The Informer - October 2025 | | |
Hello PEACE NW Community,
Now that fall is upon us, it’s a time to reflect on what truly matters: connection, compassion, and community. At PEACE NW, we know that strong communities are built when everyone belongs and every family feels supported. Whether it’s through advocacy, shared resources, or simple acts of kindness, we each play a part in creating spaces where people with disabilities and their families are seen, valued, and included.
The holiday season is upon us, a time when we think of family, friends, and the joys of the season. It can also be a time of need and generous giving. If you would like to help us support a family this holiday season, or if your family could use a little extra support, please contact Theresa Van Pelt at (360) 513-6682 or TheresaV@peacenw.org.
Together, we can make this season one of care, connection, and belonging for all. 💙
With gratitude,
The PEACE NW Team
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We’re hiring in the Columbia Gorge!
PEACE NW is seeking a Parent to Parent Program Coordinator to serve families in Skamania and Klickitat Counties.
This role is ideal for parents, caregivers, or professionals who want to support families navigating I/DD, gain experience, and supplement their career or passion with impactful work.
In this role, you’ll:
- Connect families with peer mentors
- Organize trainings, groups, and workshops
- Share resources and build community
Be part of something that truly makes a difference in the Gorge. Apply today!
www.peacenw.org/careers
| | If you would like Flyers for these events to email, print/distribute with your network you can download pdf copies at www.peacenw.org/flyers | | |
Helping Parent Training
Monday, November 3, 2025 | 6:00–8:00 PM and Monday, November 10, 2025 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Virtual Event
Become a trained volunteer Helping Parent and gain valuable skills for yourself and your family while learning how to provide peer support to other parents on a similar journey.
In this training, you will:
✨ Learn new communication skills
✨ Add tools and resources to your parenting library
✨ Explore ways to provide emotional support
✨ Strengthen community for yourself, your family, and others through peer support
To Register visit: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/auqzyzu
For questions contact: Theresa Van Pelt theresav@peacenw.org | (360) 513-6682
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*New Parent Support Group
Wednesday November 5th - Drop-In Time: 6:00–7:30 PM
First Wednesday of the month
A casual, welcoming space for parents raising children and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and/or Special Health Care Needs.
Take a moment each month to recharge and connect with other parents who share a similar journey. Bring a snack to share or your own dinner if it’s mealtime. We’ll provide water and a sweet treat!
Bridgeview Resource Center
505 Omaha Way, Vancouver, WA 98661
Questions? Contact:
Theresa Van Pelt, Parent to Parent Program Manager
TheresaV@peacenw.org | ☎ 360-823-2247 | 📱 360-513-6682
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*New The Legacy Network (Senior Parent Group)
Families united in planning for lifelong care and community connection that endures beyond the parents’ lifetime.
Thursday, November 6th, 2025 | 2:00 PM
The Legacy Network is a peer-led group for parents of adults with Intellectual/developmental disabilities focused on planning for when they are no longer able to care for their loved ones.
We share tools, resources, and conversations that help families navigate long-term care, decision-making, and community connection so every person can have a secure and supported future
📍 PEACE NW, 9414 NE Fourth Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98662 & Virtual
Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/9x8bkgn
For Questions contact Darla Helt 360-823-2247 or darlah@peacenw.org
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*New Pages with Purpose
November pick: Disability Visibility - Edited by Alice Wong
- November 6 6:00pm - Online Discussion
- November 7 12:00pm - In-person Discussion
This book club is a space for community, connection, and conversation about disability, ableism, and the pursuit of equity. Each month, we’ll explore a different book that challenges us to think critically about how disability is represented, perceived, and lived. Whether you read or listen to the book, you're welcome here.
For December pick Click here
To Register: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/bvtt27d
For Questions contact Hattie Stigum at 360-823-2247 or hatties@peacenw.org
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Inclusive Dungeons & Dragons Virtual Club
Every Wednesday 5:00pm -6:00pm
Parent Volunteer led inclusive Dungeon's and Dragons Campaign. All ages.
Cafe con PEACE NW
Thursdays 10:30am-11:30am
Spanish speaking group for parents of Children with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities of all ages.
Building Independence
Every Thursday 6:00pm -8:00pm
Supporting individuals 18 and Over to Build the Life of Their Dreams
For more information and to register for these events visit: https://www.peacenw.org/events
For Flyers to print/share visit: https://www.peacenw.org/flyers
| | Informing Families Staff Pick | | |
Did you know that all clients of the Developmental Disabilities Community Services (DDCS) can receive some enhanced medical benefits, such as annual physical exams and dental cleanings up to three times a year? Including individuals on DDCS No Paid Services Caseload?
