Parents

Compassionate Schools: The Heart of Learning and Teaching

CSHCN Coordinator List

Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) – Local Agency Coordinators and Support Staff

DEL Connect

Members of the Early Learning Advisory Council (ELAC) gathered for their final meeting under the Department of Early Learning (DEL) earlier this month. The council discussed topics ranging from the new early learning facilities grant program to the July 1, 2018 transition to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).
Early Achievers for Families | Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families

DEL Facebook Page

Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families

DEL Kindergarten Readiness Pilot

Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (WaKIDS) Alert: Beginning July 1, 2018, the Department of Early Learning will become the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). After June 30, 2018, this website will no longer be updated. For the latest information on early learning, visit the DCYF website at Find Child Care / Early Learning | Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families.

Dental Care Guidance for Patients with Special Needs

Purpose: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognizes that providing both primary and comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care to individuals with special health care needs (SHCN) is an integral part of the specialty of pediatric dentistry. The AAPD values the unique qualities of each person and the need to ensure maximal health attainment for all, regardless of developmental disability or other special health care needs. This guideline is intended to educate health care providers, parents, and ancillary organizations about the management of oral health care needs particular to individuals with SHCN rather than provide specific treatment recommendations for oral conditions.

Disability Resource Community

The Disability Resource Community is a platform designed for people with disabilities, their family members and caregivers to ask questions, share resources and build community around the things that matter most.

Disability.gov

Connecting the Disability Community to Information and Opportunities.

Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities

FEMA-For the millions of Americans who have physical, medical, sensory or cognitive disabilities, emergencies such as fires, floods and acts of terrorism present a real challenge. The same challenge also applies to the elderly and other special needs populations. This booklet will help people with disabilities prepare and emergency plan to protect themselves, family, friends, personal care assistant and others in the support network in the event of an emergency. Post the plan where everyone will see it, keep a copy with you and make sure everyone involved in your plan has a copy.

Discussing Down Syndrome: From the National Down Syndrome Congress.

Down syndrome is one of the most common genetic variations and occurs in approximately one in every 700 live births in the United States. For most people, each cell in the body has 23 pairs of chromosomes. One chromosome in each pair comes from the mother and the other comes from the father.  But sometimes, during cell division, an extra copy of the 21st chromosome is present.  As the cells multiply and the pregnancy is carried to term, a baby with Down syndrome is born.

Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action

At DSAIA, we strive to support and advance the growth and capacity of local and regional Down syndrome associations.  We provide the connections, the inspiration, training, and resources so that our members can meet the needs of individuals with Down syndrome in their communities.  Our members are leaders in every sense of the word.  

DSHS DDA Publications

Order Printed Books, DVDs and Videos Go to the Department of Printing’s Myfulfillment.wa.gov They are always prepackaged in set quantities of books or DVDs for student teaching.

Eligibility for Developmental Disabilities Services

How do I apply to be a client of DDA?  Why should I apply for DDA?  Will my DDA eligibility expire or need review?  What is a developmental disability in Washington State?  Where can I find the rules for eligibility?  Can I reapply if I am not eligible?  How do I request services with DDA?

Emergency Preparedness Resources for Deaf, Blind and Limited Sight Populations

Over the past few years, we as Americans have experience both natural and man made disasters.  In an effort to better inform the community, the Northeast Texas Public Health District has compiled 18 Emergency Preparedness Topics and formatted the information to be friendly to deaf, blind, and limited sight populations.  The information is in video and downloadable document format for public use. To view this information, click here.

Epilepsy Foundation

To lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives.

Epilepsy Foundation Northwest

For more than 50 years, the Epilepsy Foundation has shone a light on epilepsy by promoting awareness and understanding, advocating for laws that matter to people with epilepsy, and funding epilepsy research. 

Exceptional Parent

(Magazine) To Develop, Translate, and Share Information as Tools for Positive Change for the Special Needs Community.

Families Together

We are here to help, whether you are just starting out or experiencing a challenge along the way. We provide assistance with early intervention, education, health care, transitions, and community resources to support the academic, behavioral, social, emotional, and mental well being of children, youth, and families.

