Wise

03/04/2026

Sharing from our partners at The Arc of King County regarding proposed Medicaid-related budget cuts and their potential impact on disability services in Washington.

See their full post below for details and information about how to engage.

🔗 https://bit.ly/78MCut
🔗 https://bit.ly/DontCutMedicaid

We have bad news. That change in eligibility for long term care that legislators did NOT do? Turns out, they made cuts to disability services in a different way.
Take action here 👉 https://bit.ly/DontCutMedicaid
Read what they did here 👉 https://bit.ly/78MCut
(includes info on the revenue bills)

These cuts are all to Medicaid, but show up in different parts of the budget.

$33.5 million in cuts to developmental disability services – Targets day services, including day respite, supported employment, and community inclusion. Is expected to freeze services - no new admittance - and cuts to things like information and family support that families rely on to navigate systems. This is a direct hit on youth and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families.

$41 million in cuts to Medicaid rehab and habilitation services. Adults with disabilities, injuries, and chronic conditions will no longer have access to physical, occupational, and speech-language therapies under Medicaid. (Really!)

$3.4 million in special education cuts via "cost shifting" in "school-based medical."

Recommended: Comment on the budget bill page. https://bit.ly/DontCutMedicaid
Or call, 1-800-562-6000
"Don't cut Medicaid. Don't cut IDD day services; don't cut adult rehab; don't make local schools pay the state share for IEP services covered by Medicaid."

You can also send legislators an email directly, the format is firstname.lastname@leg.wa.gov. You can look up your legislators here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/

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

02/26/2026

The Skills Empowerment and Advocacy Training (SEAT) is a series developed and led by people with developmental disabilities to prepare others to serve on boards, advisory councils, commissions, and work groups. As the true meaning of Nothing About Us Without Us indicates, being a part of decisions made at the local, state, and national level is vital.

Join us every Friday in March at 11am PST! Register and learn more about the sessions here: gowise.org/training/seat

Thank you to the Kuni Foundation, Clallam County DD Program, Clark County DD Program, and Kitsap County DD Program for funding this awesome series!

[Image Description: A graphic with a white background and an illustration of people seated around a circular table. The text reads "SEAT, Advocacy Training. Session Descriptions. March 6th with Eric Matthes, SEAT at the Table: Your Journey Starts Here. March 13th with Daman Wandke , SEAT at the Table: Board Service on Your Terms. March 20th with Taylor Crisp, SEAT at the Table: How Boards Work and How to Participate. March 27th (Panel) with Tammy Bowen – Advocacy Support Specialist, Lizzy Johnston - Advocate/Board Member, Joey Wilson - Advocate, Danna Summers - Parent and Council Lead, SEAT at the Table: What Works, What Doesn’t, and What Comes Next. gowise.org/training/seat"]

02/24/2026

This webinar explores customized job development strategies that create real value for employers while opening doors for job seekers. You’ll learn practical strategies and tools to identify and connect with strong employer partners using AI-supported resources, community mapping, and relationship-building techniques.

The session also highlights approaches such as video resumes and employer-focused success stories to help you strengthen engagement and showcase talent in clear, compelling ways.

You’ll leave with actionable ideas to build stronger employer partnerships and support more effective job placement outcomes in your own work.

Register for the session here: gowise.org/home/training/webinars

[Image Description: A graphic with a teal to white gradient with an educational icon background below. Lisa's photo is in a rounded rectangular frame. The Wise logo is in the top left with the Wise Webinar icon on the right, a laptop computer illustration with several people on screen attending a webinar and the Wise 'W' icon above. The text reads "Wise Webinar Series, Surefire Job Development Strategies. Wednesday February 25, 2026 with Lisa Latchford. gowise.org/home/training/webinars"]

02/17/2026

School to Work professionals from across King County came together last week to collaborate and strengthen how they support students with disabilities in finding jobs in their communities.

Facilitated by Anne-Marie Lake and Heather Evans, the group shared best practices on intake strategies, family communication, and cross-agency collaboration.

Wise Senior TA and Training Manager Emily Harris also presented on networking in the School to Work context, while county staff gathered feedback on how to support School to Work staff in getting students jobs.

[Image Description:
Image 1: A photo of Anne-Marie standing at a table with variety of Wise flyers displayed in front of her.
Image 2: A photo of the meeting room where people are seated at tables looking forward at a presentation.
Image 3: A photo of Emily and Anne-Marie presenting at the front of the room. There is a window and a powerpoint presentation behind them.
Image 4: A photo of Anne-Marie, Emily and Heather standing together smiling at the camera.]

02/17/2026

Wise staff member Robyn Slocom and Wise Associate Carrie Dickson (Stepway, LLC) were excited to participate in this event! They also traveled with KUCD - Kansas University Center on Disabilities Project Lead Hannah Seward to visit each of the sites during the two weeks surrounding the event. Wise Associate Chris Brandt (Work Wisdom) supported the effort virtually.

02/12/2026

Thoughts from a recent Wise Online Academy 100 Series graduate. This series focuses on the core competencies of Customized Employment and is designed for professionals who are new to the field or looking to sharpen their skills. The training is available on demand, allowing participants to learn at their own pace and schedule. Learn more at gowise.org/training/wise-online-academy-woa-100-series.

