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Support for Washington families and self-advocates
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SES and DME updated bulletins
Informing Families has updated two Ready, Set, KNOW bulletins to help families learn more about durable medical equipment and specialized equipment and supplies.
The Durable Medical Equipment (DME) bulletin explains what durable medical equipment is and how families can ask for equipment. DME may include items such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs, commode chairs and patient lifts. The bulletin also explains that families may need a letter of medical necessity and a doctor’s prescription, and it lists possible funding sources, including health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid and Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) waiver services.
The Specialized Equipment and Supplies (SES) bulletin explains when a recommendation or referral from a doctor or therapist may be needed. It also explains what information to include in a referral and how a DDA case manager may help with the process. Families can ask their DDA case manager for a list of contracted providers or purchasers before requesting approval.
These bulletins are designed to help families understand the process, ask questions and prepare the information they may need when requesting equipment or supplies.
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Free and low-cost resources |
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Caregiver Chats Podcast: Why Respite Matters
This episode of the Caregiver Chats podcast explores why respite care is important for caregivers and families. The conversation highlights findings from the 2025 Caregiving in the U.S. report, including barriers that keep many caregivers from using respite services even when they would benefit from them. Listeners can learn more about caregiver support, stress, and the value of taking time to rest and recharge.
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Among Friends: Social-Sexual Support Resources
Among Friends provides training, tools and support focused on healthy relationships, sexuality, communication and self-determination for people with disabilities and other complex support needs. Their work is person-centered, trauma-informed and focused on helping individuals build skills, confidence and healthy connections. Families, caregivers and professionals can explore resources, trainings and services on topics including boundaries, consent, relationships and supported decision-making.
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Developmental Disabilities Administration Community Forums
May 28, Aug. 27, and Nov. 19, 2026, from 4-6:30 p.m.
Region 3 Community Engagement Forums
Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA, formerly DDCS) is hosting virtual community engagement forums for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Participants can share feedback, raise concerns and offer suggestions directly to regional DDA staff about services, supports and proposed changes.
Social Security Administration Free Webinar
Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 12-1 p.m. PDT
Ticket to Work: Support on Your Employment Journey
Join this free WISE webinar to learn about employment supports and resources available through Social Security’s Ticket to Work program. Adults ages 18-64 who receive SSI or SSDI can explore how work may fit into their future goals and learn about tools that can support employment planning and success.
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Share Your Input on Student Behavioral Health Supports in Washington
Washington residents are invited to share input on the future of K-12 student behavioral health supports. As part of the Policy Codesign for K-12 School Behavioral Health project, CoLab and OSPI are gathering community input through the first Community Sounding Board questionnaire.
Participants will review a set of design challenges (key questions and choices related to student behavioral health supports) and share where they stand. Feedback will be summarized and shared with the Core Design Team to inform their recommendations.
The questionnaire is open to any Washington resident, and responses are due by Friday, May 29.
Participants can also opt in to receive future updates, provide ongoing feedback, and be entered in a lottery to win a $150 gift card.
Caregiving in Washington State: 2025 Report
This Washington-focused report is part of the national 2025 Caregiving in the U.S. study, which is released every five years to better understand the experiences of unpaid family caregivers across the country. The report highlights caregiving in Washington state, including topics such as financial strain, stress, access to respite care and the growing demand for support. Families, advocates and professionals can use this information to better understand the challenges caregivers face and the supports that may help.
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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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