Resources
- Starting Point Guide – A resource directory for Washington State families who have children with ongoing health conditions or special needs. The Guide provides programs and services for your child and family. The Guide is organized by type of service. Use the alphabetical list on page 4 to find an organization by name.
- ParentHelp123 – For Washington State residents, this website provides information on topics such as health benefits, food resources, pregnancy, child development, and child care. There is also a section specifically for families who have children with special needs.
- Informing Families – A resource provided by the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council. It offers news and information to individuals and families that empowers them to be active participants in planning and building a network of support and opportunities.
- Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) – COPAA is an independent, nonprofit, national organization that protects the legal and civil rights of students with disabilities and their families.
- WA State Parent to Parent programs – Support and Information for families of children with developmental disabilities or healthcare needs.
- Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy – Helping families access ASD & DD health insurance benefits, effective services in schools, and supportive community-based services, regardless of their personal financial situation.
- Care and Respite– A guide from the Arc of King County to help you understand respite services and navigate systems to access care. You will also find resources to help you find a care provider in your home or in a community-based setting.
- Seattle Children’s Hospital Autism Center – provides assessment, diagnosis, treatment and support for autism spectrum disorders
- Seattle Children’s Center for Children with Special Needs County Resources List – County specific resources
- Cost Guide for Families with a Disabled Child – helps parents learn about lifelong costs associated with cerebral palsy and other disabilities
- Seattle Children’s Center for Children with Special Needs Resource Guide – Directory of statewide resources for advocacy, child care, dental care, insurance and more
- Disability Resource Center – Resources for Individuals and Families with Disabilities or Special Needs: provides information and links to resources including disability organizations, raising children with special needs, K-12 special education, transition resources and employment information
- Navigating Your Way: ages birth to three – provides a bird’s eye view of services, supports and resources
- Navigating Your Way: ages 3-6 – provides a bird’s eye view of services, supports and resources
- DDA Access Series 1 – Eligibility
- Navigating Your Way: Ages 6-14 – provides a bird’s eye view of services, supports and resources
- Navigating Your Way: Ages 14-21 – provides a bird’s eye view of services, supports and resources
- Dad’s Who Have Children with Special Health Care Needs – Taking Care of Yourself
- Dad’s Who Have Children with Special Health Care Needs – How To Be of Help
- Washington Mental Health Referral Service for Children and Teens
- DDA Eligibility Flowchart
- About DDA, King County DD services, and Supported Employment
- What is a developmental disability?
- How to Prepare for a DDA Assessment
- Help Me Grow WA – A free service that connects parents and caregivers to resources in their community.
- Early Intervention: How to Access Services for Children Birth to 3 in Washington
- Pathways to Respite – Resources and Information for those who support a child or adult with disabilities, traumatic brain injury, and older adults living at home.
- Supports for People with Disabilities in WA State and a Side by Side comparison of the many services available to individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and those with other/functional disabilities.
- BeST Team – A short-term in-home behavior support team for DDA enrolled clients in King County, ages 3-17. The BeST Team has cancelled in-home services but is offering telephonic and video support to parents during COVID crisis.
- WISe Wrap – Case management to help parents trouble-shoot and access services. Good fit for overwhelmed parents needing help with follow through and accessing services. Each county has their own WISe wrap team.. Parents can self-refer.
- Safe Families for Children through Olive Crest. We work with families in crisis by providing short-term Safe Homes for the children in those families on a voluntary basis. The family in crisis keeps all parental rights and can have their children back at any time. We work with a lot of different types of families and crisis’ can include homelessness, DV, hospitalizations, medical emergencies, etc. And we work with kids from 0-18 in King and Pierce County along with some in Thurston and Snohomish. Families can give us a call at 1-877-341-7332.
- Changes Parent Support Network – CPSN is a structured, peer-led program that provides support to parents struggling with children who are engaging in oppositional and self-destructive behaviors. Changes offers hope, help, support and relief from feeling overwhelmed and alone. We invite you to explore this website for information about our philosophy, our structured approach and meeting schedules.
- New video explains how to apply for DDA services (and Why!)
- Early Learning Toolkit: Overview of Services for Families of Young Children
- Disability Rights for Littles: Key Information for Families of Babies, Preschoolers, and Primary School Children
- LifeSPAN – We help individuals and families living with disabilities take action to achieve their goals. We do this through caring connections, personalized support networks, and future planning.