Family Resource Center: Providing education, information and support (Spanish)

Family Voices of Washington State

The Family-to-Family Health Information Center helps families of children and youth with special health care needs, and the professionals who serve them, to find healthcare funding. Because children with special health care needs issues are chronic and complex, parents and caregivers are often challenged with finding the resources to finance health care for their children. The Family-to-Family Health Information Center understands the issues that families face; they provide advice, offer a multitude of resources, and tap into a network of other families and professionals for support and information. Family Voices, through the National Center for Family / Professional Partnerships, provides technical assistance, training, and connections to other Family-to-Family partnering organizations.

Fathers Network

A Powerful Voice for Fathers and Families of Children with Special Health Care Needs. We do our work by connecting men with each other and with resources and information, by training men to tell their story and advocate for change and by working to promote inclusion.

FEAT of Washington (Families for Effective Autism Treatment)

While Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong condition in which the needs of your child will change over time, there is hope for your child to live a fulfilled life with support and company of loved ones. Since 1993, FEAT families and supporters have worked hard to improve treatment resources and advocacy services; and effect changes in the minds of those who make program decisions for individuals with Autism and their families.

Free Tool to Know and Share Family Health History

Using My Family Health Portrait you can: Enter your family health history. Learn about your risk for conditions that can run in families. Print your family health history to share with family or your health care provider. Save your family health history so you can update it over time. Talking with your health care provider about your family health history can help you stay healthy!

Going to College: A resource for teens with disabilities.

This Web site contains information about living college life with a disability. It’s designed for high school students and provides video clips, activities and additional resources that can help you get a head start in planning for college.

Going to Work: A Guide to SS Benefits

Individuals receiving Social Security disability benefits have a medical condition that prevents them from obtaining employment or engaging in substantial gainful activity. SSDI beneficiaries often want to try and return to work, but they fear that they may lose their SSDI benefits or Medicare coverage. The Social Security Administration noticed that very few SSDI recipients make it back into the workforce, so they designed the Ticket to Work program to help those beneficiaries who wanted to return to work. This program provides many great benefits and protections for SSDI beneficiaries who want to try and work again. 

Growth and Development Ages 13 to 17 What Parents Need to Know: Advocates for Youth

Human development is a lifelong process of physical, behavioral, cognitive, and emotional growth and change. In the early stages of life— from babyhood to childhood, childhood to adolescence, and adolescence to adulthood—enormous changes take place. Throughout the process, each person develops attitudes and values that guide choices, relationships, and understanding. Sexuality is also a lifelong process. Infants, children, teens, and adults are sexual beings. Just as it is important to enhance a child’s physical, emotional, and cognitive growth, so it is important to lay foundations for a child’s sexual growth. Adults have a responsibility to help children understand and accept their evolving sexuality. Each stage of development encompasses specific markers. The following developmental guidelines apply to most children in this age group. However, each child is an individual and may reach these stages of development earlier or later than other children the same age. When concerns arise about a specific child’s development, parents or other caregivers should consult a doctor or other child development professional. Note: When we use the words “males” and “females” and “boys” and “girls,” we are referring to those who are assigned male or female at birth and have corresponding body parts, independent of gender identity.

Health Manager: Look up Diseases & Conditions (Mayo Clinic)

Comprehensive guides on hundreds of conditions.

Healthcare Services and Supports WA: Washington State Health Care Authority

Important: Stay covered! Are you enrolled in Apple Health (Medicaid) coverage? Make sure your address and phone number are up to date so you can stay enrolled. Report a change.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Welcome to the U.S. Department of Education’s Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) website, which brings together IDEA information and resources from the Department and our grantees.

Infant and Early Childhood

The former Children’s Administration is now part of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. The former Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery is now part of the Health Care Authority.

Infant and Early Childhood Conference Registration

Information About the Appeal Process if denied SS Benefits

If we recently denied your claim for retirement, disability benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or a nonmedical related issue, you can appeal our decision. Generally, you have 60 days after you receive the notice of our decision to ask for any type of appeal. There are four levels of appeal.

