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Support for Washington families and self-advocates
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 Dads make a difference: Male caregivers as engaged parents
In honor of Father's Day, Informing Families partnered with the Washington State Fathers Network to create a bulletin and companion article celebrating the important role fathers and father figures play in the lives of their loved ones with disabilities and special health care needs. Explore resources, supports, and information designed to help fathers stay connected, informed and involved while supporting their families.
Read about how Dads make a difference.
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Free and low-cost resources |
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 Understanding autism screening results
Questions after an autism screening? The On Time Autism Intervention (OTAI) Screening Guide from the University of Washington Autism Center helps families understand autism, what screening results mean and what steps to consider next. The guide also includes information about evaluations, services and resources that may support children and families.
View and download the OTAI Screening Guide.
Summer Camp Alternatives for Kids and Teens
Not everyone wants to attend summer camp, and not every family has access to one. This resource from PAVE shares creative alternatives to help children and teens stay active, build skills and connect with others during the summer. Ideas include community programs, volunteering, hobbies, outdoor activities and opportunities to explore new interests close to home.
Visit PAVE’s website to read about keeping kids busy without summer camps.
Free summer meals for kids and teens
Children and teens ages 18 and younger can receive free meals during the summer at participating meal sites across Washington. No application, registration or proof of income is required. This resource from Hunger Free Washington helps families find meal locations and learn about other summer nutrition programs available in their community.
Visit the Hunger Free Washington website.
Free resources available online
Looking for information on supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, mental health conditions or other disabilities? The Link Center offers free resources, tools, webinars and guides on topics such as healthcare, mental health, aging, crisis support, sexuality, housing and community living. Families, self-advocates and professionals can explore a wide range of information in one place.
Visit the Link Center’s resource library.
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YMCA Virtual Workshop for Caregivers
1 to 2:30 p.m. Mondays beginning June 29 on Zoom. Additional sessions are available later in 2026.
About the Workshops
This free six-week workshop helps family caregivers build practical skills for managing stress, communicating effectively and caring for themselves while supporting others. Classes are offered online through the YMCA of the Inland Northwest for free thanks to support from Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington.
Visit the YMCA of the Inland Northwest’s website to learn more and register.
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Share your story as a parent with a disability
The National Research Center for Parents with Disabilities is seeking blog posts and short videos from parents with disabilities who want to share their experiences. Submissions can focus on parenting, disability, family life, advocacy, challenges, successes or personal stories. Contributors whose work is selected for publication will receive a $100 payment.
Learn more about how to submit your story.
Understanding Extended School Year services
Extended School Year (ESY) services provide special education support during school breaks to help students maintain important skills. These articles from Understood and Washinton Autism Alliance (WAA) explains what ESY services are, how eligibility decisions are made and what families can expect during the IEP process. It also includes tips for discussing ESY services with your child’s school team.
Read about ESY services on the Understood website.
Read the ESY article on the WAA website.
New report on Pre-Employment Transition Services
A new report from the National Center for Learning Disabilities examines access to Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for students with learning disabilities. While students with learning disabilities make up nearly 33% of Pre-ETS participants, the report found that only 4.4% of eligible students are receiving these services. The report explores barriers to participation and highlights opportunities to increase awareness and access to employment supports for students preparing for life after high school.
Read the Pre-ETS report.
Recorded webinar series: Home accessibility for successful parenting
Disabled people often make innovative, cost-effective, and practical modifications to their homes to meet their unique accessibility and parenting needs. In this webinar, parents with a range of disabilities share the strategies and home adaptations they have implemented to create functional, accessible spaces that support their success as parents.
Watch the series about home adaptations.
Washington Department of Health Advisory Board Opportunity
The Washington State Department of Health is seeking parents, guardians and caregivers to serve on a new advisory board focused on adolescent and young adult health. Board members will help share ideas, provide feedback and shape programs that support young people across Washington. Applications are open through June 30.
Learn more and apply to the advisory board.
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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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