|
Support for Washington families and self-advocates
|
|
 Informing Families has released a new resource guide to help individuals with developmental disabilities and their families find important services and supports across Washington. This guide brings together a wide range of programs and organizations in one place, making it easier to locate information about health care, education, community living, advocacy and family support.
The guide includes resources related to health coverage and medical services, housing and community living supports, legal and advocacy organizations, early learning and education programs, family support networks and general disability services. Whether you are looking for information for yourself, a family member or someone you support, this resource can help connect you to services and organizations that may be helpful.
The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) is strengthening its support for the Informing Families program by taking a more direct role in its communications and coordination. As part of this effort, Christie Chiles has stepped into the role of Communications and Programs Lead, focused on supporting Informing Families and its statewide network of coordinators. In this role, Christie leads the program’s communications—including the website, newsletters and outreach materials—and works closely with coordinators across Washington to help ensure families receive clear, consistent and useful information. This change will strengthen connections across the state, improve coordination and help Informing Families better respond to the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
If you have questions, please email informingfamilies@ddc.wa.gov.
|
|
|
Free and low-cost resources |
|
A Washington State ABLE Savings Plan (WA ABLE) helps people with disabilities save for the future while protecting eligibility for important benefits. With a WA ABLE account, you can save money without impacting benefits, invest and spend tax-free and pay for many disability-related expenses.
For a limited time, eligible individuals who open a new WA ABLE account and contribute at least $25 can receive a $50 match. Use the promo code WAABLE2026 when signing up to take advantage of this offer, available through April 30. There’s never been a better time to start saving for your future.
|
 Explore Summer Camp options
Summer camps can offer fun, connection and new experiences for children and adults with disabilities. The Arc of Washington and PAVE have created helpful directories that list camps designed for individuals with developmental disabilities or complex healthcare needs.
Explore these resources to learn about available camps and start planning for summer.
Tour the UW Autism Center
 |
|
The University of Washington Autism Center offers guided tours for families, educators, providers and community members who want to learn more about their programs and services. If you are navigating an autism diagnosis or looking for resources and support, this is a great opportunity to learn about what the center offers. |
Resources for Kinship caregivers
Kinship caregivers—such as grandparents, relatives or family friends raising a child—may need support navigating services if a child has or develops a disability. This helpful article from PAVE explains early intervention, special education and 504 plans in Washington, including how to request evaluations and access school supports.
|
|
 |
|
Fathers and male caregivers of children with special needs or disabilities are invited to attend the first open house for Sherwood’s Washington State Fathers Network Chapter. This gathering offers a chance to connect with other dads and caregivers, learn about available resources and build supportive community.
Date: Wednesday, March 25
Time: 5:00–7:00 PM
Location: 402 91st Avenue NE, Lake Stevens, WA 98258
Questions or want to learn more? Contact: fathersnetwork@sherwoodcs.org
|
2026 Tools 4 Success Conference
|
Youth and young adults with disabilities, along with their families and support teams, are invited to attend the 2026 Tools 4 Success Conference, a free in-person event focused on planning for the future. Participants can explore college and career options, build new skills and connect with organizations and resources at the resource fair, including the PC2 team.
Date: March 24, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Tacoma Community College
|
|
 |
Washington Transition Collaborative Community Listening Session for students, family members and advocates
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., and 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
Public Records Notice: Meeting registration information, such as name and email address, is a public record and may be subject to disclosure, pursuant to Chapter 42.56 RCW: PUBLIC RECORDS ACT.
|
|
 |
|
Join the Developmental Disabilities Endowment Trust Fund Governing Board
The Developmental Disabilities Endowment Trust Fund (DDETF) is recruiting a new governing board member. The board helps guide this important program, which allows people with disabilities to save and invest for their future while maintaining eligibility for critical state and federal benefits. Board members serve four-year terms, meet quarterly, and receive a stipend, with travel costs covered for in-person meetings. People with diverse experiences and perspectives are encouraged to apply.
|
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to recognize the contributions, experiences, and leadership of people with developmental disabilities in our communities. This year’s theme, “We’re Here: Then, Now, Always,” highlights the ongoing work to build communities where people with disabilities are included, valued, and supported.
|
|
 |
Celebrating Trisomy Awareness Month
March is Trisomy Awareness Month, a time to increase awareness and understanding of trisomy conditions such as Trisomy 9, Trisomy 13 and Trisomy 18. The month highlights the experiences of families, celebrates children who are thriving and honors the lives of those who have passed. SOFT (Support Organization For Trisomy) is a network of families and professionals dedicated to providing support and understanding to families involved in the issues and decisions surrounding the diagnosis and care in Trisomy 18, 13 and other related chromosomal disorders.
|
|
 Washington State DD Council
P.O. Box 48314
Olympia, WA 98504-8314
|
|
 |
|
Informing Families is a project of the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council |
|
|
|
|
|