Information for New and Expectant Parents: From the National Down Syndrome Congress

National Down Syndrome Congress and Global Down Syndrome Foundation have teamed up to publish the second edition of the groundbreaking Prenatal Testing & Information About Down syndrome pamphlet, available in English, Spanish and Icelandic. The second edition, created from the first national survey of pregnant women and medical professionals, is easily accessible electronically, or in print at no cost.

Information on How Washington State Provides DD Services – Eligibility: Developmental Disabilities Administration Services & Programs Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) | DSHS (wa.gov)

Informing Families (Spanish)

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR FAMILY MEMBER IN MAKING DECISIONS? The following informational bulletins on Guardianship and Supported Decision-Making are now available in Russian, Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese:

Informing Families, Building Trust

A partnership for communication on developmental disabilities issues in Washington State

InsureKidsNow.gov

Millions of children and teens qualify for free or low-cost health and dental coverage through Medicaid & the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Learn about coverage options for your family or help us spread the word about free or low-cost health insurance coverage!

Interactive Collaborative Autism Network (ICAN)

The site is a collaborative effort among three states: the State Departments of Education of Connecticut (CT) and Minnesota (MN) and the University of Kansas (KU) to use the World Wide Web (WWW) as a means of supporting and facilitating training. Started in Fall 2000, the site was developed to disseminate information about characteristics, assessment, and research-based interventions and services for children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Journal ‘Pediatrics’ Policy Statement on Emergency Info Forms and Preparedness

Children with chronic medical conditions rely on complex management plans for problems that cause them to be at increased risk for suboptimal outcomes in emergency situations. The emergency information form (EIF) is a medical summary that describes medical condition(s), medications, and special health care needs to inform health care providers of a child’s special health conditions and needs so that optimal emergency medical care can be provided. This statement describes updates to EIFs, including computerization of the EIF, expanding the potential benefits of the EIF, quality-improvement programs using the EIF, the EIF as a central repository, and facilitating emergency preparedness in disaster management and drills by using the EIF.

Kids Health

KidsHealth in the Classroom offers educators free health-related lesson plans for PreK through 12th grade. Each Teacher’s Guide includes discussion questions, classroom activities and extensions, printable handouts, and quizzes and answer keys � all aligned to National Health Education Standards.

Learning Disabilities Association of Washington

LDA of Washington’s mission is to create opportunities for success for all individuals affected by learning disabilities through support, education and advocacy.

 

Lettercase booklets

Lettercase leads the effort to make sure all expectant parent and providers have the resources and support they need at the moment of diagnosis.  Booklets about prenatal diagnosis of a genetic condition -for expectant parents who’ve received a prenatal diagnosis of a genetic condition

Medical Home

Welcome to the National Resource Center for Patient/Family-Centered Medical Home, a national technical assistance center focused on improving the health and well-being of, and strengthening the system of services for, children and youth with special health care needs and their families by enhancing the patient/family-centered medical home.

My Next Steps: A Parent’s Guide to Understanding Autism: UW Autism Center

The University of Washington Autism Center is a great resource for families learning to live with Autism. The Center suggests these online resources for parents, family members, caregivers, and teachers working with children on the spectrum. For information about the Center, click here: UW Autism Center

National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities: CDC Website

The National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) strives to advance the health and well-being of our nation’s most vulnerable populations.

Neurodevelopmental Centers of Washington

The Neurodevelopmental Centers of Washington (PDF) are a group of 19 community non-profit and hospital-based agencies who provide therapy and related services to young children with neuromuscular or developmental disorders. The centers are located across the state, each one meeting needs specific to its community.

NIH Website on Children and Medical Research

The safety of children remains the utmost priority for all NIH research studies. From asthma and cancer treatments to vaccines, research in children saves lives and improves their health and well-being. A new Web site from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), “Children and Clinical Studies” (www.ChildrenAndClinicalStudies.nhlbi.nih.gov), offers parents and health care providers an insider’s guide to children’s medical research. The Web site combines information about how clinical studies in youth are conducted with award-winning video of children, parents, and healthcare providers discussing the rewards and challenges of participating in research.

