Washington state informational and networking events for families with children with special health needs
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Cost: Free
Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual – A Zoom link will be sent a week before each session to those who registered
Men, Women and All Couples Are Welcome
All Sessions Will Be Recorded
June 7: Supporting Bilingualism for Children with Special Needs
July 5: How to Share the Load When Raising a Child with Behavioral Challenges
August 2: Sexual Assault Awareness & Response: What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know
September 6: Special Education: 10 Tips for Advocating for Your Child
October 4: Financial Strategies
November 1: Guardianships and Special Needs Trusts
December 6: Effective Communication as Couples After the Arrival of Children

Monthly on the 2nd Friday of each month at 7 PM.
A group for parents and caregivers of individuals with Down Syndrome.
Grab your dinner, a tasty beverage, and your phone, tablet, or computer – and join us online for social time together!
This group is about social connection, building community, emotional support, laughter, sharing resources, and just having a safe place to talk with other people who get it.
What to Expect:
- Good conversation
- Building community
- Connecting to other parents
- Sharing community resources
Questions:
Doreen VanderVort : (253)565-2266 ext 107
PAVE Pierce County Programs: P2P@wapave.org
Sharing Down Syndrome in Pierce County – SDSPC@wapave.org

NASEM will host a free public workshop on Early Interventions for Psychosis
About this event
About this event
‘Psychosis’ describes conditions that affect the mind, causing one to lose touch with reality. Symptoms may include delusions, hallucinations, and inappropriate behavior. Studies show that people commonly have psychotic symptoms for over a year before receiving treatment and reducing this duration of untreated psychosis is critical because early treatment is associated with better recovery.
This workshop will focus on early intervention for psychosis, examine the data on the epidemiology and outcomes for people at high risk for psychosis, for those who have experienced a first episode of psychosis, and will consider ways to improve the care for these individuals.
The workshop will be accessible to the public via live webcast, as well as in-person.
Sessions will:
• Provide an overview of the epidemiology for people with psychosis
• Discuss what services are available and highlight successful international and U.S. models
• Examine the current evidence on short- and long-term outcomes for people at high risk for psychosis
• Explore policy solutions and strategies that are the most effective for coordinated specialty services
Click here for more information about this event, including the agenda and other meeting materials.
Disclaimer: This registration information is being collected via Eventbrite. Eventbrite is not affiliated in any way with, or endorsed by, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, and your submission via the Eventbrite website is subject to Eventbrite’s privacy and terms of use.
Instructions and links to join the event will be forthcoming.

Family Voices is pleased to announce a new offering for those interested in deepening their understanding of our federal government and strengthening their advocacy skills.
Through our partnership with Capitolworks, LLC, we will be providing a four-part “mini” course adapted from Capitolworks manual We the People…Everyone’s DIY Guide. This course will help prepare us for all of the federal policy opportunities that lie ahead. Typically a full semester course, this adaptation is uniquely designed to work within time constraints while meeting valuable learning objectives as we continue to build our capacity to advocate at all levels for CYSHCN and families.
WHO can attend? Everyone! F2F/AO staff, youth, families, grassroots, etc. Join us live. Watch the recording. And show it again and again and again as we build the network of united family voices for CYSHCN and families. Flyers for sharing coming soon!
Each session will include a Spanish language interpreter.
REGISTER NOW FOR THE 4-PART SERIES
Session dates and details:
June 30, 2022, 3-4:30 pm ET F2F History and Federal Principles
We will begin with a brief case study offered by Diana Autin from SPAN about what it took to create a champion in Congress for the F2Fs. The “curriculum” will then focus on the basics of our federal government’s structure and how the founding principles of our democracy continue to influence policymakers’ decisions today.
July 14, 2022, 3-4:30 pm ET Structure of the Federal Government
This class will focus on our government’s structure: the who, the what, and the how of the various branches of our federal government and how this structure impacts the role of different policy leaders and therefore the structure of any advocacy strategy. Laws versus regulations versus guidance versus executive orders, and much more!
August 25, 2022, 3-4:30 pm ET How a Bill Becomes a Law
This class will focus on the intricacies of how a bill becomes a law. It will provide a deep-dive into the process of moving an idea/goal into actual legislative language, the different processes required for that bill to move forward, as well as details such as how the cost of a bill is determined, who decides if/when a bill moves, what is meant by the terms “authorization”, “appropriation”, “a hold”, “fast-tracked”, etc.
September 15, 2022, 3-4:30 pm ET Tools to Advance Policy
Finally, this last class will work through all of the various tools that can be used by grassroots as well as members of Congress to advance policy priorities. It will focus on communication tactics (messaging, the power of persuasion, development of one-pagers, use of data), congressional events (briefings, hearings, receptions), and the development of a policy strategy.

What is the Legal Transitions to Adulthood Class?
Attorneys present information for parents and caregivers of youth who are approaching
adulthood who will need ongoing support, help with decision-making, disability-related
benefits, and other services. The young person may also attend.
What does the class cover?
Public benefits:
• SSI, DDA
• Financial planning to maintain eligibility
Legal decision-making:
• Supported decision-making
• (Durable) powers of attorney
• Legal guardianship
Can I get legal advice for my child’s specific situation?
No legal advice will be given, and attorneys are not able to offer specific
recommendations. The class covers general information about legal rights and
processes and includes a question and answer section. Attorneys cannot help families
apply for guardianship or complete court paperwork.
Do I need a computer to take the virtual class?
It helps to have access to a computer or smartphone to be able to see the presenters
and materials. Class participants can call into the Zoom meeting by phone. We need an
email or physical address to send the class invite and materials.
How much does it cost? The class is free.
How do I register?
Email legaltransitionsclass@seattlechildrens.org with this information:
• First and last name of person attending, phone number and contact email
• City and state
• Preferred language
• Preferred date (Mar 21, May 16, July 18, Sept 19, Nov 21)
Emails missing any of this information cannot be processed.
You may also ask your Seattle Children’s provider to register you.
Questions? Call 206-987-5942

Connect virtually with other adult siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities!
Upcoming Dates: July 15, Aug 19, Sept 16
REGISTER FOR ZOOM LINK: https://www.arcsno.org/index.php?option=com_civicrm&task=civicrm/event/register&reset=1&id=253
(now meeting every 3rd Thursday)
HOSTED BY:
EMILY HOLL | SIBLING SUPPORT PROJECT
JAMIE COONTS | THE ARC OF SNOHOMISH COUNTY
RACHEL NEMHAUSER, RICHARD MULLEN | THE ARC OF KING COUNTY
FOR QUESTIONS CONTACT:
JAMIE COONTS AT JAMIE@ARCSNO.ORG OR (425) 258-2459 X104
WWW.ARCSNO.ORG
(Image description: The flyer is blue with white and black texts. Three patters of squares in white and orange are showing above.)