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Support for Washington families and self-advocates
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 New Informing Families Bulletin:
Your Road, Your Journey: Learning to Drive With a Disability
Learning to drive is an exciting milestone that can open the door to greater independence, confidence and freedom. For people with disabilities, the road to driving may look different, but with the right support, accommodations and instruction, many can become safe, confident drivers.
Our newest Informing Families bulletin, “Your Road, Your Journey: Learning to Drive With a Disability,” offers helpful tips for getting started, important questions to consider before enrolling in driver's education and resources to support individuals with disabilities and their families along the way.
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Free and low-cost resources |
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The Washington State Health Care Authority is expanding support for eligible Apple Health (Medicaid) members through Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) services. These services include housing assistance, medical respite, nutrition supports and home modifications to improve accessibility and safety. Services are being introduced in phases, and eligibility requirements vary. Respite services that provide temporary relief for unpaid caregivers are planned for a future phase.
Families can learn more about available services, upcoming supports and how to access them through the Health Care Authority.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Learn the Signs. Act Early. program offers free resources to help families track their child's development from birth to age 5. Families can explore developmental milestone checklists, activity guides, children's books and a free Milestone Tracker app. These tools help parents and caregivers recognize developmental milestones, support their child's learning and know when to talk with a health care provider about developmental concerns.Click to edit this placeholder text.
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Preparing for life after high school can bring many questions for students with disabilities and their families. The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) offers a transition planning guide to help young people explore their goals, understand their options and prepare for adulthood. The resource provides information to support planning for education, employment and independent living, helping students and families make informed decisions about the future.
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Find Work That Works for You
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026, from noon to 1:30 p.m. PT
Do you or someone in your family receive Social Security disability benefits and want to learn more about employment options? Join Social Security's Ticket to Work program for a free webinar about exploring work opportunities and available supports. Families can learn how the program helps people find employment that matches their interests, goals and support needs, as well as how to connect with service providers who can help. Participants don't have to be ready to work — this webinar is a chance to explore options and ask questions.
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Monday, Nov. 16, 2026, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. via Zoom
Join The Arc of King County for a virtual webinar about housing rights and accommodations for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Learn about reasonable accommodations, how to request them and resources available to help individuals and families navigate housing needs.
For questions, please contact jkim@arcofkingcounty.org
Monday, Nov. 30, 2026, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
University of Washington, Seattle, and online
Transportation can be a challenge for autistic people and their families, especially when driving isn't an option. Join the Nondrivers Alliance and Autistic Self Advocacy Network for a panel discussion about neurodiversity and transportation. Panelists will share their experiences, discuss barriers to getting around and explore ways to make transportation more accessible for people who don't drive.
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The National Institutes of Health is inviting people with Down syndrome, families, caregivers and others to participate in the INCLUDE Voices: Research in Action Challenge. Participants can submit an original video, up to three minutes long, sharing why Down syndrome research matters and how it can improve lives. A total of $50,000 in prizes is available, including a $10,000 grand prize. Submissions are open through Dec. 18, 2026.
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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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