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Support for Washington families and self-advocates
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 New bulletin: Staying Smart & Safe with Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is becoming part of everyday life. Many families use AI tools to answer questions, make plans or create writing, images, videos and voices. These tools can be helpful, but they can also raise questions about safety, privacy and how to know what information is trustworthy.
Our new Ready, Set, KNOW bulletin, “Staying Smart & Safe with Artificial Intelligence,” shares simple tips families can use to talk about AI at home. The bulletin includes information about checking facts, protecting personal information, using AI together for everyday tasks and keeping conversations open as technology continues to change.
Read the bulletin on the Informing Families website
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Free and low-cost resources |
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Washington Talking Book & Braille Library Services
The Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL) provides free access to more than 170,000 audiobooks and 75 magazines for Washington residents who have difficulty reading standard print, including some people with traumatic brain injuries. Materials can be downloaded through the free BARD app or delivered by mail with an easy-to-use digital talking book player. There are no waiting lists or due dates, and library staff are available to help readers find books and get started. WTBBL recently reopened its public library location and welcomes visitors Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Learn about free audiobooks and library services through WTBBL
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Washington Caregiving Journey
The Washington Caregiving Journey is a free online community that helps family caregivers build skills, find support, and connect with experts and other caregivers. The platform offers information on topics such as caregiver burnout, injury prevention, chronic conditions and mental health, along with practical advice and encouragement from people with lived caregiving experience. The resource is available at no cost through local partnerships and is designed to support caregivers throughout their journey.
Join the Washington Caregiving Journey caregiver community
Helping to Heal Toolkit
The Link Center's “Helping to Heal Toolkit: Conversations About Trauma-Informed Principles” offers videos, audio recordings, infographics and transcripts designed to help people better understand trauma-informed support. Grounded in principles from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and shaped by lived experience, the toolkit provides practical tips and strategies for supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries and other disabilities.
Explore the Helping to Heal trauma-informed toolkit
Secure Your Financial Future Toolkit
The U.S. Department of Labor recently updated its free online financial literacy toolkit for people with disabilities, families, caregivers and professionals. The toolkit shares information and resources to support financial decisions at different stages of employment, including preparing for a job, starting a job, maintaining a job, changing or losing a job, and retiring from a job. It also includes resources for staff and family members who support someone in planning for their financial future.
Explore the Secure Your Financial Future toolkit
Summer scheduling tips
Summer can bring exciting opportunities, but changes in routine can also be challenging. This resource from the Marcus Autism Center shares strategies to help autistic individuals prepare for summer transitions, including using visual schedules, maintaining consistent routines when possible and planning ahead for upcoming changes. Small adjustments can help make summer more predictable and enjoyable for the whole family.
Explore summer scheduling tips from the Marcus Autism Center
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Silver Tsunami Support Group: Support for senior parents of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
 Hosted by The Arc of King County, Silver Tsunami is a casual support group for senior parents and caregivers of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Participants can connect with others who understand their experiences, share information and resources, and find support and community.
Online: 2-3 p.m. every Wednesday on Zoom
In-person: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month, at the Southcenter Mall Food Court
Join the Silver Tsunami support group on Zoom
How to Apply for Supplemental Security Income for children
Join the Northwest Access Fund for a free online class designed for families of children with disabilities. Participants will learn about eligibility for Supplemental Security Income, the application process and next steps after applying. Individualized support is available for participants after completing the class.
When: 12 p.m. Tuesday, July 14
Register for the How to Apply for Supplemental Security Income for Children class
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Is it apparent, I am a parent? Disabled parents and parenthood
In this article from the Lurie Institute for Disability Policy, disability rights advocate, poet and author Remon Jourdan reflects on parenthood, pride and the assumptions people often make about disabled parents. Through his poem, “Is It Apparent, I Am a Parent?” and personal reflections, Remon challenges stereotypes and reminds readers that disability does not diminish a person's ability to be a parent.
Read Remon Jourdan's reflections on disability and parenthood
Disability history and culture resources for youth
In recognition of Disability Pride Month in July, Family Voices is highlighting disability history and culture resources created by and for youth with disabilities. Explore a disability history timeline for teens and other youth-developed resources that celebrate disability identity, history, leadership and culture while encouraging young people to learn from and connect with the disability community.
Explore disability history and culture resources for youth
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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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