Your Child’s Application for Developmental Disabilities (DDA)

A Step -by-Step guide to submitting and application for DDA on behalf of your child. The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) provides services for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. DDA is responsible for administering various Medicaid waivers that provide essential services to families who have members who have a developmental disability. Applying for Read More

How to Prepare for a DDA Assessment

Here are tips for getting ready for an assessment with the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), which is managed by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). Be sure to send information to the DDA case manager ahead of time and keep a copy. If you save the assessment electronically in Word/Google Documents, Read More

From Birth to Three Toolkit

From Birth to Three Toolkit A Guide to Washington Services for Infants and Toddlers (ages 0-3 with disabilities) New parents have a lot to manage. Concern about whether a child’s growth and development are on track can be confusing. This toolkit provides places to begin if caregivers suspect that a baby or young child may Read More

Apple Health for Kids: Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHiP) in Washington State

Overview Where to apply or find more information about Apple Health for Kids: Full Article In Washington State, Medicaid, which includes the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHiP) is called Apple Health. Medicaid and CHIP are medical insurance programs run by the state and funded by the federal government and the state. The state agency that Read More

F2FHIC Program Specialist Announcement

F2FHIC Program Specialist Announcement As an F2F Program Specialist will help children and youth with special healthcare needs, their families, and professionals who serve them.  The successful candidate will provide support and coordination of reporting, assure communication with community partners, web content for two program websites, and assist with marketing and outreach.  This includes research and Read More

F2F Family Navigation Specialist Job Description

F2F Family Navigation Specialist Job Description Reports to: F2F Program Coordinator, Associate Director  Position Summary: Provide navigation support for parents who reside in the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas of Washington state 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 the parent 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

Autism Spectrum Disorder: Information and Resources for Families

A Brief Overview Full Article Parents of individuals with autism have many different experiences when watching their child’s development, navigating school years and relationships, and building community and belonging. When developmental milestones aren’t met in typical timeframes, families may seek a diagnosis, medical interventions, and/or support from school. CDC numbers show that 1 in 36 Read More

Transition Triangle

The planning process to support a student with disabilities toward their adult life plans requires coordination and organization. This graphic provides a visual overview of the work and who is responsible to help. The center upside down triangle describes key questions for a student as they move through school and toward adulthood: The three colored 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

Planning my Path – A User-Friendly Toolkit for Young Adults

Planning My Path Practical Tips and Tools for Future Planning Presenting our newest resource – the Planning My Path Practical Tips and Tools for Future Planning. This toolkit encompasses a collection of our informative articles, complemented by easy to understand timeline charts to provide you with a solid foundation as you navigate through this crucial transition period. Read More

What’s Next? High School Transition Planning Timeline

Description of the above graphic: What’s Next? High School Transition Planning Mapping the Future Check these milestones to ensure high school paves a pathway for young adult success and achievement! Ages 13-14Student begins High School and Beyond Plan in Middle School—a WA State requirement for all students. Ages 15-16IEP includes a Transition Plan, aligned with Read More