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WA State Parent to Parent (P2P)
Newsletter: October 2020
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Our 2-day Coordinator's training on September 17-18 was amazing. It was so great to get together (virtually) to learn, share and network. We had record attendance with 47/51 coordinators participating (that's 92%). We had engaging trainers on cultural humility and self-compassion/boundaries, as well as a parent panel, update from National Parent to Parent, a virtual brag-and-steal session, and many opportunities to get together in small groups. We definitely missed being together in-person, but instead of cancelling the training altogether, we stepped up, leaned in and DID It! A special thank you to the planning committee: Rachel and Patty (King County), Amy and Gloria (Yakima County), Liz (Pierce County), Debbie (Lincoln/ Whitman Counties), Theresa, Jackie and Tracie.
Training evaluation comments:
'1,000% thank you! Thank you! We had been asking for a speaker to address compassion fatigue, and boy, did we need it now more than ever! After 6+ months into the COVID-19 pandemic/quarantine, while balancing our own personal/family needs and the needs of the disability community we support, while being physical isolated from our office/staff, and compounded by the steep technical learning curve of doing everything virtually and using ZOOM has been overwhelmingly exhausting! Sarri Gilman's presentation was full of grace, offered HOPE, and gave us the tools and dialogue to make positive changes in our personal and professional lives. I started implementing her suggestions immediately and feel like I can finally establish a healthier balance, set firmer boundaries, and take care of myself while working in social services, especially during a pandemic!'
'Thank you for your meaningful planning. I can't imagine it was easy to shift gears to virtual. WE would have all liked to have been together in the same room but that just wasn't possible. Thank you for taking our health seriously and making the shifts necessary. I love the HOPE Partners. I think it's a great way to build connections. Thank you!'
Welcome to Amelia Hernandez, Multicultural Coordinator (Chelan/Douglas).
Tracie, Theresa, Patty and Jackie
Story shared by South Sound Parent to Parent (SSP2P)
In 2017 my son Travis was referred to see a PT and OT at just 3 months old. I thought I was failing him as a mom, and it was the worst feeling I have ever felt. After a few short months of him being in therapy they brought up SSP2P and told me I should reach out. I was very hesitant, and it took me a couple months to reach out if I am being honest. He was about a year old when he finally had his evaluation with Danielle Gardner (Family Resources Coordinator) and Erin Murray (Home Visitor). I started to realize I wasn't alone, and these amazingly kind people were here to help me and Travis.
He got started right away with Erin and she was amazing. She came to the house every other week and played with Travis and we talked about all the accomplishments and milestones he was hitting and even all the tougher things that weren't going right for us. She was a listening ear for me to talk and vent to all while playing and engaging with Travis to help reach goals, we set every 6 months or so. Having her come to the house was such a blessing and even more so when I had my second son Thomas. She was understanding if I wasn't as engaged in the session because of Thomas and would give Travis the undivided attention he needed while I was attending to my newborn. When we moved she was so flexible and made arrangements for us to visit in office.
Thomas was always welcomed with open arms which was a blessing because as a stay at home mom I had no childcare for him while Travis was having his visits. Travis was getting older and hitting all sorts of milestones and our team started talking about the next steps to get him into school because he was phasing out of B-3 as sad as it was. He started going to some toddler groups which I feel helped him a lot being around other kids who weren't his brother. Danielle and Erin helped get us set up with the developmental pre-k in our school district and made the transition so smooth but again so sad as this phase was coming to and end. I am forever grateful for all that SSP2P has done for my family.
When Sylvia Davenport (Helping Parent Transition Coordinator) came to me in a toddler group and asked me to think about becoming a helping parent, I was ecstatic! I was so excited and wanted nothing more than to help other parents who were going through life as a parent of a special child. I wanted and still want to make sure no parent goes through this alone. As if just being a parent wasn't hard enough adding stresses of having a developmentally delayed child just made it so much harder. I became a helping parent because I know how I felt going through the waves of life alone when Travis first started PT and OT and realizing that he wasn't going to lead a "normal" life.