Office of the Education Ombudsman

In 2006, the Washington State Legislature passed House Bill 3127 to establish the Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO) to reduce the opportunity gap by supporting families, students, educators, and communities in understanding the public K-12 education system and resolving concerns collaboratively. The legislature placed us within the Governor’s Office to ensure our independence from the public education system.

OSPI

The goal of Washington’s K–12 education system is to prepare every student for postsecondary pathways, careers, and civic engagement. Led by Superintendent Chris Reykdal, OSPI is the primary agency charged with overseeing public K–12 education in Washington state. Working with the state’s 295 public school districts and 6 state-tribal education compact schools, OSPI allocates funding and provides tools, resources, and technical assistance so every student in Washington is provided a high-quality public education. OSPI is housed in the Old Capitol Building in Olympia.

 

OSPI Conferences, Trainings & Professional Development

This page is for training and professional development opportunities.

OSPI Publications

The Special Education Resource Library is intended to provide guidance and professional development resources on behalf of students with disabilities.

Outdoors For All

Our vision that people of all abilities recreate wherever and whenever they choose.

Parent Help 123: Benefit and resource finder

Children start learning as soon as they are born, and you are their first teacher.

Parent Support Ethnic Outreach

Helping Parent Leaders Make Schools Great

Parent to Parent of the United States

At Parent to Parent USA, when someone asks what we do, we say we empower and support parents, nationwide.  Why? Because we understand being a parent of a child with special needs can be a challenge — we’ve been there!  The journey is filled with hills and valleys and sometimes feels a little overwhelming. So, we’re driven to ensure no parent feels alone. Ever.

 

Resources About Sexuality & Children/Youth with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses

From the University of Michigan.

Resources in Washington State

English, Spanish and Vietnamese (from Informing Families) Strategies to Support Real Lives: Connecting to Resources in WA State

Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital Nutrition

CATCH (Coordinated Approach To Child Health) is an evidence-based coordinated school health program designed to promote physical activity and healthy food choices in elementary school-aged children.

Scholarships for Persons with Disabilities That Help Subsidize Education Expenses

Information and list of disability scholarships for applicants, including financial aid for the disabled and grant money for students with disabilities. Many institutions and organizations today offer financial aid for students with disabilities in the form of scholarships, opening the way for better educational opportunities. Students with disabilities can apply for awards and scholarships intended for disabled students in general, or relating to a specific disability.

 

Seattle Children’s

Our new building on the hospital campus, Forest B, is open. Families and visitors can park in the new Forest B garage next to Emergency.

Seattle Children’s Autism 200 Series – 90-minute classes

Conversations About Autism is a series of 60-minute live-streamed sessions created for providers and caregivers of children with autism who wish to better understand the autism spectrum disorder. In these sessions, experts and advocates from our region share their knowledge and perspectives on autism as well as helpful tips for supporting a child, adolescent or young adult with autism.

These sessions take place on the third Thursday of the month from 7 – 8 p.m. Pacific time and the recordings are posted on our YouTube channel for future viewing for those interested in the series.

Seattle Children’s Continuing Education

Educational Programs and Resources for Healthcare Professionals

 

Seattle Children’s Medical Staff

The active medical staff at Seattle Children’s Hospital is comprised of over 1,200 physicians and other providers. They represent all of the pediatric medical and surgical specialties – general pediatrics as well as family practice.

Seattle Children’s My Good Growing Email Newsletter

Seattle Children’s Quicklinks

On-line Services for Patients and Families

Sesame Street and Autism – Sex Education for Parents of Children on the Autism Spectrum

Sexuality and Autism: Sex Education for Children and Teens with Autism

Very few programs exist to teach young people with autism about sex and sexuality, and because people with autism are often unaware of social cues and peer expectations, clear, direct education is often critical.