These enhanced benefits are in addition to other covered services offered to all Apple Health recipients. You don’t need approval from DDA to request these services, just go directly to your provider.
Dental
Enhanced Frequency of Benefits for DDA Clients:
- Periodic oral exam once every 4 months
- Prophylaxis once every 4 months (includes
- (SRP or periodontal maintenance—see below)
- Topical fluoride treatment once every 4 months
- Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) once per quadrant every 12 months
- Periodontal Maintenance once every 6 months (must be 6 months after SRP)
- Sealants every 2 years
To learn more visit: https://www.informingfamilies.org/bulletins/enhanced-dental-and-medical-benefits
| | Workshops & Trainings Around Our Community | | |
“Dating and Disability 101,” led by Evan Sweeney of Cripping Up Sex and award-winning educator and sexologist Bianca I Laureano.
Oct 24, 2025 04:00 PM
This webinar is open to anyone 16 and older, and will be the first of a two-part series on the topic of disability, dating, and sexual heath. “Dating and Disability 101" will cover topics including how to find people to date, online dating, sexual orientation, disclosing disability, consent and boundaries, and more.
“Dating, Romance, and Sexual Health” moderated by award-winning educator and sexologist Bianca I Laureano PhD, MA2, CSES.
Nov 6, 2025 03:30 PM
This webinar is open to anyone 18 and older, and will be the second of a two-part series on the topic of disability, dating, and sexual heath. Bianca will be joined by a marvelous panel of other disabled sex educators and experts in the field: Bethany Stevens, Cherry Kaufman and Rise Osby. Bring your friends, your questions, an open mind, and be ready for a fun evening discussing all things sex as a disabled person!
To Learn more and register for these free webinars Click here
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Your Child's Plan for Special Education: Addressing Behaviors
Date: October 21
Time: 6:00–7:30 PM
Format: Online/Virtual
Trauma Informed Parenting: Collective Wellbeing, Building Community, Working with Schools
Date: October 22
Time: 6:00–7:30 PM
Format: Online/Virtual
ADHD 101
Date: October 23
Time: 6:00–7:30 PM
Format: Online/Virtual
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Pathological Demand Avoidance: Everything to Know about PDA and How to Support PDA Learners
Date: November 5
Time: 6:00–7:30 PM
Format: Online/Virtual
Weight Management Treatment Options
Date: November 5
Time: 6:00–7:00 PM
Format: Online/Virtual
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Medicare Open Enrollment is Now.
Open Enrollment only runs for a short time (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7).
Get ready for a flurry of commercials and mail — all promoting the “best plan for you!” If you’re already feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors gear up every year at this time to help people consider their options and sort through their choices.
Some people are eager to get started and others are too overwhelmed to take the first step. We know we can’t help everyone, so we’re trying something new this year!
We’ve created new tools to help you get started and take action if you want or need to make a change. It’s called the Medicare Jumpstart Toolkit: Seven easy steps you can take to get ready for Open Enrollment.
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Clark County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board Seeks Input for Plan
The Clark County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board (DDAB) is currently developing priorities for inclusion in the 2026-2030 Developmental Disabilities Comprehensive Plan.
The DDAB needs input from people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, family members, provider organizations, system partners, educators and others interested in supports for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
The survey can be completed online or on paper and will take less than 10 minutes to complete the survey is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, Chuukese and Vietnamese. Feedback is used to understand resources available, and services needed in our community. Responses are confidential and anonymous.
You can complete the survey by visiting the website: https://clark.wa.gov/community-services/dd-comprehensive-plan. If you would like a paper copy mailed to you or have other questions, please email dd.program@clark.wa.gov or call Trish Buescher at 564.397.7826.
Surveys will be collected through October 31, 2025.
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People First of WA is currently seeking a volunteer driver to assist a group of self-advocates from Clark County in attending the upcoming People First of Washington Convention, taking place from October 28–30, 2025 in Spokane.
Details:
- Transportation: A rental vehicle will be provided.
- Coverage: You will be fully covered under the People First of Washington insurance policy.
- Expenses: Conference registration and hotel accommodations will be provided at no cost to the volunteer driver.
- Background Check: The Volunteer must be able to pass a background check.
This is a wonderful opportunity to support self-advocates in attending an empowering and impactful event. Your help would make a real difference in helping them participate fully and safely.
If you or someone you know might be interested, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
We’d love to answer any questions and provide more details.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to support the self-advocacy movement in Washington!
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