Resources for Parents

The Parent Resources page keeps you up to date with events and resources through out our community that may be of interest to you. Information about non-VMC sponsored events is for your consideration only: we cannot guarantee the accuracy/content of the listed events and services.

 

Shayla's List

A menu of resources to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs).

Financial

Charity Care and Financial Assistance at Washington
State Hospitals

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What is it? 
Washington’s hospitals are committed to ensuring patients get the hospital care they need regardless of their ability to pay for that care. Charity care eligibility is based on family size and income. Providing health care to those that cannot afford to pay is part of the mission of Washington’s hospitals. State law requires hospitals to provide free and discounted inpatient and outpatient care. Each hospital is responsible for maintaining its own charity care program.

How to get it:  Reach out to the hospital’s charity care/financial assistance program for information on eligibility and to get the application.  Below are links to information on the children’s hospitals programs:

SSI (Supplemental
Security Income)

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What is it? 
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that gives payments to children and adults with disabilities who have limited income and resources. The cash payments can be used to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.

How to get it: Call toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 8:00 am – 7:00 pm., Monday through Friday.

DDA (The Developmental
Disabilities Administration)

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What is it? 
The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) is where people go to get help for in-home, out-of-home, and community-based services. Children who do not qualify for SSI due to family income may still be eligible for DDA services which are based on the child’s disability and not family income.

How to get it:

Medicaid Premium
Payment Program

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What is it?  Medicaid will provide reimbursement for private health insurance coverage when an Apple Health (Medicaid) client has access to private health insurance coverage, such as through an employer or private policy.

How to get it: Visit this website

Ben’s Fund

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What is it? 
This is only for children who have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is a $1000 grant that can be used for your child’s services, technology, therapies, camps, equipment, safety/security, etc.

How to get it: www.bensfund.org

Transportation

Disability Parking
Placard

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What is it?  A parking placard that allows your family to park close to the entrance of medical/dental offices, hospitals, grocery stores, shopping centers, zoos, etc. if there is a medical condition for your child that qualifies.

How to get it: Your child’s medical provider needs to write a prescription and the Disabled Parking Application for Individuals.  Take both of these to where you get your parking tabs.

Medicaid (Apple Health)
Transportation Services

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What is it?  The Health Care Authority (HCA) covers nonemergency transportation for eligible clients to and from covered medical appointments through transportation brokers. For eligibility, clients must have a current ProviderOne services card, have no other way to reach your health care appointment, and must ensure that the appointment is covered by your Apple Health program. The most common types of transportation available include: public bus, taxi, wheelchair van, airplane, gas vouchers, ferry tickets, and reimbursement for vehicle mileage.

How to get it:  Contact the transportation broker for your county. The transportation broker will arrange transportation that is most appropriate for you. Transportation to health care providers that are outside of your local community will need approval from the transportation broker.

Learn more here.

WA State Ferries

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What is it?  Reduced fare tickets on WA State ferries.

How to get it: Present identification verifying disability eligibility to the ticket seller when purchasing a ticket.

Learn more here.

Public Transportation
Reduced Fare Permit

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What is it?  People with disabilities may ride the bus or train at a reduced rate if they submit an application to their local agency and get approved for a permit.

How to get it: Contact your local public transportation office for information on eligibility and the application.

Recreation

National Parks Pass

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What is it?  The Access Pass is a free, lifetime pass available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability (does not have to be a 100% disability) that severely limits one or more major life activities. It provides access to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies.

How to get it: Visit this website

WA State Parks
Discover Pass

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What is it?  You do NOT need a Discover Pass for day use access at state parks if you have a disability placard/license plate OR a free state-issued Disability Pass. This program also offers free watercraft launching, trailer dumping and a 50% discount on camping and moorage. 

How to get it: Visit this website

This resource list was created by Shayla Collins and is distributed through the Washington State Medical Home Partnerships Project (MHPP).  If you would like to share ideas or feedback on this list, please send an email to info@medicalhome.org.


Special Healthcare Needs

Visit the Washington State Department of Health website for publications on children and youth with special healthcare needs.


Living Well Kent

LivingWell Kent provides early intervention programming, food access, health and wellness services and youth empowerment programs focused on health equity”.

Click here to view their website

Click here to view their early learning page


FREE Online STEAM Coaching Program with Starlight and CoachArt

Starlight Children's Foundation has partnered with CoachArt to launch their new online educational STEAM Coaching Program. These fun lessons, integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM), are FREE for ages 5-18. From cooking to coding to science experiments and art, these virtual lessons stimulate curiosity and promote creative solutions to real-world problems, helping kids explore, learn and improve various skills that interest them. When you sign up, volunteer coaches will contact you to propose activities and schedules that you can choose from. Starlight will send you a STEAM Starter Kit and any lesson materials you may need. To learn more check out starlight.org/education.


