The Informer - January 2025 | |
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Happy New Year! 🎉 As we step into 2025, we’re excited to bring you fresh opportunities for learning, advocating for yourself, the people in your life, and connection. This month, we’re kicking off with a lineup of programs and resources to help support you and your loved ones:
✨ Upcoming Trainings: Join us for a detailed training on Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), designed to help you better understand and address behavioral needs effectively.
🗳️ Advocacy Days in Olympia: Be part of our efforts to amplify the voices of families and individuals as we work together to influence policies that matter most to our community.
🍎 New Lunch and Learn: Our new Lunch and Learn series begins this month, offering engaging, bite-sized sessions to inform and empower.
In addition to these events, this newsletter also highlights other resources and opportunities available in the community. Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, collaboration, and empowerment because we are better, together!
The PEACE NW team
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Advocacy Days for Families and Individuals
First opportunity Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
Transportation to Olympia will be provided by PEACE NW
We are so excited to make sure that all your voices are heard during this process. This is an important session to make sure the services for our loved ones are protected. If you are interested, there will be in-person and online options available.
For more details Visit our website www.peacenw.org or our Facebook page for updates.
For more information or questions contact Hattie at HattieS@peacenw.org or 360-991-6755
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*New Lunch and Learn with PEACE NW
Tuesdays 12:00pm -12:30pm Starting January 7th
Professionals and families are invited to bring their lunch and engage in informative discussions on supporting individuals with I/DD throughout their entire lives.
January Topics:
January 7th - Preparing for Legislative Session
January 14th - Nutrition and Healthy Eating
January 21st - DDA eligibility
To Register for this event Click here
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Transition to Adulthood Training Series for Families and Educators. Topic: Navigating the Adult System
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
5:00 PM 7:00 PM - Bridgeview Resource Center.
This in-person session will help families, educators and students understand and work toward successful connection to local resources available for students. There will be information about why, how and when to connect with these local services to ensure a successful transition from school to adult life.
Featuring presentations by:
- Clark County Community Services Developmental Disabilities Division
- Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
- Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation
- Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
To Register and learn more about this event Click here
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Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) with the Education Ombuds
Thursday, January 23, 2025 - Online
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
💡 Join Us for a Training on FBAs and BIPs! 💡 Have you heard about FBAs (Functional Behavior Assessments) and BIPs (Behavior Intervention Plans) but aren’t quite sure what they are or how they can help your child? We’ve got you covered!
PEACE NW is excited to offer a training led by the experts from the Education Ombuds. The presentation comes directly from feedback from families like YOU! We’ve heard your questions and concerns, and we’re bringing you the resources you’ve asked for. This session is designed to help you understand these critical tools and how they can support your child’s success at school.
To Register visit the following link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/ye4bvwb
For Questions and/or accommodations and Interpretation contact Tanya English tanyae@peacenw.org 360-823-2247.
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Together We Thrive - Birth to Five
1st and 3rd Mondays as well as the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays
From 10:00am -11:30am at Bridgeview Resource Center
January Dates:
- January 6th
- January 8th
- January 22nd
A place for families of Children with different developmental needs to set routines, build community and get useful resources in a calm and relaxed environment.
Registration is required by visiting the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/XpDMB1wAvau
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Building Independence
Supporting individuals 18 and Over to Build the Life of Their Dreams
Every Thursday 6:00pm -8:00pm
- Empowerment Sessions: Engage in discussions and activities to boost self-esteem and confidence.
- Goal Setting Workshops: Learn effective strategies for setting and achieving your life goals.
- Life Skills Development: Acquire practical skills for personal and professional growth.
- Guest Speakers: Gain insights from experts who have overcome challenges to build the life of their dreams.
- Make Friends: Connect with like-minded individuals, make friends, and build a supportive community.
To register go to http://tinyurl.com/bdzc5f4w
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Sessions online and some in person for more information Contact: Erin Maher. Phone: (360)609-8377 Email: erinm@peacenw.org | |
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Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) Intake and Eligibility
Wednesday February 12th 5:00pm - 7:00pm
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Join us online to learn how to get started with the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). Discover helpful tips and resources to make the process smoother, all from the comfort of your home!
- Understand Eligibility Criteria
- Learn how Navigate the Intake Process
- Understand DDA Decision Timelines
- Learn About Available Services and Supports.
To Register visit the following link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/26q3j5k/lp/f79571f8-0bd8-4183-8350-4fb6adaaf0da
For Questions and/or accommodations and Interpretation contact Tanya English tanyae@peacenw.org 360-823-2247.
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BUILDING INDEPENDENCE In-Person Dating Series
Time: Mondays: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Location: February 24th to April 14th Bridgeview Resource Center 505 Omaha Way, Vancouver, WA 98661 *Bus Line 32 - Andresen/Wichita Dr.
In-Person Dating Series for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), designed to foster independence and build confidence for forming meaningful connections.
To register for In-Person Dating Series: Click https://bit.ly/4fbfCdx . For more information about our Zoom dating series, please contact: Erin Maher Phone: (360) 609-8377 Email: Erinm@peacenw.org
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Cafe con PEACE NW - In person
Thursdays 10:00am -11:30am Starting February 6th
Group in Spanish for families who live the experience of having a child or family member with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
Meet other families, form a community, learn and share resources and ways to advocate for your loved one.
Registration is Required prior to attending to Register Click here
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Create a great offer by adding words like "free," "personalized," "complimentary," or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take action, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"
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Good news for SSI recipients living in the home of another!
If you are receiving SSI and you live in the home of another, even a family member, this is good news for you. Social Security Administration has finalized a rule to help you keep more of your SSI check.
