WA DSHS Regional Consolidation

Washington State DSHS (Department of Social and Health Services) is currently transitioning from six regions to three. Click here for more information and a map of the new regions.

ipad Helps Boy Talk

CNN affiliate WFMY reports on an app for smartphones and iPads that is giving a voice to those who struggle to speak.

DNA Blood Test Could Be Used to Detect Down Syndrome in Fetuses

Researchers said that a new DNA test using a pregnant woman's blood can detect the presence of a duplicate copy of chromosome 21 -- which causes Down Syndrome -- in the fetus and could cut rates of invasive tests among pregnant women by almost 98%. The lead researcher said more research is needed before the test can be used routinely in clinical practice. Click here for the article online.

From the Philadelphia Inquirer: Philadelphia International Airport and multiple airlines are staging simulated airplane flights to help children with autism and other special needs prepare for real air travel. A pediatrician who treats many patients with disabilities came up with the idea and has worked with the airport to provide autism training to many airport and airline employees.

Does Collaborative Work Offer Students an Opportunity for Bullying?

From the Hechinger Report: Group work in the classroom teaches students to collaborate, but some say it may offer a prime opportunity for bullying, education blogger Sarah Garland writes in this post. In a recent interview, Williams College professor Susan Engel argued in favor of collaborative learning, which she says helps prepare studtens for projects in the workplace. Author Katharine Beals disagreed, arguing that group activities -- especially those that lack constant supervision -- offer a venue for bullies to target vulnerable students.

Transition Programs to Get Boost

From Disability Scoop: The Department of Education is funneling millions into post-secondary programs for students with intellectual disabilities at 27 colleges and universities.

Criminal Pasts No Hurdle for Disability Care Providers

Hundreds of home health care workers in California have histories of rape, assault and abuse, but in many cases their criminal histories are no barrier to keeping their jobs. Read the story here.