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Support for Washington families and self-advocates
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 Meet Us in the Community: Informing Families Coordinators at Resource and Transition Fairs
This spring, Informing Families coordinators will be attending transition and community resource fairs throughout the state. These events bring together students, families, caregivers, service providers and community partners to share information, answer questions, and connect people to local supports.
If you are navigating transition planning, looking for resources, or simply want to learn more about services available in your area, we encourage you to stop by and meet with a coordinator. Review the list of upcoming events below, and contact the coordinator listed for each event for specific details, including times, locations and what to expect.
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Free and low-cost resources |
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No-Cost Physical Therapy Screening Clinic (Ages 3-5)
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Joya JumpStart is hosting a free Physical Therapy Screening Clinic for children ages 3-5 on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at Joya Child & Family Development at 1016 N. Superior St., Spokane, WA 99202. A licensed pediatric physical therapist will provide brief screenings (15-20 minutes) to offer guidance and next steps for families with questions about their child’s strength, movement, balance or coordination.
No appointment is needed. Walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis. For questions, contact Rachel Cox, DPT at rachel.cox@joya.org or (509) 326-1651.
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How to Afford Family Caregiving Series from PAVE
This four-part series from Partnership for Action, Voices for Empowerment (PAVE) shares different strategies and information to help family caregivers with the financial side of caregiving. Part one explores paid leave and job-protecting unpaid leave in Washington State. Part two explores job flexibility and ideas for possible options for being paid to provide care for your loved one. Part three provides ideas for ways to offset some costs of caregiving. Part four goes over how to afford long term care services.
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Washington Family Engagement
From Saturday, March 14 - Saturday, May 16
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Washington Institute for Parent Leadership
The Institute for Parent Leadership is offering a free, online course that parents can take without leaving their homes — available in English and Spanish.
Participants learn personal and community leadership skills, how to become civic and school leaders, how the public education system is structured, how Washington government and public policy work and how to speak in public.
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Free Online Parent Workshop from the Haring Center for Inclusive Education
Monday, March 23, 2026 from 6:00-7:30 PM
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Inclusionary Practices — Building Inclusive and Equitable Practices in Schools
Families are invited to a free virtual workshop focused on building inclusive and equitable practices in schools. Learn what meaningful inclusion looks like for students and explore available resources and tools. You will also hear how schools and districts can strengthen collaboration and support for all learners.
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2026 ECHO Autism Communities Symposium
April 2, 2026, 6 a.m.-1:15 p.m. PT
The 2026 ECHO Autism Communities Symposium is a free, full-day virtual event focused on practical tools, current research and real-world strategies to support autistic individuals and their families.
Sessions will include perspectives from autistic self-advocates, guidance on emotion and sensory regulation, neuro-affirming practices, decision-making options beyond guardianship and evidence-based updates on autism topics in the news.
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Washington Transition Collaborative Community Listening Session for Students, Family Members and Advocates
April 22, 2026 from 6-7:30 pm
Students, families, and advocates are invited to join a virtual Community Listening Session to share ideas and recommendations to improve transition services as students move from school to adult life. This session is part of a statewide effort led by the Transition Collaborative, a group of state agencies working together to update Washington’s transition plan under recently passed legislation.
Your input will help shape a report to the Legislature due in October 2026. The session will be held online on April 22, 2026 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Registration is required. Accommodation and translation requests must be submitted in advance.
For help registering or questions, call 1-800-634-4473 or email info@ddc.wa.gov.
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 Washington State DD Council
P.O. Box 48314
Olympia, WA 98504-8314
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Informing Families is a project of the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council |
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