- Supported Decision Making is an Option for Adults with Disabilities
- Planning and Record Keeping: Organizing Your Child’s Information – Details the Why, When, What and Where of organizing children’s health information:
- Interactive Planner for Caregivers – A free online virtual assistant to keep you and your kids organized
- Care Plan Forms -These forms can help you plan for doctor appointments, introduce your child to new people and share vital information about your child during emergencies
- Understanding the Difference Between ABLE and Endowment Trust Funds
- ABLE Accounts and Special Needs Trusts Can Be a Winning Combination
- A Financial Planning Guide for Parents of a Child with Special Needs
- Life Insurance for Special Needs Children
- Tips to Organize Your Child’s Medical and School Documents
- Planning Resources from Voya Financial
- One Minute Video Lessons on Raising Autistic Kids: http://www.growingupautistic.com/1-minute-videos.html
- Information For Parents Who Have Received a Pre- or Postnatal Diagnosis of Down Syndrome
- Parenting Tips for ADHD: Do’s and Don’ts
- How to Create an Autism-Friendly Environment for Kids
- Helping Asperger’s Teens to Thrive and Survive: 15 Key Steps
- Resources and Tips Regarding Spinal Cord Injuries – The groups and activities have a strong slant toward the Chicago/Illinois area but there are good resource and tip information.
- Birth Injury Justice Center
- How to Help Your Child with Autism Overcome Picky Eating
- The Ultimate Guide to Improving Sleep in Autistic Children
- Keeping Your Child with Autism Safe
- Children with Autism Dental Exams
- Down Syndrome and Dental Care – A Guide for Caregivers and Family Members
- Resilience in Families with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Resource Notebook for Families of Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
- Sleep Guidance for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Sleep Guide for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Autism Speaks Transition Tool Kit
- Traveling with Autism
- How to Create the Ultimate Playroom for a Child with Autism
- How to Choose a Summer Camp for Your Child with Autism
- Enhancing Well Being and Happiness for People with ASD Through Fine Arts
- Supporting Students with Autism: 10 Ideas for Inclusive Classrooms
- 7 Tips to Help Your Son on the Autism Spectrum Cope with Haircuts
- Planning Trips for Children with Autism
- Constructing an Ideal Home Environment for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Top Safety Tips and Products for Kids with Autism
- How Nutrition Impacts Children with Autism
- How to Improve Emotional Self Regulation Among Children with Autism and Attention Disorders
- How to Overcome the Difficulties of Getting a Driver’s License with Autism
- Cerebral Palsy Guide
- Managing Sensory Overload for Children with Special Needs
- Seattle Children’s Hospital Autism Center Patient and Family Resources
- Autism Response Team – an information line for the autism community
- Assistive Technology Apps for Children with Autism
- Telecommunication Equipment Distribution (TED) program, for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have a speech impairment. Learn more and FAQs.
- Autism and Sleep: Empowering Children with ASD for better sleep
- Sensory Overload – A Guide for People with Low Vision
- Designing the Perfect Playroom for Children with Autism
- Autism Society
- Online Safety Guide for People with Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Learning Disabilities, Autism and Internet Safety: A Guide for Parents
- Homeowner’s Guide to Creating a Sensory Friendly Space for Individuals with Sensory Processing Disorders
- Moving with Autism- How to Plan Your Transition to a New Home
- The Best Strategies for Calming Autistic Tantrums and Meltdowns
- Autism Social Story – Preparing to Move to a New House
- The 10 Best Tips for Long Car Rides with Kids – Tips for Kids with Sensory Issues
- A New School: Easing the Transition (for Kids on the Spectrum)
- Sensory Friendly Home Modifications for Autism
- When the Wind Blows My Bed Shakes – Helpful Tools to Prepare for Emergencies if You are Deaf or Blind
- Using Mobile Technology for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- How to Overcome Down Syndrome Sleep Challenges
- Mental Health Disabilities and Employment: A Guide to Rights & Advocacy
- How to Create a Wheelchair Accessible Home
- Washington Autism Alliance Resource Directory
