Making Special Education Work for Your Child During COVID
What to Look for in Accessible Apartments
Simple Home Modifications for Kids with Special Needs
Tips for Coping with Covid Stress
If your child is eligible for free or reduced-price meals through school, you may be eligible to receive internet service for online learning at your home for free through Washington’s K–12 Internet Access Program. If you are eligible, you will be provided free internet at your home through the end of the school year. There will be no fees for installation or equipment, and you will never receive a bill. Outstanding debt to an internet service provider is not a barrier to receiving free internet through this program. Participating internet service providers serving Ridgefield School District are Comcast and Presidio. The deadline to apply for the K-12 Internet Access Program is March 30, 2021. To apply, please contact providers directly. To apply for Comcast Internet service, please contact Ridgefield School District Technology Services at geoff.varney@ridgefieldsd.org to receive your promo code. Apply online at https://www.internetessentials.com/get-help or, if you are unable to do so, call 844-963-0178. To apply for wireless Internet service (hotspot) with Presidio, please fill out the form located here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FreeSchoolInternetWA. The promo code for Presidio is WA2020. If you are unable to complete the form yourself, please contact the Ridgefield School District Technology Department at 360-619-1363 and someone will fill it out on your behalf.Providers will confirm your eligibility by requesting information from you about your income status. Please know that the provider will share a list of eligible families with Washington’s K–12 education department, and the department will validate eligibility of a random sample. The data will be shared through a secure access portal and will not be shared elsewhere for any purpose.If you are approved for the K–12 Internet Access Program, you will receive equipment and installation support at no cost, and free internet access will be provided to your home through June 30, 2021.PLEASE NOTEIf you want to continue with internet service after June 30, 2021, it will become your financial responsibility.You will need to pay for any damaged or lost equipment.
Free Books!
PEACE is cleaning up and has lots of books to share! Please check out the complete list https://bit.ly/3ic5Hb5 . To obtain your book, contact Brenda at 360-823-2247 x106 or Brendat@peacenw.org to arrange pick up.
Services
Fraley Photography
Photographer Tammy Fraley specializes in photographing individuals with special needs.
Healing Winds
Therapeutic horseback riding in Brush Prairie, WA. Click here for more information.
Spirit Horse Therapeutic Center
Equine assisted healthcare. Email info@spirithorseswwa.org for more information.
Miscellaneous
Acronyms in the Developmental Disability World
Confused about an acronym you’ve seen or heard? This is a great reference list.
Parent Help 123
If you or your family need help with health or food needs there is a resource finder for Washington state.Find information about food banks, parent support groups, play and learn groups, low-cost clinics, free birth control and more.
Agencies
Office of Developmental Disabilities Ombuds (DD Ombuds)
The Washington State Legislature created the DD Ombuds because of the high rates of abuse and neglect against people with developmental disabilities. They are a private, independent office focused on improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities in Washington State. The promote the well-being of people receiving developmental disabilities services through resident-directed, person-centered support and complain resolution. Some services include providing general rights information for those who use DD services, information referral, and education materials, tips or ideas for an individual to resolve an issue at the lowest level possible, monitoring facilities and residences, an advocacy on behalf of an individual or group to resolve a complaint.
Southwest WA Childcare Consortium (SWCCC)
The Consortium operates a community-run child care system in Clark County with twenty-nine centers all of which have programs using nationally recognized, research-based Creative Curriculum. Call 360-750-7501
Developmental Disabilities Administration | For services & supports call 360-418-6108
Department of Social and Health Services (for Medicaid) | 800-562-3022
Social Security Administration (for SSI/SSDI) | 800-722-1213 or
Housing Solution Center | 360-695-9677
Websites and Magazines
Informing Families
A resource provided by the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council to provide news and information to individuals and families that empowers them to be active participants in planning and building a network of support and opportunities.
The Arc of Washington
The Arc of Washington State’s mission is to advocate for the rights and full participation of all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Along with our network of members and chapters, we support and empower individuals and families; connect and inform individuals and families; improve support and service systems; influence public policy; increase public awareness; and inspire inclusive communities.
Understood.org
Parents want the best for their children. We do, too. For the first time ever, 15 nonprofit organizations have joined forces to support parents of the one in five children with learning and attention issues throughout their journey.
With the right support, parents can help children unlock their strengths and reach their full potential. With state-of-the-art technology, personalized resources, free daily access to experts, a secure online community, practical tips and more, Understood aims to be that support.