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Support for Washington families and self-advocates
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 New Bulletin: Person-Centered Planning
Everyone deserves a chance to be heard, share what matters to them and set goals for the future. Our new Informing Families bulletin explains how Person-Centered Planning (PCP) can help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities plan for important transitions and create a vision for their future.
Learn what happens during the planning process, who can participate, how PCP differs from a Person-Centered Service Plan and how to request planning services.
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Free and low-cost resources |
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Family caregivers play an important role in the health and well-being of the people they support. This article from PAVE explains why doctors need to understand a family's caregiving situation and offers tips for communicating with medical teams, asking for support and sharing concerns. It also covers access to medical information and legal documents that may be helpful when caring for an adult.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a fillable care plan form that families and caregivers can use to keep important health information in one place. Bring it to medical appointments or keep a copy at home to share information about medications, health changes, treatment preferences, health care decision-making and other important needs with doctors and care providers.
The Imagination Library of Washington provides free, age-appropriate books mailed directly to children each month from birth to age 5. Each book is selected to support children at different stages of early development and arrives addressed to the child. The program can help families build a home library, support early literacy and make reading together part of their routine. Children can receive a new book every month until their fifth birthday, at no cost to their family. Families can check availability in their community and enroll online.
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Wings for All Airport Rehearsal
Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026
Wings for All, hosted by The Arc of King County, offers people with disabilities and their families an opportunity to practice the airport and air travel experience. Participants can become familiar with airport procedures in a supportive environment while aviation professionals learn more about accommodating travelers with disabilities. Participants ages 18 and older will need a REAL ID.
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Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. PT
Join the Lurie Institute for Disability Policy for a free virtual session focused on the challenges and opportunities facing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and family caregivers. A panel of experts will discuss direct care supports as part of a larger series examining the direct care workforce crisis. American Sign Language interpretation and closed captioning will be available.
Monthly beginning Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, at 4 p.m.
The Call-In is a free monthly virtual learning series for Washington educators, community partners, families and students focused on creating more inclusive and welcoming schools. Each 60-minute session offers practical strategies to strengthen belonging, access and participation, with opportunities to explore real-world situations and connect with others. Clock hours are available for educators.
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The Autism Society of Washington is looking for volunteers interested in starting local Coffee Clubs or chapters in communities across the state. Local groups can help Autistic people, families, caregivers and allies connect, find resources and build community close to home. No experience is required, and the Autism Society of Washington will provide support to help groups get started. Email info@autismsocietyofwa.org to learn more about getting involved in your community.
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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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