Sibling Support Project

Founded in 1990, the Sibling Support Project is the first national program dedicated to the life-long and ever-changing concerns of millions of brothers and sisters of people with special health, developmental, and mental health concerns. We are proud to be a program of Kindering.

Our work spans books and publications, online communities for teen and adult siblings, and workshops and training. We are best known for helping local communities start Sibshops—lively peer support groups for school-age brothers and sisters of kids with disabilities and health concerns.

Social Security Administration: Benefits for Children

This booklet is for the parents, caregivers, or representatives of children younger than age 18 who have disabilities that may make them eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. It is also for adults with disabilities since childhood (prior to age 22), and who might be entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits (we call this SSDI benefit a “child’s” benefit because it’s paid on a parent’s Social Security earnings record). This booklet will help you decide if you, your child or a child you know, may be eligible for SSI or SSDI.

Social Security Benefits For People With Disabilities

The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. While these two programs are different in many ways, both are administered by the Social Security Administration and only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program.

Special Education Technology Center (SETC)

SETC Supports:

• All school districts in the state of Washington and the personnel who work in those districts.
• Any student, preschool through age 21, who formally receives special education services and who may require assistive technology to access their education.
• Families of special needs students. (Services must be accessed through the school district serving their child.)

Special Olympics

Special Olympics was started by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968 as a way to provide people with intellectual disabilities a place to play and feel included.

Today, her vision has become a global movement with more than 5.7 million athletes competing in 200 countries and jurisdictions.

Through the power of sports, people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities, skills and success. Our athletes find joy, confidence and fulfillment—on the playing field and in life. They also inspire people in their communities and elsewhere to open their hearts to a wider world of human talents and potential.

 

Spina Bifida Association of Washington State

Our mission is to advocate for everyone in the State of Washington affected by Spina Bifida by providing support, events, outreach and public awareness.

SS/SSI Debit Card

Starting Point: Resource Booklet

Advances in medicine are helping people to live longer than ever before. Medical care can also ask for patients and families to make complicated decisions. Your family members often do not know what medical care you want when facing serious illness or the end of life. One way you can start the discussion is by using a document — a Values Statement, a Healthcare Directive or a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare — as a Starting Point.

STOMP: Specialized Training of Military Parents

Provides families with federal information to gain a a better understanding of how to navigate through educational and medical systems when they have a child who has exceptional/special needs.

Supporting and Protecting Children, Youth and Families

July 1, 2018, the Department of Early Learning (DEL) became the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).

 

Talk Autism

October 8, 2018

Teacher Resources

Get Help Teaching Special Needs Students

From the basics to inclusion and behavior management, select a category of special education resources below.

 

Tech Tips: Apps 101 – for Androids

Sep 21, 2016 In this beginner’s guide to apps, Anthony Nash explains the many uses of apps, including how to find and install them, using One Bus Away to demonstrate.

 

Tech Tips: Apps 101 – For Apple

Sep 21, 2016 In this beginner’s guide to apps, Anthony Nash explains the many uses of apps, including how to find and install them, using One Bus Away to demonstrate.

 

Technology Resources For Individuals with Disabilities

This guide provides a quick overview of the different common disabilities some college students have and the different resources and technologies available to them. It is truly incredible how many different applications and software programs are out there made just to help students get by in school even with their disabilities. That said, attending college can be very positive and life-changing experience!

 

The Circles Curriculum

This program helps students “see” social distance and explains levels of intimacy and how those levels can change over time.

 

The First Signs

First Signs is dedicated to educating parents and professionals about autism and related disorders.

The Puzzle of Autism

This guide helps K-12 educators create a great school experience for students with autism with tips to capitalize on students’ strengths, strategies to address their challenges, and resources for providing individualized support.

The Special Education Support Center

The WEA Special Education Support Center collaborates with numerous state agencies, school districts, and advocacy organizations to assure effective support for students with disabilities.

The Washington Assistive Technology Foundation (WATF)

Northwest Access Fund offers financial products and services designed to meet the unique needs of people with disabilities and seniors in Washington and Oregon.

