Visit their website to sign up for their monthly newsletter!
You can find a wonderful list of books on our website that feature
kids with special health and developmental needs
March Feature Book:
  • The Someday Birds (Algún día volaremos), is an award-winning book about Charlie, a 12-year old boy whose preference for routine is challenged on a cross-country road-trip taken with his siblings and a new family friend in order to be with his father, whose injury has left him hospitalized on the other side of the country. Available through local or online bookstores or through Yakima Valley Libraries.
or more simply:
  • The Someday Birds (Algún día volaremos), is an award-winning book about Charlie, a 12-year old boy who the story implies (but does not state outright) is on the spectrum or has OCD. Available through local or online bookstores or through Yakima Valley Libraries.

Links:
For more information about Yakima Library hours and locations visit their website at: https://www.yvl.org/about-us/locations/
Washington State Legislature Advocacy Days are coming soon!
Find more information on The Arc of WA website:
February 8th – Community Inclusion & Community Engagement
 February 15th – Residential Crisis: Finding a Home
 February 22nd – Out-of-Home & In-Crisis
 March 1st – TEFRA & Waiver Services
 March 8th – Early Education, Caps, & Restraints/Isolation
 March 15th – Family and Senior Supports
March 22nd – Caseload Forecasting in the Budget
March 29th – Workforce Shortage
 April 5th – *Residential Habilitation Centers (RHC)
 * Focus will be on the Rainier Lawsuit and downsizing with eventual closure
Register to attend here: https://cvent.me/oxPxYL
Children’s Village is GROWING and we need YOUR help!
Whether you can contribute $1.00, $5.00 or $500…it ALL helps! 
Please consider being part of our expansion campaign, so we can serve more children. Your support matters! 
Visit www.champscampaign.org to learn more or make a donation!
Please take this short survey to tell
Parent to Parent how we’re doing!
 Survey results will help us as we continue to tell the story of how Parent to Parent is making a difference in the lives of families raising children with developmental disabilities and/or special healthcare needs!
 
2022 Survey links
Washington now has a Native and Strong Lifeline, dedicated to serving Washington’s American Indian and Alaska Native individuals, press 4 to access it.
Spanish speakers may reach the Spanish Language Line by pressing 2
Veterans and service members may reach the Veterans Crisis Line by pressing 1.
People who are deaf, hard of hearing, and TTY users should use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
Text and chat services are available in English only. 
Apple Health and the public health emergency
During the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), the Health Care Authority (HCA) extended coverage for all Apple Health (Medicaid) clients. This extension ends March 31, 2023 due to the Consolidated Appropriation Act, 2023. 
What does this mean for Apple Health clients?
HCA resumes normal operations April 1, 2023. Clients will receive a renewal notice prior to the end of their renewal period sometime over the next 12 months, based on a client’s renewal date.
For example, clients with a renewal date in May, will receive a renewal notice in the month of April. Clients found not eligible could lose their coverage as early as 4/30, but more likely at the end of May.
Programs requiring the collection of premiums will resume at a future date following federal guidance.
What can clients do to stay informed?
The best way Apple Health clients can stay informed is by keeping their contact information up to date. This ensures they don’t miss important notices about their coverage, including their renewal notice. Learn how clients can update their contact information.
Clients should watch for their renewal notice and take timely action to keep their coverage active. Clients will have the opportunity to renew their coverage prior to any closure or transition of coverage.
Volunteer Apple Health ambassador program
Apple Health ambassadors are volunteer community partners. Ambassadors raise awareness around actions clients need to take to maintain coverage by sharing tools and messaging to reach clients.
Their participation in our outreach and communication creates a cohesive voice through culturally competent consistent messaging.
Learn more about our Apple Health ambassador program.
Public health emergency status
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) will expire on May 11, 2023. HCA will still resume normal operations starting April 1, 2023.
More information
The Health Care Authority is currently updating their communications materials to reflect changes from the Consolidated Appropriation Act, 2023. We will share updates as we receive additional guidance.
Stay informed by signing up for GovDelivery updates. Select “Apple Health (Medicaid) programs and eligibility”.

The Arc - Washington State

Parent to Parent of Washington

DDA Eligibility

Washington’s Mental Health Referral Service for Children and Teens

Wandering Prevention Resources

OSPI - Special Education Parent Liaison

Parenting Special Needs Magazine

Working Connections Child Care

Developmental Disabilities Endowment Trust Fund

Washington State ABLE Savings Plan

Books about kids with special health and developmental needs

AUTISM 100 DAY TOOLKIT