Living a full life involves so much more than services and systems. It’s about relationships, community, and growing throughout all stages of life.
Rather than view a person with intellectual/developmental disabilities as wrapped in services, we see the potential of individuals rooted in community resources and supports. Services are an important part of that vision, but they are not the sole focus.
Informing Families is a resource provided by the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council, in partnership with the Developmental Disabilities Administration. We offer trusted news and information to individuals and families that empowers them to be active participants in planning and building a network of support and opportunities.
Our advisory committee is composed of family members and representatives of DDA and other agencies. They ensure that the issues we follow are relevant to the needs and interests of individuals and families—not just today, but into tomorrow, by offering tools and tips on planning for the future.
Informing Families is growing, reaching out to more and more families through social media, e-news, videos, and a large library of original content.
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Our Partners
Partner organizations are encouraged to share Informing Families communication materials with members and interested parties. By signing up to be a partner organization, you will receive email notices with IF-approved information. You will be encouraged to distribute this information via available channels such as your organization’s newsletter, website, at community meetings, through emails and any other creative ways in which you can help inform families.
The Arc of Washington State (Outside Site)
The Arc of Washington advocates for the rights and full participation of all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Developmental Disabilities Council (Outside Site)
The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council is appointed by the Governor to promote a comprehensive system of services, and serve as an advocate and a planning body for Washington State’s citizens with developmental disabilities.
DD Endowment Trust Fund (Outside Site)
The DD Endowment Trust Fund, is a public-private partnership special needs trust to enhance the quality of life for citizens with developmental disabilities.
DSHS, Developmental Disabilities Administration (Outside Site)
The Developmental Disabilities Administration assists individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to obtain services and supports.
DSHS, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (Outside Site)
The Division of Vocational rehabilitation provides individualized services and counseling to people with disabilities.
Disability Rights Washington (Outside Site)
Disability Rights Washington is a non-profit organization that protects the rights of people with disabilities statewide.
Parent to Parent (Outside Site)
Parent to Parent provides emotional support and information to families of children with special needs and/or disabilities.
Partnerships in Action, Voices for Empowerment (PAVE) (Outside Site)
PAVE is a parent-directed organization that provides families emotional support, an understanding of the education system and connects them to services in the community.
Self Advocates in Leadership (SAIL) (Outside Site)
Self-advocates in Leadership is a statewide coalition on developmental disabilities.
Social Security Administration (Outside Site)
Social Security pays benefits to people who cannot work because they have a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death.
Washington State Educational Service Districts (Outside Site)
Educational Service Districts provide supports for private and public school districts in a given area.
Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (Outside Site)
The ESIT Program helps families with children ages birth to three with disabilities and developmental delays to connect with resources they need by providing service coordination and ongoing specialized services.
WithinReach (Outside Site)
WithinReach connects families to food and health resources, through their toll-free hotlines, ParentHelp123.org and our statewide health coalitions.
PEACE NW (Outside Site)
PEACE NW is a free service helping individuals who experience intellectual and/or developmental disabilities of all ages and their families connect with resources, trainings, support, community and belonging as well as filling gaps in support and identifying barriers to systems and working to eliminate them.
University of Washington Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD) (Outside Site)
The Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD) at the University of Washington is one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive interdisciplinary centers focusing on children and adults who are either at risk for or who have been identified as having developmental disabilities. The Institute on Human Development and Disability aims to lead scientific discovery, clinical care, education, community engagement, policy change, and advocacy dedicated to ensuring individuals with developmental disabilities can live, work, and thrive in their communities.
