It’s estimated that more than 8 million Americans live with an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD). For young adults, this means extra steps, care or assistance might be required when navigating traditional schools and the transition to adulthood. On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, I/DD students, families educators and community members are welcome to the free Thurston – Mason County Developmental Disabilities Resource and Transition Fair.
Held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at ESD113’s Capital Event Center in Tumwater, there will be more than 40 on-site vendors as well as information about local and regional assistance programs, a sensory room provided by Sensory Tool House and available clock hours for attending teachers.
No RSVPs, tickets or preregistration required. All are encouraged to drop in at any time during the event. If you need an interpreter, please call 360.867.2539 or email hst.coord@co.thurston.wa.us by Friday, February 28, so services can be made available.
Anyone looking for help completing their Developmental Disabilities Administration application can also use those contacts above to RSVP for DDA App Night and staff will help walk you through the application process and answer any questions you may have. DDA has several new eligibility requirements which began in October 2024 and staff are happy to answer questions about those changes and their subsequent impacts.
Developmental Disability Resources and Education for Students, Families and Teachers
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Officers from the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities see it as a way to “raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life, as well as awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the communities in which they live.”
Marsha Longmeier, Thurston County Public Health & Social Services High School Transition Coordinator, has helped facilitate this annual get-together for several years. She explains that organizers have geared the evening “towards those in the intellectual/developmental disability (I/DD) community, but anyone is welcome to attend that can benefit from the resources there. We also encourage family members, advocacy workers, case workers, employment, healthcare providers, and educators to come.”
A One-Stop-Shop for Vendors, Resources, Benefits and Sensory Tool House Fun
Resource Fair visitors can wander dozens of vendors representing various organizations and fields, says Longmeier. Opportunities include information about DDA services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) services, employment, housing, advocacy, transportation, recreation, behavioral health, and much more.
There will be a DSHS Mobile CSO truck parked outside where families can apply and interview for benefits, get case information or report any changes, complete a mid-certification review or request a replacement EBT card.
If you can’t attend but would still like help accessing these vital services, feel free to email hst.coord@co.thurston.wa.us with questions or resources.
For visitors who find themselves overstimulated in large spaces or in a crowd, this year Sensory Tool House will provide a curated sensory room that’s both peaceful and calming. For several years, Sensory Tool House has been an asset to families and individuals looking for a hands-on way to shop for all manner of educational, adaptive, creative, calming and just plain fun items. They also host events, offer resources and provide training and consulting services. Check them out at 5831 Lacey Blvd SE, suite J, from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Teachers/School Staff, Don’t Forget to Register for your Clock Hours!
Teachers who will be attending should Register online. Combining this created account with your in-person check in at the Resource Fair will make sure you receive full credit for the applicable clock hours. Clock hours are continuing education credit, which is used both for pay raises and renewal of a teaching certificate. Participating teachers need a minimum of 100 to apply for their renewal.
Whether your student needs a helping hand or a fully developed care plan, the Thurston – Mason County Developmental Disabilities Resource Fair is a great place to figure things out. Thanks to Thurston County Public Health & Social Services, local educators, providers, caregivers and families can meet, mingle and work together towards a stronger future for our I/DD loved ones.
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