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

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

LRW Program Specialist – Job Announcement

LRW Program Specialist – Job Announcement The Lifespan Respite Program Specialist will assist caregivers across WA State obtain much needed breaks by utilizing the services of respite providers on the Lifespan Respite Washington (LRW) website. This position’s primary responsibilities will be to support caregivers utilize their funded voucher and assist with the implementing family camp Read More

Where to Begin When A Student Needs Help

Where to Begin When A Student Needs Help A toolkit to guide you through the special education process in Washington State When a student has unmet needs and may need new or different school-based services, figuring out what to do next can feel confusing or overwhelming. PAVE provides this toolkit to support families in taking Read More

Exploring Assistive Technology: Understanding, Access, and Resources for All Ages and Abilities

Brief overview: Full Article You can also type “assistive technology” in the search bar at wapave.org to find other articles where assistive technology is mentioned. What is assistive technology (AT)? Who uses it? Where is it used?Assistive technology (AT) is any item, device, or piece of equipment used by people with disabilities to maintain or Read More

Special Education Terms

Glossary of Terms Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): also known simply as dispute resolution or procedural safeguards; options for resolving disagreements between parents and school districts; Washington’s options include facilitation, mediation, community complaint, and due process hearing. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): the federal law that makes it unlawful to discriminate against individuals with disabilities in Read More

Ages 3-5 Transition Toolkit

Ages 3-5 Transition Toolkit A Guide to Washington Services for 3-5 Year Olds 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 need services due Read More

School to Adulthood: Transition Planning Toolkit for High School, Life, and Work

Looking to the future can feel exciting, hopeful, confusing, overwhelming—or all emotions at once. For families supporting a young person with a disability, it’s never too soon to begin planning to ensure a smooth process from the teen years toward whatever happens next. This toolkit supports families as they organize this multiyear project. For a 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

Parent Resource Coordinator – Job Announcement

Parent Resource Coordinator – Job Announcement As a Parent Resource Coordinator, you will play a crucial role in the lives of children and youth with disabilities by providing support, training, information, and resources to them and their parents/guardians, and professionals to navigate WA’s education systems Your primary responsibility will be for all birth to age Read More

Accounting Assistant – Job Announcement

Accounting Assistant – Job Announcement If you enjoy working with numbers and want to make a difference in the lives of others while lending your financial skills, consider this growth potential position!  PAVE provides support, training, information, and resources to empower and give voice to individuals, youth and families impacted by disabilities. Every day our staff Read More