Support for Youth Whose Post-High School Plans were Impacted by COVID-19

A Brief Overview Students who did not make adequate progress on IEP goals due to COVID-19 may be eligible for Recovery Services. IEP teams are responsible to make individualized, student-centered decisions about this option for additional educational services. Students who turned 21 and “aged out” of their IEP services during the pandemic may be eligible Read More

COVID-19 and Disability: Access to Work has Changed

By Kyann Flint The world of work is generally not built for the disability community. Federal laws guarantee the right to work and the right to accommodations, but modern-day jobs do not always give each person an opportunity to succeed. Many workers with disabilities must try harder to make the job fit, and some employers Read More

COVID Considerations for Families to Plan for Fall 2022

A Brief Overview Free COVID vaccinations are available for adults and for children as young as six months. Washington State does not require students to be vaccinated against COVID to enroll for school in the 2022-23 academic year. Local school districts establish their own policies and procedures for health and safety and illness response.   Read More

Long COVID May Cause Disability and Eligibility for Services

Some people infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus experience long-term symptoms—called Long COVID. If lasting symptoms significantly impact a person’s life, their ability to work, or their access to school, disability laws are in place to protect and support them. Among federal laws that support disability rights are the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Read More

Health Information for Families as Schools Reopen During COVID Pandemic

As schools open for the 2021-22 school year, families have decisions to make about health and safety. This article provides information and resources to address some key questions: What measures are schools required to take to keep children and staff safe? What COVID precautions should our family consider? What should we do if returning to Read More

Measles, Childhood Immunizations, and Washington State

Overview: Full Article: Prior to the COVID 19 outbreak in 2019, Washington State experienced several large outbreaks of measles. Why is that an issue? Measles is a virus that is preventable through immunization (getting a vaccine) and was almost completely eliminated in the United States by 2000. This changed when a social movement popularized the Read More

 Open Enrollment for Medicaid and Medicare Dual Eligibility 

Brief Overview   Full Article   Open enrollment for Medicaid and Medicare starts on November 1st, 2024 and ends on January 15th, 2025. The annual opportunity to sign up, renew, or change coverage to best suit your family’s situation. Washington Health Plan Finder has step-by-step instructions for applying and navigators to help with the application process. Help is Read More

2024 Law in Washington State Requires Daily Recess for Children in Public Schools  

A Brief Overview:  Full Article:   Rain or shine, “well behaved or not”, daily recess is a very important part of education for every child going to school. And now it is required by the new Washington State Daily Recess Law, RCWA 28A 230.295. When school days are 5 hours or longer, schools are now required Read More

F2F Family Navigation Specialist Job Announcement

F2F Family Navigation Specialist Job Announcement As a Family Navigation Specialist, you will provide support, training, information, and resources to assist parents who reside in the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas of WA and experience an IDD and/or are neurodiverse, that are involved with family support service agencies and organizations and/or the Parents Representation Program, if Read More

Glossary of Key Terms for Life After High School Planning

ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act. Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all public and private places open to the general public. Adult Services: Programs available to support individuals after they become legal adults at 18. Age of Majority: In Washington, 18. An adult is responsible for educational, vocational, financial, and other decisions unless other Read More

Bi/Multicultural and Multilingual Outreach Specialist Job Announcement

Bi/Multicultural and Multilingual Outreach Specialist Job Announcement As a Bi/Multicultural and Multilingual Outreach Specialist for the Parent-to-Parent Program you will serve as a crucial link in ensuring that parents of children with an intellectual/developmental disability (IDD) from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds receive the guidance and resources they need for their child and family. This Read More