready for back to school, tips and reminders!
It is hard to believe that our students will be heading back to school in just a few short weeks! We have some reminders and tips to make heading back to school successful for everyone.
It is not too late to apply for Job Foundation! Job Foundation engages, connects, and gives students advanced prep by starting early in their second to last year of school. This occurs through discovery and the completion of a Job Foundation Report that includes actionable next steps for employment. Click here to learn more about Job Foundation and how to apply.
Any student who participated in Job Foundation this past year and has applied and is active in DVR, or on the waitlist is potentially eligible for the School to Work program this fall. All students who have completed Job Foundation will receive a letter regarding their status along with additional information. Click here to learn more about School to Work.
DVR (Division of Vocational Rehabilitation) enrollment is a requirement to participate in School to Work in the 2026-2027 school year. If you have not yet met with your DVR counselor, make sure to do this right away. If you need help connecting to your DVR counselor, please let us know. We are here to support connections!
Another great way to support your young adult in getting ready for school is with this helpful 4-week planner from Understood.org. It’s a useful resource for students of all ages - whether younger or older.
- Click here to view a sample of the 4-week planner.
-
Click here to explore more school support resources from Understood.org.
Back-to-school starts now!
9th Annual Snohomish County Transition Kick-Off
Join the Snohomish County Developmental Disabilities team on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, for the 9th Annual Transition Kick-Off. This event is for educators, Employment Providers, state agency partners, and community members who want to support young adults eligible for Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) services and are still enrolled in school. This year’s keynote features Ivanova Smith and Rose Spidell from DDA who will present “The Right to grow Up: Partnering with Respect and Dignity”
This will be a day of learning, connection, and community building as we explore transition services, person-centered planning, and ways to help young adults connect with adult services and supports before they exit school at 22 (or earlier).
Clock hours for educators will be available for purchase through NWESD 189. You must attend in-person and sign in to receive clock hours.
For more information, please visit the event details and registration information page.
*Please note: This event has limited capacity and is intended specifically for educators, Employment Providers, state agency partners, and community members supporting students eligible for DDA services. Registration is required, and submitting the registration request form does not guarantee attendance. If your registration is not approved, you will receive a follow‑up email letting you know. Light refreshments and lunch will be provided to confirmed attendees. To ensure you receive a lunch, please RSVP by August 12, 2026. Lunch availability cannot be guaranteed for RSVPs submitted after this date.
If you have any questions, please email S2W@snoco.org.
2026 Back-to-School Events and Resources in Snohomish County
The Arc of Snohomish County has created a calendar of Back‑to‑School events for families to explore. Check out what’s happening as you prepare for the upcoming school year!
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 students exiting in the 2026-2027 school year – Applications for School to Work (S2W) are now open. This is an opportunity for students 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), are enrolled in DVR, have SSI, have selected a first and second Employment Provider of their choice (aligned with current Provider capacity) and are 20-22 years old potentially qualifies. This team provides a network of people who are invested in 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.
Snohomish County Energy Assistance Program: Application Window Open July 27 – August 7, 2026
The Energy Assistance Program will be open for all application statuses from July 27 through August 7, 2026. If you need help with energy costs, there are several ways to apply during this limited window:
How to Apply
- Call (425) 388‑3880 Monday–Friday, 9:00 am to 11:30 am
-
Request an online application link by contacting our office
- Complete the email request form on our website to receive an application link
- Apply in person at our office (last client seen at 4:00 pm)
Phone Hours
- Monday–Friday: 9:00 am – 11:30 am
Office Hours
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Applications are accepted until 11:30 am, and again until 3:30 pm
- The office is closed on Wednesdays
Please note: All air conditioning units for this season have been distributed.
For full program details, eligibility information, and application guidance, please visit the Energy Assistance Program webpage on Snohomish County’s website.
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
To sign up for SnoCoAlerts and learn more about Extreme Heat Events and Cooling Centers, please visit snoco.org/cooling.
Here is a PDF list of the current Cooling Centers Operating in 2026 in Snohomish County. here is a PDF of pet friendly cooling centers.
Take the Global Heat Health "Indoor Heat – Myths and Facts" Quiz.
Smoke and Cleaner Air Centers
Wildfire smoke can worsen air quality quickly, especially during the summer months. If you or someone you support needs a safe indoor space with cleaner, filtered air, Snohomish County maintains several Smoke and Cleaner Air Centers that can be used during smoke events.
To find current locations, view maps, and learn more about how to stay safe during poor air quality, please visit the Smoke and Cleaner Air Centers information page at: snoco.org/smoke.
August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month!
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that impacts motor nerve cells in the spinal cord, affecting muscles used for breathing, eating, crawling, and walking. Approximately 1 in 50 people carry the SMA gene. This August, Cure SMA is leading a month‑long campaign to raise awareness and funds through advocacy, social media sharing, virtual Walk‑n‑Roll events, and Ambassador story spotlights. You’re invited to join the SMA Awareness Month Candle Lighting on August 10 as part of this year’s observance. To learn more and get involved, visit the Cure SMA website and join the conversation using #SMAAwarenessMonth.
We’re also proud to highlight James Ian, a singer-songwriter, actor, model, and disability advocate with SMA Type 3. Earlier this year, he joined the board of Disability Rights Advocates, using his voice to push for authentic representation of people with disabilities in entertainment. Follow him on Instagram and Facebook at @JamesIanMusic to stay inspired by his latest creative projects and advocacy efforts.
|
|
Helpful Websites
Click on the links below to view websites.
|
|
Arc at M-Bar-C Ranch
-
When: Saturday, August 8, 2026
-
Time: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
-
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
9th Annual Snohomish County Transition Kick-Off
-
When: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
-
Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
-
Where: Henry M. Jackson Conference Center, 2000 Tower St, Everett, WA 98201
- Who: This event has limited capacity and is intended specifically for educators, Employment Providers, state agency partners, and community members supporting students eligible for DDA services.
- For more information, please visit the event details and registration information page.
Sensory Days at The Museum of Flight
-
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
-
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
|
|
Club Independence
- Meets the first Wednesday of the month from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm via Zoom, September to June.
- Game Night, Thursday, August 13, 2026, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- In-person event at the Arc of Snohomish County in Everett (127 E Intercity Ave., Suite C., Everett, WA. 98208)
- Get additional information here
- Registration Required - register here
- 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 2026/2027 school year, please contact: Jessie Moore – Jessie@arcsno.org/425-258-2459 x109
- Learn more about Transition Club
|
|
Edmonds College: Pursuit Lab – College and Career Prep for Students with Disabilities
Trade School Guide for Students with Disabilities
|
|
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.
-
Upcoming 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)
|
|
-
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
|
|
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
- 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
-
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.
- Watch the videos and explore more information
|
|
Arc of Snohomish Events
- Arc at M-Bar-C Ranch – IN-PERSON
- Intro to Homeschooling Your Child with Disabilities
- Monday, August 10, 2026, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
- Get additional information here
- Register here
- 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
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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
To be removed from this distribution list, please email ddinfo@snoco.org and include your full name and email address.
|
|
|
|
|
