A Brief Overview Service dogs and therapy dogs have different jobs. Read on to learn more about the differences and how dogs can help people with diverse disabilities. A service dog is trained to support a specific person in unique circumstances. Therapy dogs are chosen by temperament and trained to use closeness and touch to Read More
Category: Health & Wellness
Information on physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being.
Children’s Long-Term Inpatient Program (CLIP) Provides Residential Psychiatric Treatment
A Brief Overview CLIP serves children ages 5-18 by providing residential mental-health treatment for a long-term stay that usually lasts 6-12 months. Read on for more information about CLIP eligibility and how to initiate a referral. Governor Jay Inslee in December recommended $675 million in new funding for behavioral health improvements statewide, and policymakers are Read More
Holiday Survival Tips For Families with Special Healthcare Needs
Everyone can get overwhelmed around the Holidays. Routines are disrupted, different or excessive foods might be in easy reach, and emotional triggers can come from many directions. Individuals with disabilities might be especially sensitive to those issues. This article provides a four-part planning guide to help families manage a change in routine, plan for outings, Read More
Holidays Can Hurt When Trauma is Present
Songs in the store tell us this is the “hap/happiest” time of the year, but for people who have experienced trauma this season can trigger difficult emotions. For children with disabilities, those emotions can be particularly complex and confusing. Unexpected behaviors might show up at home or at school, especially when routines are disrupted. Helping Read More
Washington Health Plan Finder – Information You Need!
It’s that time of year again, November 1st through December 15th is open enrollment for Washington health benefit exchange. If you or a family member needs health insurance, especially if you qualify for Medicaid (Apple Health) it is imperative that you enroll by December 15th to avoid any penalties. We know that the healthcare enrollment Read More
Diabetes Care in Schools / School Action Plan
Kids spend half their day at school, which means it is incredibly important to have a well-thought-out diabetes management plan for the school day. Every child will have a unique way of managing their diabetes. Some may use insulin pumps, insulin pens, or a syringe and vial. All students manage their diabetes differently, and all Read More
Stay Cool when Summer Heats Up
Summertime brings special challenges for families whose children have special needs. Some medical conditions and medications make individuals particularly susceptible to the heat. Be sure to check with your doctor about which medications might increase heat sensitivity. Keep in mind that extreme heat combined with humidity can make a person even more vulnerable. It’s harder Read More
Explore Adaptive Play with Your Child
Adaptive Play provides fun and engaging ways for children to learn new skills from occupational or physical therapists. Teachers in developmental preschools and kindergartens also make Adaptive Play part of their days. You can too! Simply put, Adaptive Play is games and toys that work for children with unique physical or mental capacities. Special ways Read More