I wish I would've reached out sooner because in my 2 short years of being apart of this program I have learned and received so much support and, friendships for both of my kids. Now that I am a helping parent and attend the weekly Mom 2 Mom group on Zoom I feel so much more connected with other families around me that are going through very similar situations. This Is a very different life we are all living these days and feeling alone and isolated are probably the top 5 feelings I feel on a regular basis but having these women to turn to and vent to and bounce ideas off of and just support me makes the hour a week I give to the group worth it. Knowing that I'm not alone and that just about every other parent out there is feeling just as overwhelmed as I am makes me feel a little less alone and overwhelmed. Our Mom 2 Mom group is about togetherness, laughing, crying, being happy, and sharing frustrations and accomplishments. I am forever grateful for this program and all it has given me and my family. I can't imagine how much different our lives would be without everyone who's apart of SSP2P. By far the best phone call I ever made 2 years ago.
Sincerely Nicole Behnke
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1. Phases of Disaster - Adapted from Zunin & Myers as cited in DeWolfe, D. J., 2000. Training manual for mental health and human service workers in major disasters (2nd ed., HHS Publication No. ADM 90-538). Rockville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services. (pdf format to share)
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2. Washington State Leadership Board's Boundless Washington
Overview
Boundless Washington is an equity focused program that integrates fun, challenging outdoor activities with leadership training for young people with disabilities in Washington state. At capacity, the program will sponsor 20 middle and high school students to participate in the program. Launched in 2020, the program currently serves 9 students all over the state....( see more click on flyer with information)
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3. Save the Date! You are invited to attend a free virtual conference
November 17-18, 2020
Tuesday: 8:30am-4:30pm | Wednesday: 8:30am-12:00pm
Supported By: WA Emergency Management Division (EMD) | WA State Department of Health (DOH)
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Children with obesity are at higher risk for other chronic health conditions, such as asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, and type 2 diabetes. They also have higher risk factors for heart disease like hypertension and high cholesterol. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website features information to support healthy growth in children.
STUDY: Breastfeed Infants Less Likely to Have Overweight. Breastfeeding, as the normative standard for infant feeding, promotes optimal growth and development and can prevent childhood obesity. To learn more about the differences in growth patterns of breastfed and formula-fed infants, read this AAP publication.
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This tip sheet explores stress and compassion fatigue, as well as signs of distress after a disaster. It covers strategies healthcare providers can use to reduce their stress during this time and information about coping with compassion fatigue.
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6. Transitioning to Virtual Services and Support for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs and Their Families
Clinicians, early intervention providers and other community service services providers and educators are having to quickly ramp up telehealth and online learning capacity during COVID-19. (For the rest of the article)
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12. Educating youth (ages 14-24) on current, in-demand, employment opportunities; navigating accommodations through interactive online activities; and real-world business opportunities shared by business professionals, providing insights on advocacy and employment.
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New! Disability-Led Research Study on the COVID-19 Response
The Johns Hopkins Disability Health Research Center is conducting a disability-led qualitative study to inform COVID-19 policy for the disability community. They are looking to recruit disabled people to participate in a research study of virtual focus groups discussing healthcare, accessibility and employment-related gaps in the COVID-19 response. See below for the study announcement, including information on how to participate and contact information.
Johns Hopkins University Disability Health Research Center
Interested in advising the future of the COVID-19 response for the disability community?
We are recruiting people with disabilities to participate in a research study of virtual focus groups discussing healthcare, accessibility, and employment-related gaps in the COVID-19 (coronavirus) response for the disability community.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Bonnielin Swenor, IRB# 00249078 contact [email protected] with questions.
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Yes, breastfeeding is still considered safe during the pandemic. In fact, it continues to be encouraged by medical organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Most nutritional experts believe that breastfeeding protects infants from infection in general, and COVID-19 is no exception.