 

Tips on Beginning a New School Year for Children with Autism

Back to School: 17 Tips to Help Autistic Kids – August 7, 2018 – This is a post by Kimberlee Rutan McCafferty, mother to two sons on the autism spectrum and an Autism Family Partner at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Kim is also the author of a blog about her two children with autism.

Tips on Talking With Your Young Child About Sex

American Academy of Pediatrics and HealthyChildren.org

 

Transition Checklist

Planning for Life After School – Creating a successful transition to adulthood requires support from a lot of different sources. This Transition Toolkit provides a timeline and checklist to help you make the most of your high school
years. The following STAR FORM offers an example of ways to identify helpful people and resources to help reach your goals. Download your own STAR FORM at informingfamilies.org/star.

Transition Notebook (Adolescent Health Transition Project)

Like other transitions in life, Health Transition is a process, not a one-time event. The earlier teen, young adults and their families start getting ready, the smoother the Health Transition process will go. 

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP)

UCP affiliates provide services and support on a community-by-community basis, serving the unique needs of people with disabilities in their region.

United Healthcare Children’s Foundation

Our mission is to improve children’s lives and help families gain access to the care they need through medical grants. Helping Kids. Changing Lives

University of Washington Autism Center

Caring for autistic individuals and their families through exceptional clinical services, innovative scientific research and high-quality training.

UW Autism Center Early Start Denver Model Workshop (ESDM)

Subscribe to our e-newsletter.

Valued Lives: Inspired Living

Valued Lives’ passion is to empower vulnerable people to have real choice, real control and a genuine voice in the design, planning and delivery of their own supports and services.

Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome Educational Foundation, Inc.

22q11.2 Deletion syndrome or 22q (also referred to as Velocardiofacialsyndrome (VCFS), and/or DiGeorge syndrome) is a disorder caused by a small missing piece of the 22nd chromosome. This tiny missing portion of chromosome 22 can affect every system in the human body. 22q can be the cause of nearly 200 mild to serious health and developmental issues in children.

Violet Sees Free Glasses Program

WE can help you afford glasses for your child. Check out- https://www.violetsees.org/glasses Violet Sees Free Glasses Program CAN WE HELP YOU AFFORD GLASSES FOR YOUR CHILD? Please complete our Qualification Questionnaire to help us determine if your family would be a good fit for our program! You will hear back from us shortly after completing. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR RUN INTO ANY PROBLEMS, PLEASE EMAIL JEN@VIOLETSEES.ORG

WA DOH Oral Health Program

Oral Health for People with Special Needs & Educational Materials Oral Health Promotion Card and Brochure for Children with Special Needs are also available in Spanish.

Walla Walla Transition Checklist

(created by Walla Walla P2P)

Washington Association for the Education of Young Children (WAEYC)

WAEYC is dedicated to serve and act on behalf of the needs, rights, and well-being of all children as set forth by NAEYC. We value service to children, which is based on knowledge of children’s development and an understanding of the importance of the child’s family, culture, and community.

WAEYC is dedicated to inclusiveness both in whom we serve and in our membership. We value inclusiveness, which is based on the respect of the worth, uniqueness, and contributions of each individual.

WAEYC is dedicated to creating our vision for children. We value work with and on behalf of children, which is based on research, ethics, professional growth, leadership development, and social change.

Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)

As a Department we are tied together by a single mission: to transform lives. Each administration within DSHS has a refined focus on this mission.

Washington DOH Community Health & Division Programs List

Our programs and services help prevent illness and injury, promote healthy places to live and work, provide education to help people make good health decisions and ensure our state is prepared for emergencies.

Washington Education Association (WEA)

Educators are experts on making sure our students learn honesty about who we are, integrity in how we treat others, and courage to do what’s right. 

Washington Educational Service Districts (ESDs)

The goal of Washington’s K–12 education system is to prepare every student for postsecondary pathways, careers, and civic engagement. Led by Superintendent Chris Reykdal, OSPI is the primary agency charged with overseeing public K–12 education in Washington state. Working with the state’s 295 public school districts and 6 state-tribal education compact schools, OSPI allocates funding and provides tools, resources, and technical assistance so every student in Washington is provided a high-quality public education. OSPI is housed in the Old Capitol Building in Olympia.