FREE ParentChild+ Early Learning Program through Intercultural Children & Family Services 

Check out the ParentChild+ Early Learning Program where specialists help children get ready for school. This two-year virtual visit program is for ages 16 months-2 years. There will be free educational books and toys, plus a computer tablet provided. Check out the flyer here and learn more by contacting sapcpiccfs@gmail.com or call Bri Arfi at 253.733.9952. 


Skills For Work Summer Camps

 Skills for Work Summer Camps is now happening at Bellevue College! They are teaming up with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to offer Pre-Employment Training Services (Pre-ETS). This will be a summer camp that will give 16-21 year old students job readiness training and community activities to explore the world of work. The goal is to introduce workplace readiness skills and career options to students by engaging in fun activities! For more information and to register, click here.


YMCA Programs

Join the Y and the Seattle Krakens for a sports sampler camp this summer. For more information click here.


COVID Vaccine & Kids

Check out this article written by speech therapist Betsy De La Rosa, MA,CCC-SLP as she gives families resources to talk about the COVID vaccine, especially if your child fears needles! Resources include a cool/fun music video and a social story. For more information click here.


Transition IEP Parent Panel

 Join this online Lunch and Learn as they cover topics such as what DDA services looks like during transition years (ages 16-21). Also, pre-vocational support starting at 16 years old and many more topics. For more information and to register click here.


Free Speech/Language Text Messages for Kids

Bright by Texts is offering a great virtual resource for you child's speech and language development, and learn how to support you child's communication skills at home. They are offering a service to families giving them free informational text messages both English and Spanish! Simply text "TALK" to 27448 and follow the link to provide information on your child's developmental age and your location for free resources of local community events.


New York City Ballet Virtual Workshop

Join the New York City Ballet for their three weeks virtual workshops! Movers of all abilities are welcome to join for FREE! For more information on dates and to register click here.


Webinar Class

This webinar class is for parents to learn about four strategies designed to impact their child's development and have a chance to discuss recommendations on their child's diagnostic report. Also, this is a chance to ask questions and buid community with other parents. This webinar for this month will be for Spanish speaking families with children under three. For more information click here.


Parenting Class

Parenting is hard work! This website gives you a list of locations that offer parenting classes. Some locations require a small fee, others are free. For more information on dates, time and availability, please check out this link.


Car Seat Inspection Event

Here is a list of places that are doing car seat inspections. Social distancing and COVID safety measures will be in practice, to find an area near you and register please click here. For more dates and locations please click here.


COVID-19 impact on Education

This project aims to understand the impact of COVID-19 pandemic for services and education your child receives. Who qualifies to participate? Parents of 0-3 years old children who have been receiving Part C/Early Intervention/home-based intervention services since Fall 2019. And parents of 3-5 years old children with/without disabilities attending classroom-based instructions since Fall 2019. For more information please click here (English) (Spanish).


Pondering Pandemic Learning Pod

In this article you can learn ways to create a learning Pod for your children. Most schools have transitioned to online schooling and it can be difficult for families to find childcare or a space for their students to learn. Learning pods can be a way for students to socialize, learn and parents to have childcare. If you are interested in the idea check out this article for more information.


Child Find

Child Find is a process in identifying children (between 0-21years) who may need to be tested for developmental delays and/or disabilities. Each school district is required by law to have evaluation and services available. If you are interested in more information about child find please read this article.


The National Stuttering Association

The National Stuttering Association is currently hosting monthly virtual meeting for children and their loved ones. For more information on when your local chapter is meeting and where to sign-up, please click here.


Five Week Class for Families

Seattle Children's is offering a 5 week class on finding strength and building community for parents and caregivers of children with health conditions or disabilities. For more information please checkout this flyer.


Helpful Tips for Reading to Your Child

Reading to your baby and toddler can help with normal development of speech and language skills. Here are some tips to help guide you in reading to your child, from birth to preschooler. (English) (Spanish) 


Supporting Your Baby's Learning: Play in the First Year

Play helps babies learn about their bodies, practice communicating and interact with their world. Get play ideas for supporting your baby's learning for each stage of the first year here. (English) (Spanish)


School District Information

Your local school district is a wonderful resource for support for you child.  In addition to the clinical therapy your child receives, he or she may also be eligible for services in your local school district, beginning at age 3.  The attached document provides in our area, simply click on the link.


Early Intervention Providers

Connect with a directory of providers offering specific programs for children aged 0-3.


Free Weekly Creative Development Art Class at Children's Therapy Clinic

Join us on Thursdays, 12 – 1 PM, where children of all ages (not limited to Children’s Therapy patients—welcome siblings and friends!), will be provided an opportunity to learn through a variety of sensory experiences in the familiar space of the Children’s Therapy Clinic. Art activities are also an opportunity to allow children to develop social skills, express emotions, follow structured activities, and improve coping skills. Plus, it’s a lot of fun! No registration required, it’s completely free, so just show up and start creating!


Recreation, Play, and Camps

Please click here to access a PDF filled with wonderful places to play for you, your child, and your family!  Play together!

The Play Lounge is a wonderful place for families to play. For more information, check out their Facebook page!

For more resources click here.