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New! Childhood Traumatic Grief: Youth Information Sheet. Provides information on the effect that trauma may have on youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This fact sheet offers providers information on IDD and trauma, communication and trauma-related behavior, IDD and systems of care, screening and assessment for youth with IDD, diagnostic criteria, treatment, and resilience and recovery for youth with IDD who have experienced trauma.
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New! COVID-19 Behavioral Health Toolbox for Families Available. The COVID-19 Behavioral Health Group developed the COVID-19 Behavioral Health Toolbox for Families: The toolbox gives tips on how to understand emotional responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes an appendix on Tips for Families of Children & Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The Behavioral Health Strike team guides the work for the COVID-19 Behavioral Health Group. The Behavioral Health Strike Team includes seven doctoral-level psychologists, one psychiatrist, and one Board Certified Couple and Family Psychologist. We hope that you will use this resource to help the families and children you serve. By learning to recognize the signs of pandemic stress and knowing what actions to take, we can improve behavioral health outcomes in our communities.
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COVID-19 Behavioral Health Toolbox for Families Available. The COVID-19 Behavioral Health Group developed the COVID-19 Behavioral Health Toolbox for Families:
The toolbox gives tips on how to understand emotional responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It includes an appendix on Tips for Families of Children & Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The Behavioral Health Strike team guides the work for the COVID-19 Behavioral Health Group. The Behavioral Health Strike Team includes seven doctoral-level psychologists, one psychiatrist, and one Board Certified Couple and Family Psychologist. We hope that you will use this resource to help the families and children you serve. By learning to recognize the signs of pandemic stress and knowing what actions to take, we can improve behavioral health outcomes in our communities.
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Self-Care & Healing During COVID-19 Webinar Series:
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For languages that do not have dedicated webpages, taglines are in the sidebar about how to request the translations from Constituent Services.
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News release - WA State Healthcare Authority - For immediate release - July 6, 2020
State launches Washington Listens program to support people affected by the stress of COVID-19 The program includes a phone line to speak with support specialists and connect to community resources
OLYMPIA - In response to COVID-19, Washington has launched Washington Listens, a support program and phone line to help people manage elevated levels of stress due to the pandemic.
People who call the Washington Listens support line will speak with a support specialist and get connected to community resources in their area. The program is anonymous.
"Washington Listens helps people cope and strengthen their resiliency in these uncertain times," said Sue Birch, director of the Washington State Health Care Authority, the agency managing the program. "It complements the state's behavioral health response services by providing an outlet for people who are not in crisis but need an outlet to manage stress."
"This pandemic has had far-reaching effects that extend beyond our physical health. We are still in this fight against this virus, and this assistance will help Washingtonians recover during this uniquely stressful time," said Mike O'Hare, FEMA Region 10 administrator.
The Washington Listens support line is 1-833-681-0211. It is available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. TTY and language access services are available by using 7-1-1 or their preferred method.
Providers and tribes that have partnered with Washington Listens include American Indian Community Center, Colville Tribe, Community Integrated Health Services, Crisis Connections, Frontier Behavioral Health, Okanogan Behavioral Healthcare, and Swinomish Tribe.
The Washington Listens support line is made available by a $2.2 million Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP) grant funded by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This program supports short-term interventions to mitigate stress, promote the use or development of coping strategies, and provide emotional support to help Washingtonians understand and process their stress.
Media contactsAmy Blondin, Chief Communications Officer 360-725-1915 (office) 360-688-0131 (cell) FEMA Region 10 News Desk 425-487-4610
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Coping with Crayons: Kid-Friendly COVID-19 Information - To help children understand the disruption in their lives, Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University created a coloring book to provide COVID-19 information that children of all ages can easily digest and understand. An article from the Children's Hospital Association notes that the activity book, available online and in print, also can help parents gauge their children's feelings about the pandemic.
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In a video (Covid-19 Content: PTSD During a Pandemic for Parents with Medically Fragile Children)from the Child Neurology Foundation, a caregiver and a psychologist discuss the impact of isolation and stress on parents caring for medically fragile children during a pandemic.