Washington Initiative for Supported Employment (WISE)

This work is about you, your impact, and your ability to influence and impact your organization’s culture as an Administration on Disabilities (AoD) grantee to promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace for individuals with disabilities. As we support individuals with disabilities to obtain and maintain competitive, integrated employment, an important element of ensuring an appropriate job match is to incorporate the key ingredients of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)

The goal of Washington’s K–12 education system is to prepare every student for postsecondary pathways, careers, and civic engagement. Led by Superintendent Chris Reykdal, OSPI is the primary agency charged with overseeing public K–12 education in Washington state. Working with the state’s 295 public school districts and 6 state-tribal education compact schools, OSPI allocates funding and provides tools, resources, and technical assistance so every student in Washington is provided a high-quality public education. OSPI is housed in the Old Capitol Building in Olympia.

Washington PAVE

PAVE provides support, training, information and resources to empower and give voice to individuals, youth and families impacted by disabilities. 

Washington Sensory Disabilities Services

Washington Sensory Disabilities Services (WSDS) is here to assist children who are deaf or hard of hearing, blind or with low vision, or deafblind, by providing assessment services, training and other support to children, school districts, families and service providers. WSDS staff are located state wide. Three separate components support WSDS services.

Washington State Child Care Resource & Referral Network

Serving Washington since 1989

Washington State Department of Early Learning (DEL)

July 1, 2018, the Department of Early Learning became the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). June 30, 2018, this website will no longer be updated. For the latest information on early learning, visit the DCYF website at www.dcyf.wa.gov.

Washington State DSHS Developmental Disabilities Administration

Washington State Life Opportunities Trust (Endowment Trust Fund)

The DD Endowment Trust Fund is a supplemental special needs trust program. It was established in 1999 by the Washington State Legislature and opened for enrollments in July of 2002.

The DD Endowment Trust Fund allows individuals with developmental disabilities, or their families, to set aside funds for future use without affecting their eligibility for government services and benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid.

Funds can be withdrawn from the trust and used for many services not covered by other benefits, including recreation, therapy, clothing and transportation.

Washington State School for the Blind

To empower blind and low vision individuals to reach their full potential.

Washington Talking Book and Braille Library

The Washington Talking Book & Braille Library builds community and provides equitable access to information and reading materials for Washington residents unable to read standard print.

Washington Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities

Welfare Reform and SSI Childhood Disability

During the past several years, the U.S. social safety net has gone through substantial changes involving an emphasis on personal responsibility and incentives, the shift of certain responsibilities to the states, and new limits on entitlements for benefits. Two pieces of recent legislation affected the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) disability programs. Section 105 of Public Law 104-121, enacted on March 29, 1996, mandated the removal of
persons from the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (DI) rolls for whom drug addiction and alcoholism (DA&A) were material to the determination of disability. It eliminated allowances on the
basis of DA&A immediately and required the termination of benefits to all persons receiving benefits at the time of enactment.

What’s Next?

A Vision of the Future: The key is being prepared, The importance of planning for the future of an adult who has a developmental disability and is receiving government medical benefits is critical. You want to protect their current level of living and care.

 

Spanish What’s Next? edition

Es de crucial importancia planear el futuro de un adultos que tiene una discapacidad de desarrollo y que está recibiendo beneficios médicos del gobierno. Usted quiere proteger.

 

WithinReach (Formerly Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies)

Finding the right help is hard. WithinReach makes it easier. WithinReach helps people across the state navigate complex health and social service systems. With thousands of resources in our database, we connect people every day to the community supports they need.

 

Yakima County Parent to Parent (Newsletter) Uspanol

Mi hija Daniela es quien me trajo a Children’s Village cuando tenía solo un año. A lo largo de los años hemos seguido teniendo citas con diferentes servicios que se ofrecen en Children’s Village, pero el que más se ha destacado para nuestra familia es el programa de Padre a Padre (P2P).