- Seattle Children’s Hospital Mental Health Referral Service for Children and Teens
- 504 Plans – Questions answered: https://cshcn.org/childcare-schools-community/the-504-plan/
- Scholarships and Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities
- Studying with ADHD
- Going to College with ASD
- Thriving in Trade School with a Disability
- College for Students with Disabilities: A guide for students families and educators
- Resource Guide for Parents of Students with Disabilities – Understanding ADA, Section 504, IDEA and IEP
- Get Ready for School with IEP Essesntials
- Bullying and Harassment of Students with Disabilities: Top 10 Facts That Parents, Educators, and Students Should Know
- Supporting Students with Autism: 10 Ideas for Inclusive Classrooms
- Evaluations Part 1: Where to Start When a Student Needs Special Help at School
- From Informing Families – A Special Edition Newsletter Focused on High School Transition Years
- Parents as Team Partners: Options When You Don’t Agree with the School
- Resources for College Students with Visual Impairments
- Special Education Parent Advisory Councils (SEPACs) Bring Parents to the Table
- Your Child’s IEP and You
- High School Transition Tool Kit
- What Parents Need to Know When Disability Impacts Behavior and Discipline at School
- Speech Disorder Resources for College Students
- Think College
- Careers & Degrees in Healthcare: A Guide for Students with Disabilities
- IEP Tips: Evaluations, Present Levels, SMART Goals
- 17 Tips to Help the Transition Back to School for Kids with Autism
- Simple Ways to Transition Back to School with Autism
- A Guide to Supporting STEM Education for Students with Disabilities
- Steps to Read, Understand and Develop an Initial IEP
- What to Know About Adapted Physical Education in Washington State
- College and Career Guide for Students with Disabilities
- How to Support Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Helping Children with Special Needs Transition to Kindergarten
- Life After High School: A Two Part Video Training to Help Families and Young People Get Ready
- Best Schools for Students with a Learning Disability
- The Complete Guide to College for Disabled Students
- Parent Participation in Special Education Process is a Priority Under Federal Law
- College Planning Guide for Students with Learning Disabilities
- WSFN Overview
- Testimonials
- Providers Working With Dads: How to be of Help
- Dads of Children With Special Health Care Needs: Taking Care of Yourself
- Sample Telling Your Story with a Purpose Workshop flyer
- 2021 Family Photo Event
- Sample Telling Your Story with a Purpose Workshop flyer – 2 part version
- 2021 Webinar Series
- 2022 Photo Event
- 2022 Anacortes Campout
- 2022 Webinar Series January-June
- 2022 Webinar Series June-December
- 2022 WSFN Gathering
- Outdoors for All – To enrich the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities through outdoor recreation
- How to Create a Backyard Sanctuary for Kids with Disabilities
- Information on making home accommodations for those who are physically disabled
- Catalog of Sensory Play Ideas – a catalog of sensory play ideas for children of varying ages and levels of ability
- Recreation and Sports page features information on adaptive sport organizations, adaptive outdoor recreation and accessible camping and state parks
- Everybody Can Play! Easy Ways to Say “Yes” to Kids with Disabilities
- How to Choose a Summer Camp for Your Child with Autism
- Party Planning for Children with ADD/ADHD
- How to Design Play Areas for Kids with Special Needs
- Tenant Rights and Housing Assistance for the Disabled
- Transition to Adulthood: Home Remodeling for Young Adults with Special Needs
- From Informing Families – A Special Edition Newsletter Focused on High School Transition Years
- How Families Can Help Their Son or Daughter With Disabilities Find Work
- New Fact Sheet Explains Adult Residential Options
- Life Skills Advocate
- School to Adulthood: Transition Planning Toolkit for High School, Life, and Work
- Enigma ASD Services
- Autism Speaks Transition Tool Kit
- How Families Can Help Their Son or Daughter With Disabilities Find Work
- Disability Resource Center – Resources for Individuals and Families with Disabilities or Special Needs: provides information and links to resources including disability organizations, raising children with special needs, K-12 special education, transition resources and employment information
- Work Opportunities
- AtWork!
