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Spring

Newsletter 2026

www.informingfamilies.org

A message from Washington State Department of Social and Health Services

Investing in access, inclusion and independence

The Dan Thompson Fund expands opportunities for people with developmental disabilities across Washington

Families and communities across Washington are benefiting from new investments through the Dan Thompson Fund. The fund supports innovative projects that increase access, inclusion and independence for people with developmental disabilities.

In rounds three and four, the fund provided grants to community organizations developing creative solutions in three key areas: transportation, assistive technology and recreation.

Through these investments, the Dan Thompson Fund helps expand opportunities for individuals and families. These projects improve access to services, reduce barriers to participation and strengthen connections within local communities.

Look for future communications from DSHS asking for your input on services you would like the Dan Thompson Fund to support.

In its most recent funding round, the program awarded $1.75 million to organizations serving communities across Washington state. Funded projects are designed to meet local needs. They may include accessible recreation programs, transportation solutions that help people get to work and community activities, and assistive technology that supports greater independence.

The Dan Thompson Fund reflects a commitment to partnering with communities and families to create a more inclusive Washington. Through this work, people with developmental disabilities can live, work, learn and participate more fully in the activities that matter most to them.

Families interested in learning more about funded projects and future funding opportunities are encouraged to visit the Dan Thompson Account webpage and sign up for updates.

Together, we are supporting innovative projects that promote access and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities throughout Washington. 

An update for families from DDA

Update provided by the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Administration 

The Department of Social and Health Services wants to share an update on some administrative changes recently made. The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) has been reestablished within the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), effective June 16, 2026. Dana Phelps is serving as interim assistant secretary for DDA. Upkar Mangat is deputy assistant secretary of state-operated services, and Kris Pederson is deputy assistant secretary of community services.  

• Families can view the updated Department of Social and Health Services organizational chart at https://www.dshs.wa.gov/office-of-the-secretary/organizational-chart  

This administrative change will not affect the services and supports that people currently receive. Families do not need to take any action because of the change. 

DDA will continue working to improve the service system, with a focus on issues that matter to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Priorities include improving access to services, increasing service availability and flexibility, supporting people with more complex needs, strengthening employment opportunities and helping people have more control over their plans and service goals. These are priorities shared across DSHS because they can impact people no matter what services they are seeking.

DDA is also collaborating with partners in the community, Tribal governments, other agencies and the private sector to develop a 10-year strategic plan to improve Washington’s developmental disability services and supports. Development of the plan will be guided by a steering committee of people with lived experience along with service providers, community advocates, and DDA leaders. The planning process will include accessible community engagement and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities and families to share what is working, what needs to improve and what meaningful change should look like. 

Questions or feedback about Reimagine DSHS can be sent directly to DDA at reimagine@dshs.wa.gov. 

Additional resources

Scholarships for students with intellectual disabilities

Planning for college? This resource from Think College highlights scholarships available to students with intellectual disabilities pursuing higher education. The guide includes national and state scholarship opportunities, along with tips to help students and families explore funding options for inclusive postsecondary education.

New resources from Informing Families

This quarter, Informing Families created and translated several materials to help families and self-advocates find trusted information, practical tips and helpful resources.Explore our newest bulletins, guides and program materials.

Resources and support for dads

Created with the Washington State Fathers Network, this bulletin shares information, encouragement and resources for dads raising children with disabilities.

Staying smart and safe with artificial intelligence (AI)

This bulletin offers simple tips for using artificial intelligence safely, protecting personal information and checking whether information is trustworthy.

Informing Families resource guide in Spanish and Vietnamese

The Informing Families Resource Guide is now available in Spanish and Vietnamese. The guide includes information about services, education, health care, employment, housing and other supports.

Informing Families program flyer in Spanish and Vietnamese

The Informing Families Program flyer is now available in Spanish and Vietnamese. The flyer explains how Informing Families connects people with developmental disabilities and their families to information and resources.

Washington State DD Council
P.O. Box 48314
Olympia, WA 98504-8314

(360) 586-3560

(800) 634-4473
informingfamilies@ddc.wa.gov

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