|
Developmental Disabilities Newsletter
SEPTEMBER 2026 EDITION
|
|
 SAVE THE DATE: Mini Resource Fair on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Everett Community College
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.
This event is a smaller version of our large resource fair, featuring community agencies and an information session focused on services, community connections, and access to people and tools that support employment and career goals.
Click here for more information.
A Path Forward: Transforming Developmental Disability Services in Washington
The Washington State Legislature directed the development of a 10-year strategic plan to transform Washington state’s system of services and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Legislature funded the DSHS Developmental Disabilities Administration to support the planning process. The outcome will be a community-driven roadmap. It will be a shared vision for the future. It will also inform DDA’s ongoing strategic plan.
DDA needs input and participation from the community to develop the 10-year strategic plan. More information will be shared about ways to participate and provide input. Opportunities will include in-person group discussions, virtual events and surveys. Many voices and perspectives will be needed.
DDA will work with a steering committee to oversee the process. The group will help DDA design an inclusive approach. Members of the steering committee include:
- Self-advocates
- Families
- Community advocates
- Partners
- Service providers
October is Disability Employment Awareness Month and Disability Awareness Month
In October 2026, the nation celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which is an annual recognition of the positive impact of people with disabilities in the workforce. This yearly event began in 1945 as a weeklong national observance of the contributions of people with physical disabilities. In 1980, The University of Oregon developed Supported Employment. In 1988, Congress designated the commemoration as NDEAM, which then evolved to acknowledge the importance of increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions and other nonobvious disabilities. In 2001, The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) was created and entrusted to administer NDEAM.
This year’s NDEAM theme will be "Celebrating Value and Talent," carrying the spirit of last year's celebration forward through 2026. We will recognize the skills and contributions Americans with disabilities add to the nation’s workplaces, communities, and economy.
In 1971, Washington State passed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. This was the first Education for All law in the United States. This led to the 1975 National law which is currently known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which is the requirement that public services provide special education and related services to eligible students. In 2008, the Washington State legislature passed Disability History Month. This is a civic observance in public schools mandated by RCW 28A.230.158. The law requires each public school to conduct or promote educational activities that provide instruction, awareness, and understanding of disability history and the contributions of people with disabilities.
This observance was established to:
-
Recognize the history, contributions, and civil rights advances of people with disabilities.
-
Promote respect, inclusion, and acceptance in school communities.
-
Reduce stigma, bullying, and deficit thinking about disability.
-
Inspire students with disabilities to feel pride and self-advocacy
How are you celebrating Disability Employment or Disability History in October? We would love to hear from you? Email DDInfo@snoco.org and share your story! We would love to feature your story in our October newsletter.
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.
National Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 to October 15
Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. It celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The theme for 2026 is “Together, We are More. Unidos, Somos Más.” The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.” The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Finally, Day of the Races or Día de la Raza, which is October 9, falls within this 30-day period.
To read the 2026 Snohomish County Council Resolution for Hispanic Heritage Month, please visit the English PDF or the Spanish PDF.
To learn more about the work of the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs, including their efforts to improve public policy statewide resources, please visit the Commissions website.
To explore more resources from the National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers, please visit the NHEPM website.
To learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month from the National Museum of the American Latino, please visit the Museum information page.
Familias Unidas is the first Latino Resource Center in Snohomish County. They are open to all but provide bilingual services with a focus on the Hispanic Community in the area. To learn more, please visit their Familias Unidas website.
 Caption: 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month poster designed by Meleny Gomez and Kirby Quiles-Brown for the National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (NCHEPM). Reprinted with permission.
September 30 is Orange Shirt Day
What is Orange Shirt Day?
Is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission (SJM) Residential School (1891-1981) Commemoration Project that took place in Williams Lake, BC, Canada, in May 2013. The project aimed to create awareness of the inter-generational impacts of the Boarding/Residential Schools on Native American individuals, families, and community. The project also promoted the concept of “Every Child Matters” in recognition of the many children who attended these schools and never returned home. Former student Phyllis (Jack) Webstad told her story of her first day at boarding/residential school when her new orange shirt, bought by her grandmother, was taken from her. The date was chosen because it is the time of year when children were taken from their homes and taken to boarding/residential schools.
In the United States, The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) is a leading national organization dedicated to advocating on behalf of Native peoples impacted by U.S. Indian boarding school policies. They seek truth through education and research, justice through advocacy and policy, and healing through Indigenous teaching and traditional gatherings.
