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Support for Washington families and self-advocates
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Explore Informing Families digital publications
Finding clear, reliable information can make a big difference as you support your family member. Informing Families offers a collection of digital publications to help you understand services, explore options, and plan for the future—whether you’re just getting started or looking for the next step. All resources are available online and can be downloaded or printed, so you can use and share them in the way that works best for your family.
Available resources include:
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Community Resource Guide to connect with services and supports
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Planning tools like the Star Form to help identify goals and supports
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Transition and life course tools for different stages of life
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Respite and caregiver resources for family support
Many materials are available in multiple languages and formats.
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Free and low-cost resources |
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Find early intervention services for your child
The LAUNCH program at the University of Washington Autism Center offers Applied Behavior Analysis services for young children with autism and related developmental needs. LAUNCH helps children build communication, social, and daily living skills. Services are based on your child’s needs and goals. The team works with families to support learning in everyday routines. To take part in this program, your child must be enrolled in Washington Apple Health (Medicaid).
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Earn a $50 match when you add money to your WA ABLE account
You can earn a $50 match when you add money to your Washington State ABLE account. This offer is available through June 30. If you add at least $25 to your account and enter the code SAVEUP2026, you will receive a $50 match.
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Healthcare transition at Age 18
Resources from PAVE and the Center for Transition to Adult Health Care for Youth with Disabilities can help you plan for adult health care. When young people turn 18, they begin making their own health care decisions, which can feel overwhelming. The PAVE resource explains what changes and how to prepare, while the Moving to Adult Health Care toolkits offer step-by-step guidance, including checklists and tips for managing care, insurance, and communication with providers.
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Why micro-moments matter in parenting
Small, everyday interactions can have a big impact on your child’s well-being. Research shows that short, positive moments throughout the day can help children feel safe, supported, and connected. This article from Seattle’s Child shares simple ideas families can use to build connection and reduce stress.
Caregivers with disabilities: An overlooked and under-supported caregiving population
Many people with disabilities also provide care for others, but their needs are often overlooked. This brief from the Lurie Institute highlights the challenges caregivers with disabilities may face and the importance of inclusive supports and policies. It also shares recommendations to better recognize and support caregivers with disabilities and their families.
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Washington State Independent Living Council community trainings
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 (Yakima), and Thursday, June 18, 2026 (Spokane)
Operation Connection 2026
Join these community trainings to learn how to include access and functional needs in emergency planning and response. New data shows people with disabilities are often left out during disasters, and these sessions focus on practical steps to improve preparedness and coordination. Connect with others and learn how to support safer, more inclusive communities.
Partnerships for Action, Voices for Empowerment Webinar
Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 6-7 p.m.
Inclusion and belonging: What parents should know
Learn how inclusionary practices help students with disabilities access general education classrooms and build meaningful connections. This session shares how inclusive settings support learning, friendships, and positive outcomes for all students.
Community Summit 2026
June 3, 2026, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Registration for the Summit and watch parties now open
Registration is now open for the 2026 Community Summit, a one-day virtual conference on June 3, 2026. The Summit brings together self-advocates, families, friends, partners, and allies to share ideas and build more inclusive communities.
You can join the Summit online or attend a local watch party. Watch parties will be held in several counties across Washington, including Benton-Franklin, Clark, Grant and Adams, Jefferson-Clallam, Kitsap and Pierce, and Thurston-Mason. Each location may have different capacity and registration steps.
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New special education timeline for evaluation reports
A new state law (ESHB 2557) changes when families receive their child’s special education evaluation report. Starting June 11, 2026, families must receive the report at least five school days before the meeting that determines eligibility for services. This applies to toddlers transitioning from ESIT, preschool children, and K–12 students for both initial evaluations and reevaluations.
The report must be provided in a written or electronic format that families can keep and review. Schools must also provide translation, if needed, so families can participate meaningfully in the process. Guidance from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) helps explain what to expect and how this new timeline supports families in preparing for important decisions. A one-page resource from The Arc of King County offers a simple overview families can use to understand their rights and next steps.
Understanding Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) help people with disabilities receive support in their homes and communities instead of institutional settings. This infographic explains what HCBS are, who they serve, and why they are important for independence and quality of life. It also highlights how these services support families and strengthen communities.
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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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