[Image Description: A graphic with text in a white rounded rectangle shape. There is a textured teal background around the edges of the shape. The Wise Online Academy 100 icon is in the top center and shows an owl wearing a graduation cap with a banner that says "100". There is a Wise "W" logo in the bottom right corner. The text on the graphic reads "What People are Saying About the Wise Online Academy 100 Series... 'Once I was able to truly dig into the course, I have loved every moment of it. What this has allowed me to see clearly is how I can be an asset to them and my clients. I would recommend every CRP provider take this course.' Wise Online Academy 100 Graduate"]

02/06/2026

Twice a year, Wise is fortunate to gather our entire team to strategize, share, continue learning, and spend time together. Last week, we spent three full days together welcoming new Wise folks and celebrating the one and only Katherine Titus for 15 years at Wise. Wise would not be the same without Katherine. She is a true embodiment of what it means to be inclusive and person-centered, and we are so grateful for her impact.

[Image Description:
Image 1: A photo of Katherine Titus holding a plaque that reads "15 Years of Service" smiling at the camera with a grey wall behind her.
Image 2: An above view of Wise coworkers gathered around a circular table doing a group activity with cards about organizational values.
Image 3: Tyler Talcott, Ryan Riggs and Jim Corey are standing together in the front of the room giving a presentation. They are wearing WiseStream Studio shirts.
Image 4: A photo of the meeting room with Wise staff seated at circular tables. Aaron Dickson, Executive Director of Community Employment Alliance is giving a presentation at the front of the room.]

02/05/2026

Since launching in January, the Wise Online Academy 200 2026 cohort has already supported 10 people in finding work. We can’t wait to see the outcomes at the end of the six-month course!

[Image Description: A graphic with a light teal to white gradient background. There is an illustration of a variety of people working. The Wise Online Academy 200 owl logo is in the top middle. The text reads "The 2026 Wise Online Academy 200 Cohort has supported 10 people in starting new jobs this year, 6 of those 10 jobs are 30+ hours per week". The 10 is inside of a suitcase icon.]

12/24/2025

Wise will be closed from December 24, 2025 through January 1, 2026. Thank you for partnering and learning with us throughout 2025. We wish you a safe and happy holiday season, and we look forward to continuing the mission of employment for all in 2026. See you in the new year!

[Image Description: A graphic with a snowy winter tree and twinkling lights background. There is a rounded white rectangle with text on top of it that reads "Wise Will Be Closed for the Holidays December 24, 2025 - January 1, 2026". There is a Wise W logo on the top and a snowflake illustration on the bottom.]

12/23/2025

We are excited to announce a first-ever Wise webinar mini-series from our partners at Job One: Practical Strategies for Inclusive Employment & Community Life. In this four-part series, the Job One Team explores practical, person-centered strategies that support meaningful employment and community inclusion across the lifespan.

Participants will examine:
• How expectations shape employment outcomes.
• Learn tools to sustain independence and purpose as people age.
• Hear real-world Competitive Integrated Employment and Community Inclusion journeys.
• Gain practical guidance on measuring outcomes that truly matter.

As always, these sessions are offered at no cost to the community. We hope to see you there!

Register here: gowise.org/supported-employment-training/wise-webinar-series

[Image Description: A graphic with a colorful rounded rectangle background in opposing corners. The text sits within teal and white rounded bubble shapes. The text reads "Wise Webinar Mini-Series Featuring Presenters from Job One. January 14, 2026 Raising Expectations in Community Integrated Employment. January 21, 2026 Building Inclusive Lives: Strategies Learned from Real CIE and CI Journeys. February 4, 2026 Preserving a Meaningful Life as We Age. February 11, 2026 Outcomes vs. Inputs: Measuring What Matters"]

Job One

12/19/2025

Wise team members Cesilee Coulson and Emily Harris had the opportunity to work with 26 professionals at the Nike Campus, facilitating a hands-on workshop blending person-centered practices, leadership, and team coaching.

Participants explored how values and strengths-based supports guide us at work, and where our skills shine within teams. Using a reflection toolkit, folks left feeling empowered, skilled, and inspired.

Curious about bringing this reflection toolkit to your team? Reach out!

We love supporting the dance of dreaming big while staying grounded in shared values, and helping teams identify what truly supports professional success.

[Image Description:
1. Photo of Ces Coulson and Emily Harris posing with a statue of Coach K. Both women are smiling post training. There are windows behind, and two flower pots filled with poinsettias in front of them.
2. Photo of the cover of the "Job is yours! Reflection toolkit." The workbook is branded in bright green and teal, and has the Wise logo and abstract designs.]

12/19/2025

Session 2 of the Pierce County Interagency Leadership Collaboration brought managers together to share tools for Discovery Services, leadership, and team building. This is the second session in a four-part series designed and facilitated by Wise, supporting managers as they work toward building a countywide belonging space for ongoing connection and collaboration. Thank you, Goodwill, for hosting and we'll see everyone next month!

[Image Description: Four photos of the Pierce County Leadership event. The first photo is of a group of people sitting around tables in a conference room style setting. The following three photos show presenters standing in the front of the room with the presentation screen behind them.]