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Informing Families-Charting the Life Course: Integrated Services and Supports
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Resilience Loans - A new loan product to help those who have become unemployed, underemployed, or furloughed as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
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Strengthening Families Washington team collaborated with many state-wide
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Families Learning from Families June Virtual Roundtable Series
A discussion and learning forum for families learning with and from each other to support their children and loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is a parent/caregiver ONLY event. This experience is designed to be responsive to the interest and needs unique to historically underserved families.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
June 6, 2020 - 12 noon - 1:00 PM EST [11 AM CT; 10 AM MT]
June 13, 2020 - 12 noon - 1:00 PM EST [11 AM CT; 10 AM MT]
June 27, 2020 - 12 noon - 1:00 PM EST [11 AM CT; 10 AM MT]
5 Essential e-Tools & Family Activities for Summer Enrichment
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The series of free webinars and online conversations will occur monthly from May through October 2020. The next two events are scheduled for June 25, and July 28 at noon EDT.
For more information about future events, contact Deborah Dokken: [email protected]
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A Parent's Guide:
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A fresh round of stimulus checks for people with disabilities and billions for home- and community-based services are part of a $3 trillion relief bill that faces an uncertain future. (Click on the article for the rest of the story.)
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COVID-1 Resource Guide for Parents and Caregivers. The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) recently created a resource guide to help parents and caregivers navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. DCYF recognizes the challenges parents and caregivers are experiencing during this unprecedented time. Many parents and caregivers have the responsibility of balancing their work schedules in the face of school closures and limited child care availability, or job loss.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a series of videos about COVID-19 in American Sign Language at: Sharing CDC's ASL resource
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Revised DOH website regarding COVID-19 with multilingual resources.
Need a phone number to call with questions about the virus? DOH operates a hotline, with multiple language assistance, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily at 1-800-525-0127. The call center cannot access COVID-19 testing results. You can also text the word "Coronavirus" to 211-211 to receive information and updates on your phone.
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People With Disabilities, Families, and Direct Support Professionals: #WeAreEssential
We are fighting every day to make sure the critical needs of people with disabilities, their families, and the direct support professional (DSP) workforce are included in the next coronavirus relief bill. And we need your help!
From home and community based services to minimize the risk of people with disabilities being forced into institutions, paid leave for all caregivers, personal protective equipment for the vital DSP workforce, and stimulus payments for all - our essential needs must be included.
What matters most to you and why? Share YOUR story with The Arc and send a personalized message to your Members of Congress by answering 3 short questions!
Then, help spread the word to three friends and ask them to share their story too.
For the latest information about the disability community and the coronavirus pandemic, visit visit thearc.org/covid. Thank you for your advocacy!
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CDC's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Educational Materials
CDC has developed new Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) educational materials to be used as an aide when training healthcare personnel on selecting and correctly using; donning (putting on), doffing (taking off), and disposing of PPE to protect themselves from exposure to COVID-19 in the healthcare settings.
COVID-19 Educational Materials Include:
These materials were created to increase the safety of the healthcare work environment through improved use of PPE by healthcare personnel. Additional Infection Control recommendations for Healthcare Personnel can be found on CDC's Infection Control Guidance website.
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Talking with your child about Corona virus:
The Washington Department of Health has released a series of eight ASL/captioned educational videos about the COVID-19 pandemic and includes information on how to protect yourself and prevent the spread of the virus. Here are the YouTube listings available now. Watch for this on Facebook and other social media.
MENTAL/BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NEEDS
If you or your family is experiencing distress and need support call: - National Parent Helpline 1-855-4 A PARENT or 1-855-427-2736
- Info Children /Parent Helpline 1-778-782-3548
- National Suicide Prevention 1-800-273-8255
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Think Virtual...Think Smell of Fall...There are so many things to try virtually with family and friends...
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Links for Archived Newsletters
(Click to read archived past editions through August 2016 of the P2P Newsletter!)
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WA State Parent to Parent (P2P) | The Arc of Washington State | 1.888.754.8798 x-2
For a current listing of Washington State Parent to Parent programs, please contact:
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