1st Choice PAS

03/03/2026

Brain injuries affect millions of people worldwide each year - from mild concussions to severe brain injuries that can permanently alter your life. Recognizing early symptoms is important - headaches, confusion, memory loss, or changes in behavior. Early treatment provides the best outcome.

03/02/2026

Today is International Wheelchair Day. Show us your beauty! Post a pic in the comments
♿️🎉

03/01/2026

March is Intellectual Disability Month

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Don’t make assumptions about a persons abilities.
Do: Speak in simple, clear language. Be patient and allow the person to process information.
Do: Include people with intellectual disabilities in conversations and activities, just like everyone else
Don’t: Use complex language or speak down to them. Don’t assume someone with a developmental disability cannot understand or contribute.

These “Think Again” reminders are courtesy of ILICIL Independent Lifestyles, Inc. in Sauk Rapids Minnesota.

02/11/2026

Winner! Winner! Congratulations to Yvonne for finding the accessibility icon in our Interstate Connections Newsletter!

02/10/2026

Our February Interstate Connections newsletter has great info on preparing for a emergency room visit, peer support groups, accessible cleaning tips for your home, free skiing for veterans and new ways service dogs are being trained...
You can read it all here: https://dacnw.org/newsletter/
And if you find the tiny accessible icon, email it to us to win a free Starbucks card!

02/04/2026

Today is World Cancer Day. Cancer is considered a disability for many people - during treatment and long after. It can impact mobility, energy, mental health, and daily life. Recognizing this helps ensure access to accommodations, understanding and support!

02/02/2026

Suzanne Conrad is our newest Veteran Directed Care Coordinator in this fast growing program. She will be serving in the Puget Sound area. She has been living with osteoarthritis, lumbar scoliosis and osteoporosis. She has learned that you have to know yourself, honor your strengths, and listen to your intuition. A veteran herself, she loves to spend time with her family and 4 dogs on the beach. “You either control your mind or it controls you.” ~ unknown

01/28/2026

Medicaid home and community-based services are facing potentially drastic cuts in Idaho that will severely impact people with a disability and their in-home service programs. The national median cost of full-time home care is $6,292 per month, compared to $9,277 for a semi-private room in a nursing home. And most people prefer being in their own home and community! Contact your state legislators and let them know how you feel.

01/27/2026

Join DAC NW for Disability Awareness Day at the Idaho Statehouse
Each year, the Consortium for Idahoans with Disabilities (CID) sponsors the Fred Riggers Disability Advocacy Day at the Idaho State Capitol First Floor Rotunda.

Fred was a champion for Idahoans with disabilities. After losing sight, Fred attended the legislature for years to advocate for those with disabilities.

Join us on Wednesday, February 4 from 10 am to 1 pm at the Capitol Rotunda.

Fred Riggers Disability Advocacy Day Each year, the Consortium for Idahoans with Disabilities (CID) sponsors the Fred Riggers Disability Advocacy Day at the Idaho State Capitol First Floor Rotunda. Fred […]

01/22/2026

DO YOU HAVE A DISABILITY AND LIVE IN IDAHO?
Act Now
Idaho lawmakers are considering cuts to Medicaid services for people with disabilities, including cuts to services included in the Aged & Disabled (A&D)
Waiver and the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver and children’s services, including behavioral health programs. These services help people live independently at home instead of in isolating and costly institutions.
CUTTING THESE SERVICES COULD FORCE PEOPLE INTO INSTITUTIONS and cost the state more money.

What you can do:
Contact members of the House Health and Welfare Committee now. Share why HCBS matters to you, your family, or your community.
Here’s how:
Send an email with your personal story
Call a committee member to express your support for HCBS
Request a meeting (in person or virtual) to explain the impact
**All of the above!**
Personalized messages from local constituents carry the most weight. Find contact for House and Senate Health and Welfare committee members below. The city they represent is included. Each committee member is listed with a major city from their district
for reference; however, you can also identify and contact your specific legislators using the Idaho Legislature’s online legislator search tool:
https://legislature.idaho.gov/legislators/whosmylegislator/

01/08/2026

General Disability Etiquette - Let’s redefine the face of ability!
Respect Privacy.
Do: If someone shares information about their disability, respect their
privacy. It’s their choice to disclose that information.
Don’t: Ask personal questions about someone’s disability unless they’ve
chosen to share.
Be mindful of your environment.
Do: Ensure that your workplace, event, or community space is accessible to
people with disabilities. This includes ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms,
and parking spaces.
Don’t: Block accessible areas or overlook basic accessibility needs.
These “Think Again” reminders are courtesy of Independent Lifestyles, Inc.
in Sauk Rapids Minnesota.

01/06/2026

If you didn't get the newsletter direct to your inbox you can still read it online! January issue has information on journaling, World Braille Day, showing your caregiver appreciation, medication management systems, volunteering to build your resume and more! Catch it here, and if you find the tiny, accessibility icon, email us the location and be entered to win a Starbucks Gift Card.
https://dacnw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/interstate-connections-newsletter-1.pdf