The Arc of King County

01/13/2026

Day 1 of session is done. We testified to ending isolation and reducing restraint, and to the threats facing IDD services.

01/10/2026

A primer & action steps 👉https://bit.ly/ProtectIDDServices
This year’s legislative session will impact disability services. Cuts are on the table – but together, we can fight for community care and a strong safety net for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

We unpack in our blog, Voice:

Background: What is going on? How is H.R. 1/Big Beautiful Bill impacting access to public services?

Join our Community Action Team

Link to recorded training (why now and what you can do)

Act now - Send comment on governor's proposed budget



The Arc - Washington State

01/10/2026

IT'S TIME: We keep at the issue of ending isolation and reducing restraint in schools because we know the lasting, harmful impact these practices have. Also because the issue speaks to the heart of compassion, belonging, and support. Restraining and isolating someone in distress doesn't resolve behavior. We should lean in on what works.

With support, we can keep this movement going. HB 1795 would phase out isolation and ban dangerous types of restraint. Signing in pro helps us show those clinging to the practices that it is time to change. Sign in pro https://bit.ly/SignIn_EndIsolation

01/10/2026

Sign in by Monday, Jan 12, 12:30 pm 👉 https://bit.ly/SignIn_EndIsolation
(We recommend a pro position, though we do have suggestions to improve HB 1795)

Children's early years are critical to healthy development. Isolation and restraint are harmful to their mental health and interfere with the skill-building our youngest learners need to identify and resolve problems so they can thrive in school and later as adults.

Right now - depending on which program they use - some early learners with disabilities can be isolated, while others are protected. ALL our early learners need critical co-regulation support. Isolation not only interrupts essential relationship building, it pushes anxious kids already in flight or fight mode into escalating cycles of dysregulation. Cycles that children take with them into grades 1-12 and that can lead to complex PTSD.

Our state has invested in technical support, pilot sites, and demonstration projects to reduce restraint and eliminate isolation. It is time for the next step: phase out. Rolling out a ban across all grades, all at once, could stress some districts. So, let's start early - in preschool, transition to kindergarten, and kindergarten. Let's lean into the support early learners and their educators need, and let's set up all children for success.

Let's do this. 🙂 (smiley emoji)

Bill info: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=1795&Year=2025&Initiative=false

The Arc - Washington State The Arc of Snohomish County The Arc of Grays Harbor The Arc of Cowlitz County The Arc of Tri-Cities The Arc of Spokane

Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council Children's Alliance

League of Education Voters Roots of Inclusion Open Doors for Multicultural Families True Measure Collaborative Disability Rights Washington And Still We Rise, LLC Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint Lives in the Balance

01/09/2026

🎉 We’re excited to share that The Arc of King County has a brand-new website! 🎉

Our refreshed site makes it easier than ever to find resources, information, and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Just in time for the legislative session, you’ll also find expanded content on advocacy and community engagement opportunities across Washington State.

Check us out here: https://arcofkingcounty.org/

01/08/2026

What do disability rights, inclusion and belonging mean to you?

01/06/2026

Join us NEXT WEDNESDAY, the 14th from 7:00–8:30 PM for Navigating IDD: Estate Planning, part of our monthly webinar series designed for parents and caregivers of loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This month’s session features Mary McDirmid, ChSNC, ChFC, Chief Financial Planning and Growth Officer with All Needs Planning. Mary will guide families through essential estate-planning considerations to help ensure long-term stability and support for loved ones with IDD.
Second Wednesday of each month
7:00–8:30 PM
Via Zoom
Join the event:
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/96093292277
Passcode: TheArc!
No RSVP required
If you have questions or need accommodations or language interpretation, please contact JKim@arcofkingcounty.org.
We hope to see you there!

01/06/2026

Webinar: https://youtu.be/sZIDPF-Bczk
Presentation slides: https://bit.ly/2026_AdvocacyEssentials
❗Tucked into the governor's proposed budget materials is this chilling line:
"Future Medicaid Eligibility Change: The proposal changes the policy for functional eligibility for HCLA Medicaid clients proposed to take effect in FY 28."

HCLA = Home and Community Living Administration. This is the new home for community services for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (IDD). The "change" refers to a change in the algorithm used to determine who gets services. It would push people out of long-term care. Why? We explain in our Advocacy Essentials webinar. But essentially, the federal government cut funding, and now Washington needs to make big decisions.

Watch the webinar. Look at the slides (Important links!) And contact your legislators.

The Arc - Washington State Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council People First of Washington Self Advocates In Leadership

01/06/2026

This case involves a student who was denied special education transition services.

A new lawsuit contends that Edmonds School District discriminated against a special education student by granting her a regular high school diploma.

01/05/2026

This Wednesday, the 7th is The Arc of King County virtual meet-up!! Join us for an hour of conversation and support with parents/caregivers who 'get it'
NOTE**** We have changed the In-Person group at South Center to every second Thursday of the month. Hope to see you there!! I will be in the food court- January 8th will be our in-person meeting. If you are there and looking for Tracie, call 206.578.3152

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84135678347

01/05/2026

The Arc of King County presents Under the Stars: A Valentines Day Dance for Adults of All Abilities!

Saturday, February 14th
5:00-7:00pm at The Arc of King County office
2650 S. 200th Street, Suite 101
SeaTac, WA 98198

Dinner will be serviced. RSVP is required. We are unable to provide personal care or behavior support. Participants are encouraged to bring the support they need with them.

Contact TWarren@arcofkingcounty.org to reserve your spot.

01/05/2026

As usual, details matter. Good news: caregivers of people with disabilities are exempt from work requirements. Uncertain: How states will make new requirements easy to navigate and manage.

As federal officials begin to outline more stringent Medicaid eligibility rules, worries are running high about what the changes will mean for people with disabilities.