Before you had to pay room and board or your SSI check would be reduced by up to 1/3. You would either guess at what is fair market value or you’d calculate all the family expenses and figure out your fair share. It was a hassle, and it was unfair.
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Community News and Resources | | |
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For Information on these upcoming events and to register click on the button below. | |
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Autism Society of Oregon Support Groups
Autism Society or Oregon ASO, has a wide variety of sponsored groups that are free, some are virtual and some in person ranging from social groups for children, teens and adults as well as support groups for parents of children with autism and support groups for autistic parents. For their full list and registration links visit: https://autismsocietyoregon.org/support/support-groups-by-region/aso-region-8/
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Northwest Access Fund
Navigating SSI:
January 8th - Under 18 12:00pm
January 15th Over 18 -12:00pm
Join NWAF for January's Navigating SSI Applications classes! These classes are online, free, and intended for families and services providers of children and youth with disabilities in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
Learn more and register here: https://www.nwaccessfund.org/youth/navigating-ssi/
Make it Make Sense Series on YouTube - Annual cost of living adjustments for Social Security Disability benefits have arrived! The "Make it Make Sense" video series has been updated with the 2025 numbers. These short, accessible videos, created by benefits planners at NWAF, address common benefits questions. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLx8kEhOh4kkYd7kMgXXJzE0czUi1Lt8qP
Free, one-on-one coaching sessions for youth with disabilities and their families on financial and/or disability benefits topics. Schedule a free session here: https://www.nwaccessfund.org/youth/coaching/
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WISE Webinar Series
Wednesdays from 11am-12pm
Join our live webinars at no cost, brought to you in partnership with Washington State Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). Featuring a diverse range of presenters from across the United States and beyond, each session delivers valuable insights, resources, and innovative ideas.
January 8th 2025 - Community Networking
In this session we will look at ways to increase your network. We know that networking can feel uncomfortable, and we want to increase your confidence and get you thinking about it in a different way. More Info
January 15th, 2025 - Invisible Disabilities: Unmasking Your True Self
Invisible disabilities can bring challenges to a person’s success in their work. Come and learn from David Murahashi and CJ Webb as they share their experiences of what it is like to have invisible disabilities in the workplace. They will discuss the pros and cons of disclosure and strategies for successfully working with employers and colleagues. More Info
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Thrive Adult Group
Eastpark Church’s Thrive group for adults with disabilities will meet on January 14th at 7:00 PM. Meetings will now follow a regular schedule on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. Each gathering includes a Bible study, snacks, activities, and group discussions to plan future events.
Location: Eastpark Church, 15815 NE 18th St., Vancouver, WA 98684.
For questions or to RSVP, email thrive@eastpark.org. Follow on Instagram at @thriveeastparkchurch for updates and photos!
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January Parent/Caregiver Support Group Hosted by Camas PTSO - All are welcome.
February 3rd 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
A free drop-in group for parents and caregivers of children offering a safe space for conversation and commiseration on all things parenting. This group is all-inclusive and all are welcome! Topics include: behavior, rules and discipline, parenting styles, self-care, special needs support, IEP/504, neurodivergence, equity and inclusion. Please join us and bring your questions, concerns, challenges, and success stories!
Drop in format: New people and discussions each time. Come when you can and leave when you need to. Adults only please.
For more Info visit: https://camasptso.org/index.php/event/january-parent-caregiver-support-group/
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FREE Introductory Training on Sexuality and Disability
January 8th - Open training hosted by Among Friends.
We are delighted you can join us for our introductory Training Session regarding disability and sexuality. There is no charge for this training. Once you fill out this form you will receive an automated response email with the link for the session. Click Here to Register
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Free Online Workshop Elevatus Training
January 14th 12:00pm -1pm
Healthy relationship boundaries are an important skill.
We'll explore tips and tools for addressing sexuality with people you work with.
For more Information visit: Free Online Workshop - Elevatus Training
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Medicaid Matters Townhall
Wednesday January 8th, 2025 6:30pm
Medicaid is more than healthcare, it funds all Home & Community Based Services for people with I/DD. Come learn more about why it matters, potential threats to services and how you can be involved.
Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckfuqvqD4sE9WLafmrJvIgflJq9J1zmWDf#/registration. *Spanish interpretation will be available.
Advocacy may sound difficult, but it’s not!
The Arc of Washington State’s Action Center helps you easily make your voice heard by the elected people who represent you. Signing up for our Action Alert lets you to send your concerns about our state budget and legislative policy changes needed directly to YOUR legislators. Visit:
https://arcwa.org/action-center/
Membership is now free! Have you signed up to become a member of The Arc of Washington State?
Our grassroots membership is one of our greatest strengths!
The time is now for us to stand together in support of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. That's why we've updated our membership model - membership is now free!
The Arc of Washington State has been a member-based organization since our formation in 1936. When you become a Member of The Arc, it means that you’re saying ‘Count me in. I’m an advocate for disability rights.’
By signing up, you are joining the ranks of a powerful grassroots movement that is family-focused and person-centered. To sign up visit https://arcwa.org/membership/
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Camas School District Special Education Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (CSD SEPTSO) exists to equalize opportunities so every student is supported, included and accepted.
We believe this is accomplished by partnering with district administration, school staff, parents and students. We strive to provide support, information, resources and education. We connect, share, celebrate, advocate, and grow a sense of community and inclusion in Camas.
For more information visit Camas Special Education PTSO
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Thank you for your Support, if you have information you would like us to share in upcoming newsletters that is relevant to our community e-mail info@peacenw.org. | | | | |