Camp Information

Washington state summer camp and program options for children with special healthcare needs: This resource also has information to help address concerns if this is your child’s first time camping. View here


Toy Selection Tips from Occupational Therapists


Occupational therapy practitioners are experts in promoting participation in activity, including play. Read this toy selection checklist, developed by occupational therapy practitioners, to assist you in selecting toys that can help your child learn and develop while having fun.

 

 

Appropriate Toy and Play Development Tip Sheets

Birth to 12 months     English  Spanish

Ages 1-2                   English  Spanish

Ages 3-5                   English  Spanish 

Ages 6-8                   English  Spanish

Ages 9-12                 English  Spanish   


 

Resources for Children and Families

  • ParentHelp123 is a statewide database of local services and resources by zipcode covering a wide range of topics from free meals to medical services. 

  • Crisis Connections is a King County database of local services and resources offering connections on a wide range of resources related to social services and community events.

  • Seattle's Child  provides a variety of Seattle area resources, programs, and events for children ages birth to 18 years.  The site includes a special section for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and a directory for community resources.

  • University of Washington Medical Center  offers a comprehensive list, aiding families to resources about childhood and adolescence development and health. 

  • CDC  app allows you to keep track of appropriate milestones for your child from two months to five years of age. This app has checklists, tips, photos and videos along with what to do if you are concerned.

  • PEPS (Program for Early Parent Support): Free, 12-week support program offered by Children's Therapy. More info

  • Washington State Father's Network provides support for father's through a yearly conference, meetings, website materials, support groups, and family outings.

  • The Washington State Parent to Parent Coalition provides support for parents through a multitude of avenues and family-friendly events.

  • FamilyFirst has specialized pages for moms and dads with articles on parenting and building relationships with children, from newborns to tweens!

A Care Notebook is a tool to help you organize important information about your child. Bring the notebook to appointments and meetings so you can easily share information with doctors, therapists, and school or child care staff. The Care Notebook is a resource available for parents of children with complicated needs or for children who see caregivers in multiple disciplines. Use it as a means of organizing home recs/reports/test results, etc. all in one location. The Care Notebook is free to parents! Access the Care Notebook here. 

Challenging Behaviors

Are you experiencing challenging behaviors?  Consider the ideas in this visual from North Star Paths "Reframe the Behavior"

Visiting the dentist and tooth-brushing are important self-care activities to keep us healthy! For some kids, the dentist office is full of new sights, sounds and touches. Going to a new place and meeting new people can be scary at first, but with some helpful tips and a little planning a visit to the dentist can be fun. Here are some suggestions for before, during, and after your child’s dentist appointment. Click on the image to learn more.

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It's that time of year again, and many students will be heading back to school. Here are some tips to make sure that your student is receiving the recommended, eight hours of sleep! Click here for more information.

National Child Passenger Safety - Parents and caregivers receive education and hands on assistance with the proper use of child restraint systems and seatbelts.  You can get a list of technicians near you specialized in working with special needs. 

Backpack Strategies for Parents and Students and 1, 2, 3's of Basic Backpack Wearing informational flyers from the American Occupational Therapy Association. 

The Take Me Home Program was designed for the safe return of loved ones who may have difficulty communicating or may need special assistance during an emergency situation. This kind of assistance may be needed if the person is unable to speak or properly identify themselves, or if they become disoriented or act in a manner that could be misinterpreted by first responders. 

  • If a person registered in the system is encountered by a police officer, the officer can query the database searching by name, physical description or unique characteristics.  Once their record has been located the officer has the information at-hand to appropriately assist the person. 

  • This program is for individuals with autism, Down syndrome, developmental or cognitive disabilities.  It is also intended to assist senior citizens who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer's. 

  • View brochure

Registration

TMH Registration form must include a current picture of the individual registered sent via email to the Community Programs Coordinator.  

Please contact the Community Programs Coordinator for questions or if you need additional information. 

Amerigroup Benefits

Sports Physicals: These are paid once a year for members ages 7-18. We pay in-network primary care providers for performing sports physicals for our members ages 7-18. Use current CPT code 99212 with DX Z02.5 when you bill. You can bill for both a wellness visit and a sports physical on the same day by including modifier 25.

Free Memberships for WA State 4-H| 4-H is a youth development program that serves youth statewide for member ages 5-18

Free Boys & Girls Club Membership | where available for members ages 6-18

Healthy Families Program: We give families with children ages 7-13 coaching and support on nutrition and physical activity

Memberships for WA State 4-H: This benefit is available for members ages 5-18 to support with youth development statewide

Calm app: This is an annual membership for members up to 18 years old. The Calm App provides age appropriate meditations and sleep aids to help calm the mind and body

TutorMe-online Tutorial: TutorMe is an online platform used to improve student engagement and success by providing easy access to detailed information on student’s progress, hours spent, tutoring and subject analytics. The maximum allowance is 24 hours per member, per year. This benefit is available for members between 8-17 years of age and at risk of failing a grade or individual subject, or in the juvenile justice system.