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Support for Washington families and self-advocates

www.informingfamilies.org

Late August 2026 Newsletter

Program updates and news

Explore Housing Resources and Options

Finding safe, affordable housing can take time and planning. Knowing where to start can make the process easier.

Informing Families has updated its bulletin, “The Hows of Housing,” with resources for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. It covers rental assistance, homeownership programs, energy assistance and a free benefits and housing review.

It also features a three-part video series about renting, homeownership and innovative housing options. People with developmental disabilities and their families share their experiences and explain how they planned for housing that met their needs.

Free and low-cost resources

Developmental Screenings Help Children Get a Strong Start

Developmental screenings can help identify whether a child is meeting milestones or may benefit from additional evaluation or support. This article from Seattle's Child explains what developmental screenings are, why they matter and how Washington state's Strong Start program helps connect families with free screening and early intervention resources when needed.

Back-to-School Tips for Students with Autism and Their Families

A new school year can bring excitement and new challenges. This resource from SPARK for Autism offers practical strategies to help families prepare for the transition back to school, including establishing routines, supporting communication with educators, managing anxiety and creating a successful start to the year.

Back-to-School Resources for College Planning

Think College has resources to help students with intellectual disabilities and their families plan for college and prepare for life after high school. Explore information about becoming college-bound, preparing for college expectations, the application process, individualized education program (IEP) and transition planning, scholarships, college searches, and tips for new and returning college students.

Free Park Passes for People With Disabilities

The Washington State Parks Disability Pass

The Washington State Parks Disability Pass provides eligible Washington residents with free day-use parking and other camping and recreation discounts at Washington state parks. The pass is available to people who meet the program's eligibility requirements.

National Parks Access Pass

The U.S. Geological Survey's Access Pass is a free lifetime pass for U.S. citizens and permanent residents with permanent disabilities. The pass provides access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks, forests and wildlife refuges, and may include discounts on some amenity fees.

Events and trainings

Events to Help Families Prepare for the School Year

Washington Autism Alliance: Blueprints to Special Education — How to build effective school services

Learn how to navigate the special education process and build effective school services for students with disabilities during this virtual workshop led by experienced special education attorneys. Topics include evaluations, individualized education programs (IEPs), placement, discipline, dispute resolution and strategies for advocating for appropriate supports at school.

When: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

PAVE Special Education Virtual Training Series

Join PAVE for a free virtual training series covering key topics in the special education process. Sessions include understanding the differences between individualized education programs (IEPs) and Section 504 plans, learning about rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, early intervention through individualized family service plans (IFSPs), navigating Section 504 plans and using artificial intelligence (AI) to prepare for meetings and communicate effectively with school teams. Register for one or multiple sessions.

When: Every other Thursday, Aug. 6 through Oct. 1, 2026, from 11 a.m. to noon

Washington State Community Connectors

Substance Use Disorder Education Sessions for Families

Parents, caregivers and family members are invited to participate in this free eight-week training series focused on supporting a loved one affected by substance use disorder. Led by families with lived experience, the sessions cover communication strategies, understanding substance use disorder, navigating Washington's behavioral health system and connecting with local resources. Participants who complete all eight sessions receive a certificate of completion.

When: Ongoing sessions throughout the year starting in August 2026

Family Voices Leadership Program

Online Certificate Program for Youth, Families and Organizations

Family Voices is offering free virtual leadership programs for youth and young adults with disabilities or special health care needs, family members and organizations. Participants can build leadership skills, connect with others and learn how to help improve health care systems. Apply by Aug. 24, 2026.

When: Monthly virtual sessions beginning in fall 2026

National Research Center for Parents With Disabilities Webinar

Disabled Parents Building Mutual Aid Networks

Join the National Research Center for Parents With Disabilities for a free webinar exploring how disabled parents build systems of mutual aid and community support. Speakers Judith Brown, Dom Kelly and Dom Evans will share their experiences with resource sharing, caregiving, financial support and other ways communities can work together to strengthen families and increase accessibility. American Sign Language interpretation and Zoom automated captions will be provided, and the webinar will be recorded for later viewing.

When: Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, at 10 a.m. PT

Additional resources

A Sibling's Experience

Growing up with a sibling with autism can shape a person's life in many ways. In this personal story from the Washington Autism Alliance, one sibling reflects on the challenges, lessons and meaningful moments that came with supporting a brother with autism. The story offers insight, encouragement and a perspective that may resonate with other siblings and families.

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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