Session 1
Kevin Ashworth, MA, LPC
Borrowed Bravery: From Insight to Action
This hands-on workshop turns insight into practice. Participants will identify their own fears, separate feelings from the stories they tell themselves, and practice supportive statements that build confidence. Attendees will leave with a simple, actionable plan to reduce accommodation and help their loved ones take brave steps forward.
Eva Luchini, JD, CAP
Your Whole Life: what you should know from a Special Needs Planning Attorney
Local Special Needs Planning Attorney Eva Luchini will be speaking on, and answering questions about, the legal needs in the lifetime of a person with disabilities. What happens when a person with disabilities reaches age 18? What are the options? How do wages, inheritances, and gifts affect government benefits eligibility? How do families provide for their loved one with disabilities for a lifetime?
Roxana Lopez
Healthy Sexual Development - Session in Spanish
This session helps participants understand human growth and connection in simple, clear ways. It explains what sexuality means and the difference between puberty and adolescence. Participants will learn that relationships and connection are basic human needs. The session also highlights the importance of safe, nurturing touch and how it supports healthy development, emotional well-being, and strong relationships throughout life.
Shanya Luther
Let's Talk About Sex! - For Parents, Professionals &
Self-Advocates
This session helps participants understand what healthy sexual development looks like. It offers simple ways to start conversations about sexuality at any age. Participants will explore how to balance safety, empowerment, and legal responsibility. The session also shows how open, honest conversations can help prevent abuse and keep individuals safe and supported.
Session 2
Jonathan Chase
Turning Passion into a Career: The Reality of Life in the Arts
This session explores what it means to build a career in the arts through self-employment. Participants will learn about the realities of gig work, including the balance between passion, income, and compromise. Designed for individuals and supporters, it offers insight into navigating creative careers and making informed, fulfilling choices.
Austin Moore
Be Heard - The Importance of Community-Led Advocacy
Austin Moore will present on the various statutes that protect adults with disabilities on the Navajo Nation, such as the Vulnerable Adults Protection Act, the Adult Guardianship Act, and the Civil Rights of Individuals with Disabilities Rights Act. The presentation will focus on: (1) Why these statutes are important, (2) a discussion of tribal sovereignty and ability to strengthen protections, and (3) why bringing together a community and network of advocates is important in pursuing this work.
Tania May
Navigating Special Education Services & Funding in Washington
This timely breakout session explains how special education is funded and delivered across Washington State. Tania May will walk participants through current funding structures, key policies, and how resources are allocated to support students with disabilities. The session will also explore potential federal funding changes and what they could mean for schools, staffing, and services. Attendees will gain practical insight, helpful context, and have time for questions and discussion.
Maria Rangel
Special Education Basics: What Families Need to Know Part 1
This two-part training will explain what special education is and how it works. Attendees will learn who qualifies, what rights families have, and what to expect from referral through services. Common terms will be explained in plain language, with time in each session to ask questions and build understanding.
Session 3
Sarah Adomako-Ansah
Upholding Dignity: A Human Rights Approach to Equity
Through reflection and practical examples, participants will examine how systems of privilege and oppression operate in everyday spaces, including schools. Together, we will unpack how bias, assumptions, and institutional structures influence which voices are heard, which rights are upheld, and which are overlooked. Grounded in a human rights and anti-oppressive framework, this session will support community members in deepening their understanding of equity while building confidence to take meaningful action. Participants will leave with strategies to foster more inclusive, respectful environments that honour diverse identities and uphold the dignity and rights of all learners.
Ben George
Disability and your Relationship
Caring for a person with a disability can place unique stress on the relationships we depend on most. This therapist-led session explores how caregiving impacts not only romantic partnerships, but also connections with friends, siblings, grandparents, and other key supports. Participants will gain insight into common challenges, along with practical tools for communication, boundaries, and strengthening connection. Whether you attend with a partner or on your own, this session offers support, perspective, and strategies to help you feel more connected and less alone.
Facilitator
Cathy Murahashi,
The Arc of WA
Housing Panel
Panelists
Pam Blanton, Partners4Housing
Peggy DiSalle, SafeinHome
Duana Ricks-Johnson, Resident Commissioner - Vancouver Housing Authority, Person with Lived Experience
Po Leapai, Washington Low Income Housing Alliance
Maria Rangel
Special Education Basics: What Families Need to Know Part 2
This two-part training will explain what special education is and how it works. Attendees will learn who qualifies, what rights families have, and what to expect from referral through services. Common terms will be explained in plain language, with time in each session to ask questions and build understanding.