Informing Families: Winter 2026 newsletter

Washington State Department of Commerce sent this bulletin at 03/05/2026 07:57 AM PST

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Winter

Newsletter 2026

www.informingfamilies.org

A Message from WADDC Executive Director, Brandi Monts

An Update on the Informing Families Programs

Hello everyone, we hope winter is treating you as well as possible. In this newsletter, we want to take a moment to make sure you are familiar with what the Informing Families program offers, and how you can help shape its future.

Informing Families began in 2007 with a focus on supporting families who have a member that is eligible but not receiving services from the DD service system here in Washington. Many of these families live in communities where services have historically been limited or hard to access.

As we move into 2026, our commitment to providing resources and supports to underserved communities throughout Washington remains strong.

One of the greatest strengths of Informing Families is our Coordinator Network. We have more than 13 coordinators across our state. They focus on their assigned geographic area and support underserved communities like immigrant and military families and families with limited English proficiency. The coordinators meet with people in their communities to provide information. They also share ideas with the DDC to help us understand what people need and what information would be useful to local community members.

Informing Families has made a few big changes over the last year, and we want to be sure you’re aware of them. We added a new coordinator in the Northeastern part of Washington to ensure that region has better support and access. You can learn more about our coordinators by checking out our Coordinator webpage.

We also launched a new website with updated content that is easier to navigate and more accessible. We decreased the amount of printed materials we share due to a reduction in our funding. To balance that, we are focused on developing more and new online access to Informing Families information with the goal of continuing to reach more folks across the State.

Looking ahead, we are working to strengthen how coordinators share information with their local communities, both in person and online. We expect to see more change and opportunities for growth in 2026. The best way for us to make that change is through feedback from you all.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out and give your suggestions, ideas, and feedback. You can either send an email to informingfamilies@ddc.wa.gov or you can call our mainline to speak with one of us directly: 1-800-634-4473.

Thank you for taking the time to check out our winter newsletter and take good care.

Sincerely,

Brandi Monts

Executive Director, WADDC

No Paid Services Program Update - Senate Bill 5394

A message from DSHS Developmental Disability Community Services

Substitute Senate Bill 5394 directs the Developmental Disabilities Community Services Division (DDCS) to discontinue case management outreach to people not receiving a service from DDCS and continue to respond to requests for services and resources, effective July 2025.

To meet this directive, DDCS no longer assigns a designated case resource manager to individuals who are not currently receiving a DDCS service.

A person on the No-Paid Services caseload now contacts DDCS if they have questions about accessing services or need support.

There are a variety of ways to contact DDCS. You can call, email or visit your local office.

Please use the following resources to contact DDCS:

Visit the online Service Request web form
Contact your local Developmental Disabilities Community Service office; Use the Office Locator to find your local office
The toll-free phone number for your county can be found on the Service and Information Request page

Visit the DDCS website

Legislative advocacy resources

Advocacy and education resources

Understanding how decisions are made about services and supports can feel overwhelming. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families are not alone in this process. The resources below are available to help families stay informed, learn about advocacy, and connect with organizations that provide education and support.

The Arc of Washington State

The Arc of Washington State offers educational materials, advocacy opportunities, and information to help individuals with I/DD, families, and service providers better understand the legislative process and disability-related policy topics. Sign up to receive Action Alert email or text notifications about legislative topics related to disability services.

The Legislative Notebook

The Legislative Notebook is an informational resource compiled by The Arc of Washington State, the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council, and the Community Advocacy Coalition. It includes public policy ideas that community members are working on and information to help you understand how health, education, and social services affect people with I/DD.

Statewide Parent and Family Coalitions

Parent and Family Coalitions in Washington State work to help families find their voices to become effective advocates and be heard on issues important to them and their family members with I/DD. Learn more at https://arcwa.org/parent-coalition/.

Accessible winter recreation

Winter is here!

This season brings new opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, from snowboarding to peaceful winter walks. Across Washington State, adaptive and accessible recreation opportunities are available for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. Below are a few programs and tips to help you make the most of the season.

Adaptive winter recreation

Outdoors for All offers inclusive recreation activities for individuals with disabilities. Some winter activities they offer are downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and more!

Ice skating

Some ice-skating rinks also offer adaptive options. The Kraken Community Iceplex hosts a sensory-friendly public skate. Features include limited attendance, softened lighting, and minimum noise level.

Washington State Parks

Washington State Parks offer access to a wide range of winter activities, including snowshoeing, winter hiking, camping, and visits to historic museums and visitor centers across the state. Washington State Parks offers a free disability pass to Washington state residents who are legally blind, profoundly deaf, or who meet the disability definition used by the Social Security Administration. This allows for free parking at all State Parks.

Tips for accessible winter activities

Call ahead: Check availability and specific accommodations at the venue or service provider.
Ask about equipment: Some activities, like skiing or snowshoeing, may offer adaptive gear, but you might need to reserve it in advance.
Look for adaptive programs in your local area: Many outdoor recreation areas offer programs specifically for individuals with disabilities. Reach out to your local parks and recreation department.
Check accessibility features: Confirm that the venue has wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms, and other accommodations you may need.

Additional resources

LIHEAP

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help households this fall and winter by providing assistance with energy costs. To learn more, visit https://liheapch.acf.hhs.gov/search-tool/.

LIHEAP eligibility varies by state and is based on household size, income, and other received benefits.

Learn more about the LIHEAP program and eligibility

2026 Community Summit

Save the Date for the 2026 Virtual Community Summit!

The 2026 Community Summit is a one-day virtual conference bringing together self-advocates, families, friends, partners, and allies to collaborate in building more inclusive communities.

Visit the Community Summit webpage

Washington State DD Council
P.O. Box 48314
Olympia, WA 98504-8314

(360) 586-3560

(800) 634-4473
informingfamilies@ddc.wa.gov

Informing Families is a project of the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council

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