A Brief Overview Full Article When a young person turns 18, most decisions are now up to them. In Washington State, age 18 is the “age of majority,” which means a person 18 or older has the right to make their own decisions about education, work, money matters, voting and more. Note: In Washington the Read More
Category: Youth
Information for persons between the ages of 13 – 26.
Bullying at School: Resources and the Rights of Students with Special Needs
A Brief Overview Full Article Students with disabilities who are bullied at school have legal protections, and schools have added responsibilities to ensure their safety and well-being. When acts of bullying involve discrimination based on disability, race, sex, or religion, federal agencies classify those acts as harassment. The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Read More
Military Family Resources for Youth and Young Adults Transitioning from High School
The links below will help you find resources for employment or post-high school education in any state to which you may move. NEW: Directory-University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) Directory of LEND programs Employment Employment Center at your installation (check out the installation website-under Morale, Welfare and Recreation) List of Vocational Rehabilitation agencies Read More
Stay Stubborn! One Girl’s Self-Determination while Navigating Healthcare
By Kyann Flint Being stubborn is the right approach when it means self-determination. Having the drive to learn what you want and need and then speak up for yourself gives you control over your life. I learned that lesson young. By age 6, I was advocating in my own healthcare. My doctor wanted to stick 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
How to Testify in a Committee Hearing during the 2021 Washington Legislative Session
Learn about the new ways in which you can testify in a committee hearing of the Washington State Legislature. Due to COVID, advocacy or testimony with the Washington State Legislature this year will have to be done remotely, through zoom, which means there are new rules. When testifying over zoom, there are some special things Read More
Attention Students: Lead your own IEP meetings and take charge of your future
A Brief Overview Full Article If you are a student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), read this article to find out how you can be a leader on your IEP team. Your future is counting on you! By the time you are 16 years old, the school is required to invite you to your IEP meetings. Read More
Journeys in Healthcare from a Youth Perspective Part 2
My Life, My Plan – Meet Ivanova
Knowing your disability
Mia’s Story – Learn more about CHARGE Syndrome
My story: The Benefits of Working with Agencies like the Washington State Department of Services for the Blind
Getting a job right after I graduated was a very exciting and scary experience. Luckily, I had Washington State Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) staff to help me along the way because without their help, experiencing new things would have been difficult. At first, I was nervous. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do Read More
Tips to Make a Well-Informed Transition into Life After High School
Tips to Make a Well-Informed Transition into Life After High School A Brief Overview Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) need to have a Transition Plan written into the IEP by the school year when they turn 16, but it’s never too soon to start talking, planning and envisioning the future. Students can stay Read More
PAVE Night at the Rainiers / National Anthem
Transition from Child Based to Adult Based Services in Behavioral Health
From Child to Adult Transition to adulthood is difficult for all young adults, but if you are a young adult who utilizes Behavioral Health or Substance Use Disorder services it can be confusing and overwhelming. It is also difficult for the parents and guardians who support them. Moving from child based to adult based services takes Read More