- Providers in Snohomish County and more general resources
- Developmental Disabilities Administration: Provider Qualifications for Employment and Day Program Services
- Life Skills Advocate
- Enigma ASD Services
- WISE: School to Work and Transition
- WISE: WA State Organizations & Employment Agencies
- King County DD Employment Link
- Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
- Institute on Community Inclusion – Dada and other reports on Employment Services
- APSE (Association of People Supporting Employment First) – National membership organization focusing on employment for people with disabilities
- 31 Great Jobs for Autistic People in a Range of Industries
- What Are My Rights as an Adult with Autism
- CV-Resume Writing for Job Candidates on the Autism Spectrum
- Autism Interview Tips for Job Seekers
- Guide for Job Seekers & Workers with a Disability
- Entrepreneurship and Starting a Business on Disability Income
- Mental Health Disabilities and Employment: A Guide to Rights & Advocacy
- Resume and Employment Guide for People with Disabilities
- How to Discuss Puberty with Your Child Who Has Special Needs
- Online Shopping for Consumers with Disabilities – learning the best ways to navigate the internet as well as regain independence through online shopping
- A Home Safety Checklist for Wheelchairs Users
- Stranger Safety for Your Special Needs Child
- Center for Inclusive Childcare Resource Library – hundreds of resources (handouts, websites, etc.) and searchable by keyword, topic and other filters
- 20 Tips for Keeping Your Child with Special Needs Safe in Your Home
- Fire Safety for Your Special Needs Child
- Best Home Modifications for Young Adults with Special Needs
- For Professionals: Ideas and Resources to Help Provide Better Access to Services for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Families
- Traveling Abroad with a Disability
- Putting the Brakes on Rage
- Development of Eating Skills for Children with Multiple Disabilities
- The Ultimate Guide to Air Travel with a Disability
- Families with Disability Concerns Take Extra Care when Planning for Emergencies
- Medication Management for People with Disabilities
- Handicap Parking Permit Guide for People with Disabilities
- Wandering: Disability and Safety
- A Parent’s Guide for Children With Special Needs in the Dental Office
- How to Overcome the Difficulties of Getting a Driver’s License with Autism
- Sleep and Sensory Processing Disorder: Little ones with SPD have unique bedtime needs
Driving with a Disability: Vehicle Modifications & Insurance - Adapting a Home for Disability Accessibility
- Getting Familiar with Web Accessibility Tools
- Emergency Preparedness Tool Kit for People with Disabilities
- A Guide to Home Renovations and Modifications for Seniors and Individuals with Mobility Issues
- Assistive Technology: Free and Affordable Help for Everyone
- A Guide to Flying for People with Disabilities
- Sleep and Disabilities: Everything You Should Know
- How to Create a Wheelchair Accessible Home
- A Guide to Traveling Internationally with a Service Animal
- Moving with Children with Disabilities: Tips and Advice for Easing Transitions
- Get The Right Insurance For The Adaptive Controls In Your Vehicle!
- Planning an Accessible and Sensory Friendly Theme Park Trip
- How to Teach Children About Disabilities and Inclusion
- Preparing Your Home for Extreme Weather: A Guide for People with Disabilities
- The Impact of Pet Ownership in Childhood Development – Including a Section on Pets and Neurodiverse Children
- June 8, 2021 Topic: Introduction to Housing Options Presented by Cathy Murahashi, Education and Advocacy Manager at Community Homes
- July 6, 2021 Topic: An Introduction to the Office of the Education Ombuds and Resources for Parental Advocacy Presented by Jinju Park
- August 3, 2021: Helping Our Children Develop Meaningful Relationships, Presented by Lance Morehouse, CEO of Sherwood Community Services
- September 7, 2021: Financial Strategies, Presented by Sheldon Sweeney, Chartered Special Needs Consultant and Chartered Financial Consultant
- October 5, 2021: Special Education: 10 Tips for Advocating for Your Child, Presented by: Rachel Nemhauser, Community and Family Support Program Manager, The Arc of King County
- November 2, 2021: Maintaining Relationship Resilience While Parenting a Child with Special Needs, presented by: Bill Scott, LICSW, IMH-E Infant Family Specialist, CHERISH Therapist, Boyer Children’s Therapist, Boyer Children’s Clinic
- December 7, 2021: Guardianships and Trusts, Presented by: Christy Thompson Ibrahim , lead attorney at Jones and Ibrahim PLLC
- January 4, 2022: Sibling Support: 7 Simple Strategies for Parents to Connect with Their Typically Developing Kids, Presented by: Emily Holl, Director of the Sibling Support Project at Kindering
- February 1, 2022: Washington State Parent to Parent Network, Presented by: Tracie Hoppis, Manager for Washington State Parent to Parent Programs
- March 1, 2022: Planning for Housing: Accessing Benefits, Roommate Matching, and Shared Living Development Services, Presented by: Pam Blanton, Founder and CEO of Partners4Housing.
- May 3, 2022: Social Communication 101
- June 7, 2022: Supporting Bilingualism for Children with Special Needs
- July 5, 2022: How to Share the Load When Raising a Child with Behavioral Challenages
The above is offered as information and does not reflect endorsement by Kindering or the WSFN.
Additional resources can be found on the Kindering website at: https://kindering.org/kindering-families/resources/