Kitsap County Parent Coalition

06/13/2026

We held our first meeting at our new office last Thursday. I am so thankful for everyone that could find time in their schedule to attend. We listened to each other's reasons for advocacy, toured our new building, and filled out a survey about meeting logistics, meeting topics, and our top advocacy priorities. I know it is hard to make it to meetings. We value your opinion, even if you can't make it. Please take two minutes to complete the online version of the survey we passed around in the meeting.

Thank you for completing this questionnaire. We will use the answers to guide both the advocacy work and meeting topics next year. You can remain anonymous. If you do leave your contact info, I can share information around those topics, invite you to small work groups, and reach out directly when yo...

06/12/2026

These new WA laws take effect Thursday • Washington State Standard https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/06/11/these-new-wa-laws-take-effect-thursday/

Laws that may effect people with disabilities are:
Blue envelopes
Washington is taking a step to reduce anxiety in traffic stops for people with autism.

Under House Bill 2323, the state Department of Licensing will now issue blue envelopes to neurodivergent drivers. The envelopes will include tips for both the officer and the driver for such interactions. Instructions could include avoiding loud noises, touching and bright lights as well as speaking calmly and asking simple questions.
Student restraint
Washington school staff can no longer physically restrain students in ways that restrict breathing or blood flow to the brain. They can also no longer use any mechanical or chemical restraints.

Previously, restraints were allowed if there was an imminent likelihood of serious harm to property. House Bill 1795 also removes that authorization. Schools also can’t build or reconfigure rooms for the purpose of isolating students.

Over 200 new Washington laws take effect Thursday. Among them are tax rollbacks and hikes and guidance for retailers on the penny phase-out.

06/10/2026

This story is about the lawsuit brought by parents of children with disabilities

In Washington, many families that have children with disabilities are supposed to have help with care. Actually finding that help, though, can be incredibly difficult.

06/04/2026

Do you have concerns about the HR1 bill concerning Medicaid changes? Some are concerned about the medical definition of "medically frail", some are concerned that missing important paperwork may cause their loved ones and themselves to become ineligible through bureaucracy, others are concerned that a disabled person might need to check a box "unable to work" to qualify as medically frail.

You can share your comments at Federal Register:: Medicaid Program; Community Engagement Requirement for Certain Individuals

This interim final rule with comment period (IFC) interprets and implements the community engagement requirement in Medicaid under section 1902(xx) of the Social Security Act. States are required to implement the new requirement no later than January 1, 2027. This IFC specifies the requirements...

05/29/2026

Sharing from DDA: Cast Your Vote!
Vote on a name for a 10-Year Strategic Plan to guide the future of services for children and adults with developmental disabilities, their families and caregivers in Washington state. Voting will remain open through June 10, 2026. The name receiving the highest number of votes will become the official title and will be announced on June 12, 2026.
Name Options
A Path Forward: Transforming IDD Services in Washington
Led by Us: Washington's 10-Year IDD Vision
Listening Forward: A 10-Year Vision for the DD Community
Rooted in Community: Washington’s IDD Strategic Plan
Washington Forward: Blueprint for Inclusive Communities

05/28/2026

Do you have feedback about DDA? Join now until 6:30 at their feedback session.
Teams link: ttps://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZTAzNDQ3YzUtMjY1Ny00NWE2LWIyYWQtNGY0OGUxZGZhMjJl%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2211d0e217-264e-400a-8ba0-57dcc127d72d%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%229ca41b4a-fcbe-46b1-83a3-ee9ef9363ccf%22%7d

Flyer:

05/26/2026

Are your teens looking for a place to socialize? NW Hopeful Horizons has a monthly teen drop in for teens ages 12-17. They have art supplies, board/card games, air hockey, a comfy chill zone, and we provide food and drinks! Best of all, it's FREE!

This is a safe space for youth that identify as LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, AAPI, neurodivergent, or anything in-between and their allies. Peer support counselors are available on site for support. While our space is inside Tracyton United Methodist Church, NWHH is not a religiously affiliated organization.

Our monthly youth drop-in nights are BACK for 2026! Here are the dates for spring/summer:
4/28
5/26
6/23
7/28
8/25

We have art supplies, board/card games, air hockey, a comfy chill zone, and we provide food and drinks! Best of all, it's FREE!

This is a safe space for youth that identify as LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, AAPI, neurodivergent, or anything in-between and their allies. Peer support counselors are available on site for support. While our space is inside Tracyton United Methodist Church, NWHH is not a religiously affiliated organization.

05/22/2026

Sharing from the DDA:
Coming up May 28: Region 3 Community Engagement Forum
We hold Region 3 quarterly Community Engagement Forums on the 4th Thursday of May, August and November. All meetings are online, using Teams.
The next meeting is Thursday, May 28, 2026.
Time: 4—6:30 p.m.
How to Join the Meeting
Please join the Teams call using the link below in the comments (no registration needed):
• Meeting ID: 240 499 486 744 2
• Passcode: Te9eX2xu
Dial in by phone
• +1 564-999-2000,,81515127 # United States, Olympia
• Find a local number
• Phone conference ID: 815 151 27 #

05/08/2025

Kitsap County Parent Coalition is temporarily unstaffed as of May 9, 2025.

For resources, visit Kitsap County Parent Coalition's Resources page at https://kitsapcountyparentcoalition.org/resources/.

For parent and caregiver support, education, and resources you can also visit South Sound Parent to Parent at https://www.ssp2p.org/.

For additional questions, contact Heidi Scheibner at [email protected].

Send a message to learn more