Informing Families: Early April 2026 update

Washington State Department of Commerce sent this bulletin at 04/02/2026 09:00 AM PDT

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Support for Washington families and self-advocates

www.informingfamilies.org

Early April 2026 update

Program updates and news

Resources for Ages Birth to Three” Informing Families bulletin graphic

Updated Resources Bulletin for Ages 0-3

The Informing Families Resources for Ages Birth to Three bulletin has been updated to better support families. Updates include a new QR code for easy access, refreshed and verified links and updated agency and organization names and information.

Visit the Ages 0-3 page to download the bulletin

Free and low-cost resources

Camp Directory from PAVE

Did you know…camps aren’t just for summer! Many of these camps operate during the school year for weekends, after-school and school vacation dates.

Child smiling and making a peace sign outdoors

Visit PAVE’s Camps for Individuals with Disabilities directory

2025 Film Festival Access in the Wise Learning Center

With a Wise Learning Center membership, you can access films from the 2025 Community Summit Film Festival, featuring curated selections from Sproutflix, highlighting stories of people with disabilities from around the world.

Washington state residents can register for the free Washington State Resident’s On-Demand Library Subscription to access Summit recordings, Sproutflix films and 400+ additional courses.

Already have an account? Simply log in to explore the library.

Get your free subscription

UW Autism Center guided tours

The UW Autism Center offers guided tours for families, providers, educators and community members who want to learn more about our programs and services. Whether you’re newly navigating an autism diagnosis or looking for resources, we’re here to help.

Sign up for a tour

Outdoors for All Foundation spring and summer programs

Outdoors for All provides a variety of recreational activities for individuals with disabilities. These activities are designed to accommodate a broad range of individual skill levels, from individuals who want to try something new to athletes who aspire to compete. Registration for spring and summer programs is now open.

Register for upcoming recreational opportunities

Events and trainings

Washington State Independent Living Council’s Operation Connection

Washington Statewide Independent Living Council is hosting critical meetings about inclusive emergency planning, accessible communication strategies, and resource coordination to make sure no one is left behind in a crisis.

First responders, emergency managers, disability advocates, policy makers and local leaders: this event is for you! ASL and Captioning provided. Registration is limited, so don’t wait.

Yakima on Wednesday, May 27, 2026
9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Oxford Suites (1701 E. Yakima Ave)
Register on Zoom

Spokane on Thursday, June 18, 2026
9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Northeast Community Center (4001 N. Cook St.). Register on Zoom

Visit the WASILC Website

Regional DDCS Community Engagement Forums

Regional Community Engagement Forums give individuals, families and providers a chance to connect directly with local Developmental Disabilities Community Services staff, share concerns and help find solutions.

These public meetings are held quarterly, typically online with some hybrid options. They focus on hearing from the community and responding to local needs. View the flyers for specific dates and meeting links.

Get information about DDCS forums

Best Buddies Friendship Walk

Save the date for the Best Buddies Friendship Walk on May 16, 2026, at the Seattle Center. Hosted by Best Buddies International, this event brings people together to celebrate friendship, inclusion and community. Join the walk, connect with others and help build a more welcoming world where everyone belongs. Register to participate and learn more at the event link.

Register for the Friendship Walk

Transition Collaborative's Transition Services Learning Sessions

The Transition Collaborative is seeking your recommendations to include in a report due to the Legislature in October 2026.

Two listening sessions are being held in April:

April 22 at 6 p.m. for students, families and advocates
April 23 at 3:30 pm for educators

You can find out more about the Transition Collaborative, register for the appropriate listening session and request needed accommodations or translations by visiting the Transition Collaborative Project website.

Visit the Transition Collaborative website

Additional resources

Emergency respite planning Ideas from PAVE

Do you have an emergency respite plan? Don’t wait for an emergency situation to think about who will take care of your loved ones. Finding someone to take care your loved one on short notice takes time and information.

Get the 4-step process, form and ideas

CDC: How to get help for your child Tip Sheet

You know your child best. If your child is not meeting milestones for their age, or if you have concerns about how they play, learn, speak, act or move, it is important to speak up. Talk to your child’s doctor and share what you are seeing. Acting early can help you better understand your child’s needs and connect to the right support.

This CDC guide offers clear tips and recommendations to help families take the next steps with confidence. Available in multiple languages.

Babies growing from crawling to standing

Visit the CDC website to download the guide

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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