Another Summer, Another Season, Another Transition
It’s the time of year when outside temperatures begin to warm up, the days become longer, families plan vacations, and the school year is coming to an end. At The Arc of Spokane, we begin to see high school seniors in their caps and gowns walking across the stage and anticipating what’s to come. Graduating high school is a huge milestone in the transition from childhood to adulthood. A lot of unknowns and mixed emotions are being felt or experienced; fear, excitement, uncertainty, and the closing of a chapter. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families experience all of that and more as their loved ones transition from high school to adulthood.
As new graduates are getting ready to pack their bags for dorm rooms miles away from home and are ready to move on to the next chapter of their lives, high school seniors with disabilities and their parents are trying to figure out the next step. Does my kid stay another year or two? Do they find a job? If they do, where will they get hired? Will they get support and be understood and accepted? Or does my child want to try to go to college? These are important and intensely emotional questions that families begin thinking about long before graduation.
And for those families with students with IDD of all ages, summer brings a variety of transitions and disruptions. During the school year, many families rely heavily on the structure, routine, therapies and socialization that schools provide. When summer arrives, families are often left trying to piece together activities, care, therapies, and supports to maintain some level of routine. When families are more aware of the services available in their community in advance, it can make summer preparation easier.
Weekly Park Playdates: The Arc of Spokane’s Parent Coalition staff will be hosting weekly park playdates around Spokane and the surrounding areas each Wednesday from 10 a.m. - noon, beginning June 24. These playdates are a great opportunity for families to connect with one another, build friendships, share resources, and enjoy time together in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Life After High School: For future planning and ways to approach the transition to adulthood confidently, families who participate in The Arc of Spokane’s Life After High School series become more confident and equipped to take on a new phase of life. This three-part workshop goes into depth about person-centered planning, advocacy, DDA and financial supports, community programs, transportation, and more. The next series of workshops begins October 2026; registration will be available soon.
Social Activities: The Arc of Spokane’s Community Center hosts social activities that are open and available to any individual with IDD, not just Community Center members. These are a great opportunity for individuals to meet friends and engage in a variety of activities both in the Community Center and in Spokane.
Spokane Parks & Recreation: A variety of summer camps and adaptive recreation opportunities are available each year for children and adults. Summer recreation opportunities play a big role in helping individuals with IDD stay active and engaged.
Extended School Year (ESY): Specialized services provided thorugh a student’s IEP to help maintain important skill and prevent regression during long school breaks. Families who feel their child would benefit from ESY services should speak with their IEP team and school district to learn about eligibility.
While these transition periods can feel overwhelming, especially in the face of the unknown, families should know you are not alone. Spokane has a robust network of fellow families, advocates, educators, and professionals who work together to ensure individuals with IDD thrive at every stage of life.
For more information about the options listed above or any additional questions, contact The Arc of Spokane Advocacy & Family Support team at advocacy@arc-spokane.org or by calling 509-789-8797.