In January 2025, NABS released its latest research identifying 526 Indian boarding schools in the United States. This three-year project resulted in the largest known list of U.S. Indian boarding schools ever compiled to date. Learn more here.
If you are interested in learning more and supporting Orange Shirt Day, find out more here.
Now Available: Community Rides Grant Request for Proposals
DUE: October 19, 2026
The FY 2027 Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility Technical Assistance Center (CCAM‑TAC) Community Rides Grant Request for Proposals (RFP) is now open. Proposals are due October 19, 2026, at 5:00 pm EST (3:00 pm PST).
This pilot initiative aims to strengthen local transportation coordination, foster cross‑sector partnerships, and build community capacity to improve transportation access for populations with the greatest need. Funded projects will address critical community priorities such as access to healthcare, employment, education, healthy food, social services, and regional transportation connections. Eligible projects may include innovative service delivery approaches, technology solutions, or partnership‑driven models.
Grant Details
- Up to $100,000 available per project
- Eligible lead applicants: public transit agencies, tribal transit providers, local governments, and nonprofit human service organizations
- Proposals must include formal partnerships with community organizations (health systems, workforce boards, social service agencies, educational institutions, etc.)
Program Timeline
- Applications Due: October 19, 2026
- Awards Announced: November 15, 2026
- Technical Assistance Period Begins: December 1, 2026
- Pilot Launch: February 1, 2027
The full RFP and application instructions are available at the CCAM‑TAC website here: 2027 Community Rides Grants.
|
|
Helpful Websites
Click on the links below to view websites.
|
|
2026 Legislative Candidates Form
-
When: Thursday, September 10, 2026, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
-
Where: Everett Station (Weyerhaeuser Room – 3201 Smith Ave., (4th floor), Everett, WA. 98201)
- Connect with your local legislators and candidates in-person.
- Learn from community speakers about policy topics affecting people with disabilities.
- Advocate and share your story during post-event networking
- Get additional information here
Washington State Fathers Network - Hameed Memorial Breakfast
-
When: Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
-
Where: Kindering Bellevue (16120 NE 8th St, Bellevue, WA. 98008)
- No registration fee and breakfast in included!
- Get additional information here
- Visit the Washington State Fathers Network Website here.
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
Harvest Festival
-
When: Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
-
Where: Swans Trail Farms (7301 Rivershore Road, Snohomish, WA. 98290)
-
Who: For Snohomish County families with developmental disabilities (free for parents and caregivers)
- Get additional information here
- Purchase ticket here
Fall Mini Resource Fair - Save the Date
-
When: October 17, 2026
-
Time: 9:30 am to 11:30 am
-
Where: Everett Community College
To learn more, please visit the Transition Resource Fair web page.
Washington State Fathers Network Annual Conference
-
When: Saturday, November 7, 2026 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
-
Where: The Arc of King County (2650 S. 200th St, Suite 101, Seattle, WA. 98298)
- Get additional information here
- Visit the Washington State Fathers Network Website here.
|
|
Club Independence
- Meets the first Thursday 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 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:
- Virtual - Zoom: September 18, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Dementia Friends Information Session - World Alzheimer's Month 2026. 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)
|
|
-
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
- 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
- College 101 for Students with Disabilities
- Monday, September 14, 2026, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
- Get additional information here
- Register here
- ABLE Savings and DD Endowment Trust Fund
- Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
- Get additional information here
- Register here
- Housing Workshop - Building Supports for Community Living
- Thursday, September 17, 2026, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
- Get additional information here
- Register here
- Special Education Basics
- Monday, September 28, 2026, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
- Get additional information here
- Register here
- Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
- Monday, October 12, 2026, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
- Get additional information here
- Register here
- Fall 2026 SpEd Space
- Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 11 am to 12:00 pm
- Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 11 am to 12:00 pm
- Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 11 am to 12:00 pm
- Get additional information here
- Register here
- Overview of Housing Options
- Thursday, October 15, 2026, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
- Get additional information here
- Register here
- Professional Guardianship Services
- Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
- Get additional information here
- Register here
- Overview of Community-Based Intensive Services
- Monday, October 26, 2026, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
- Get additional information here
- Register here
-
- View Arc's Event Calendar
Wise Webinar Series (geared towards Employment)
- The series runs from September through June, with live webinars held every Wednesday from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.
- Supporting Success: Foundations of Effective Job Coaching
- Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Get additional information here
- Register here
- 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.
|
|
|
|
|
