So, You’ve Got a Diagnosis—Now What?

Many people say that discovering you have a disability changes everything but also nothing. What does this mean? It means you’re still you. You’ve just learned something new about yourself—whether it’s Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, a movement disorder, or another condition, it’s something new about you. This can feel overwhelming, but with the right mindset, you Read More

Transitioning Rights and Accommodations from IDEA to ADA and 504

The table below outlines the transition from the protections and accommodations provided under an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to the rights and accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act as students with disabilities move into higher education or the workforce. Aspect IDEA ADA & Section 504 Purpose 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

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

7 Factors Linked to Post – High School Success

These factors can offer valuable guidance for current high school students with disabilities, their families, and educators. By focusing on these areas, students with disabilities can better prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, whether in future education, training, or workforce. Here’s an expanded list with different examples for each factor, considering the Read More

What is Person Centered Planning?

What it is? Person-centered planning is all about making decisions that focus on you as a unique individual. It’s about listening to what you want and need, and then working together to make those things happen. Get Involved! Become a Person Centered Planner. Training sessions are starting soon! Seize this chance to make a positive 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

Ready for Work: Vocational Rehabilitation Provides Guidance and Tools

A Brief Overview Full Article Teenagers and young adults with disabilities have additional considerations when deciding what life looks like after high school. The transition planning process begins in middle school, when all Washington State students work with counseling staff to begin their High School and Beyond Plan. For students with disabilities, that lengthy planning Read More

Healthcare in Transition

Healthcare transition, like all other aspects of transitioning to adult care and services, can be difficult. However, if teenagers and families plan ahead for healthcare changes that occur when a child becomes an adult, things can go smoothly and be successful. Here are some resources and information for making the health care transition to adult Read More

Healthcare Transition and Medical Self-Advocacy

When young people turn 18, a lot happens. Adult responsibilities and decisions can feel scary and confusing for the unprepared. Becoming responsible for medical care is part of growing up, and that process is so critical that there’s a specific name for it: healthcare transition. For example, at age 18 a young adult is responsible Read More

Glossary of Terms for Future Planning

Legal Documents Letter of intent: a personal document expressing your wishes for your child which are not included in the will. It has no legal standing, but acts as a guide for guardians, Power of Attorney agents, and trustees.  It can be provided to your selected guardians and a copy can be saved with the 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

Self-Advocacy: Becoming an Active Member in Your Community

Brief overview: If you have ever defended your rights or the rights of other people, you were acting as an advocate. Self-advocacy means taking responsibility for telling others what you need and want in a respectful and direct way. Anyone can be a self-advocate. Speaking up for yourself or someone else can help you be Read More

ABLE: An Account to Overcome the SSI Resource Limit for Adults with Disabilities

A Brief Overview Full Article Living with a disability can be difficult and costly. Adults who receive benefits from the Social Security Administration because of disability often are challenged to improve their life circumstances because of a $2,000 resource limit. This limit means that a person receiving payments from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or the Read More