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Support for Washington families and self-advocates

www.informingfamilies.org

Early November 2026 Newsletter

Program updates and news

Informing Families in the Community: 2026 Buddy Walk

Informing Families coordinator Shannon Watkins, who serves King and Pierce counties, attended the 30th annual Buddy Walk on Oct. 11 at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. Hosted by the Down Syndrome Center of Puget Sound, the event brought the community together to celebrate Down syndrome awareness and the accomplishments of individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Shannon connected with attendees and community partners while sharing Informing Families resources.

“I was so excited to represent Informing Families at the Buddy Walk 2026 and connect with all the wonderful participants and community partners,” Shannon shared. “Seeing all the love, smiles, and even the hugs shared throughout the day truly refreshed my soul.” Our coordinators attend community events throughout Washington to connect with families and share resources. Check out our calendar to see where they'll be next!

Free and low-cost resources

Family Wandering Emergency Plan

When a child or adult with autism wanders, having an emergency plan can help families respond quickly. The National Autism Association offers a free Family Wandering Emergency Plan to help families identify potential dangers, organize search locations and coordinate with family members, friends and neighbors. The resource helps families prepare important information and establish a plan before an emergency happens.

Screen Time Resources for Families

Managing screen time and technology use can be challenging for families. The University of Washington Autism Center has created a new Screen Time Resources webpage with information and practical tools to help families navigate technology use. Developed by clinicians at the Autism Center, the resources offer guidance to help parents and caregivers make informed decisions about screen time and support healthy technology habits.

Events and trainings

Future Planning: Legal and Financial Tools

Wednesdays, Nov. 4 and Dec. 2, 2026, at 7 p.m.

Join The Arc of Washington State and attorney Christy Ibrahim for a free two-part virtual series designed for people with disabilities and their families. The Nov. 4 session will cover guardianship and alternatives, including supported decision-making and powers of attorney. The Dec. 2 session will focus on financial planning tools, including wills, special needs trusts and ABLE accounts. Learn about options to help make informed decisions and plan for the future.

2026 Indigenous Children, Youth and Families Conference

Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 4-5, 2026 | Virtual

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families is hosting its seventh annual Indigenous Children, Youth and Families Conference. This free virtual event brings together Tribal communities, families, caregivers and professionals to explore ways to strengthen connections, support healing and improve services for Native children and families.

The conference offers a variety of sessions, including the Nov. 4 session, “Accessing Intensive Resources for Children and Young People,” from 2 to 2:50 p.m. This session will help families learn about available resources and how to navigate developmental, behavioral, medical and mental health services for their children.

Undiagnosed Developmental Conditions: Community Support Event

Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, from 11 a.m. to noon
The Arc of King County, SeaTac, and online

Join The Arc of King County, Seattle Children's, the University of Washington and the Undiagnosed Diseases Network for a free community event for individuals and families navigating rare or undiagnosed developmental conditions. Learn about the Undiagnosed Diseases Network, connect with other families, share experiences and explore available community resources and supports. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. for in-person attendees. An online option is also available. RSVP by email to udn@arcofkingcounty.org. 

Additional resources

Caregiver Careers Washington's October Newsletter

Finding and keeping qualified caregivers is important for people with disabilities and their families. The October edition of Workforce Spotlight, a newsletter from Caregiver Careers Washington, shares updates on efforts to strengthen Washington's caregiving workforce. Learn about programs to recruit and train new caregivers, expand access to training in rural communities and help people explore careers in caregiving. The newsletter also highlights resources and support available to people interested in becoming caregivers.

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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