The Informer - September 2025 | | |
Hello PEACE NW Community,
As summer winds down and the school year approaches, we’ve been busy behind the scenes. Over the past few months, our team focused on outreach; connecting with families at resource fairs throughout the community, strengthening our skills and connections during our annual staff retreat, and planning for the 2025–2026 year. We’ve looked closely at trends in support calls, emails, and referrals to shape new trainings, events, and resources that best meet the needs of our community.
This fall, we’re excited to introduce several new opportunities that families and self-advocates have been asking for, including So… You’re Not Immortal, Pages with Purpose book club, a new Parent Support Group, Emerging Leaders, and a Helping Parent Training. We’ll also continue hosting staples like Building Independence and Café con PEACE.
September also gives us two important opportunities for reflection and celebration. Each year, on September 21st, we join people worldwide in observing the International Day of Peace. For the past two years, PEACE NW has honored this day with community gatherings. This year, however, we’re taking a pause not to step back, but to plan something even bigger. In 2026, we’ll mark both the International Day of Peace and our 10-year anniversary. It’s a chance not just to celebrate, but to recommit ourselves to building a community rooted in peace, inclusion, and justice where every person has the opportunity to thrive. Stay tuned it will be worth the wait!
We’d love to hear from you, if you have suggestions for future groups, trainings, or newsletter topics, please share them with us. And stay tuned… we have more resources and events on the way!
With gratitude,
The PEACE NW Team
| | Clark County 25th Disability Employment Awards Celebration | | |
Clark County’s 25th Annual Celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 - Networking: 4:30–5:00 PM | Program: 5:00–6:00 PM
Join us as Clark County celebrates 25 years of community, inclusion, and collaboration during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)!
This event highlights the vital role people with disabilities play in strengthening workforce diversity. Local employers, employees, and employment professionals will be honored for their outstanding commitment to employment for all.
📍 Clark College – Gaiser Hall, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA 98663
Register Here – Clark County's 25th Annual Celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month
| | 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 | |
Clark County Job Foundation Information Night
Wed, Sep 24, 2025 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM - Online
Welcome back to the 2025–26 school year! We’re kicking off the Family and Educators Training Series with a bonus virtual event: Job Foundation Information Night & Orientation. Families will learn about the Job Foundation Project, which helps students with developmental disabilities start employment exploration and post-graduation planning earlier. The evening includes an introduction to the Clark County Developmental Disabilities Program and a provider “meet and greet.” To Register visit: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/2spmjhz
| | |
*New Parent Support Group
Wednesday October 1st - 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
| |
|
*New So… You’re Not Immortal
A Conversation with Senior Parents.
Thursday, October 2, 2025 | 2:00 PM
We get it, planning for the “golden years” isn’t the easiest thing to think about. Taking time now means peace of mind later for you and for your adult child with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
Come join us for an open, supportive conversation about aging, planning ahead, and making sure your loved one is set up for the future. Bring your questions, ideas, and maybe even a little humor—we’ll tackle this important topic together.
📍 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
| | |
*New Pages with Purpose
October pick: Demystifying Disability by Emily Ladau
- October 2 6:00pm - Online Discussion
- October 3 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 November and December picks Click here
To Register: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/bvtt27d
For Questions contact Hattie Stigum at 360-823-2247 or hatties@peacenw.org
| |
|
Magic: The Gathering Class
Wednesday October 15 4:00pm -6:00pm in Person
Attendees will learn the basics of Magic. They will walk away with cards, a deck box, sleeves, and a binder to start their collections with. Space is Limited
Location: Bridgeview Community Center, 505 Omaha Way, Vancouver, WA 98661
To Register visit: Magic The Gathering Class
| |
|
Emerging Leaders Training
Leadership for people with I/DD
Wednesdays, October 15 & 22, and November 5, 12, & 19 | 6:00–7:30 PM
👥 Space limited to 10 participants—please plan to attend all sessions.
Join us for Emerging Leaders—an empowering 5-week course designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
✨ Learn what leadership really means
✨ Build self-advocacy and communication skills
✨ Connect with other self-advocates
✨ Graduate with an Emerging Leader Certificate
In this class, we’ll explore what it means to be a leader, why self-advocates are so important, and how leadership shows up in families, at work, and in the community. We’ll also learn about the disability rights movement and why it matters today. Each week includes fun activities, group conversations, and chances to practice skills like speaking up, making choices, listening to others, and working as a team.
To Register visit: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/2ec6ekw
For Questions or accommodations contact:
Erin Maher erinm@peacenw.org
Darci Ladwig darcil@peacenw.org
360-823-2247
| | |
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
| | |
Who wants to be Trustee of a Special Needs Trust?
By Eva M. Luchini, JD
Folks come into my law office to create a special needs trust to capture the bequest for a child/adult with disabilities. I ask, “who should be the trustee of that special needs trust?” Their first thought is usually a family member, a sibling. A sibling that has (or will have) their own life, their own job, their own family. I want people to know that serving as a trustee is a really part time job itself. A part-time job that gets dropped in your lap at the worst possible time with a very steep learning curve... Read more
| | Workshops & Trainings Around Our Community | | |
Shine the Light - Suicide Prevention and Awareness Summit
Saturday September 13 2:00-5:00pm
Keynote Speaker: Jenny Thrasher, creator of Thrive Education — sharing her 20+ years of mental health and wellness experience, along with practical tools to move from survival to thriving. Real stories, resources, and conversations that break stigma and foster resilience. Opportunities to connect with local mental health advocates and organizations.
Let’s come together to learn, listen, and build a community of compassion and support.
RSVP or learn more: https://namiswwa.org/suicide-prevention-awareness-summit/
| | |
Transition by the Numbers - offered by TACA
Recorded session offering a deep dive into the transition planning process under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), with a focus on how the IEP Transition section functions as a critical tool for preparing students with autism for life beyond high school. This presentation will empower parents and caregivers to actively engage in building student-centered and outcome-driven transition plans.
This session supports your learning of how the Transition section functions in creating real-world opportunities and long-term outcomes. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of your rights, the process, and how to use the IEP as a roadmap for building a bridge to adulthood.
To learn more Click here
| | |
AE Neurodivergent Creators Collective
If you're not yet a member of our AE Neurodivergent Creators Collective, we welcome you to our free and fabulous community!
🎙️ Learning Writing & Storytelling from Video Games
📅 Saturday, September 13th, 2025
🕝 3:00 – 4:00 PM Pacific Time
🔗 To register Click here
How can video games inspire powerful storytelling? Award-winning neurodivergent author Meg Eden Kuyatt shows us how!
In this interactive workshop, Meg will:
- Share how she learned to write through playing video games
- Explore how games like Deus Ex: Mankind Divided and Gone Home use objects & environments to tell stories
- Guide us through our own writing exercises inspired by video games
| | |
Celebrate Dads on the Continuing Journey: 2025 Fatherhood Summit & Dad Allies Awards
This year’s theme, Creating Our Path Forward, honors fathers and builds momentum for the Washington Fatherhood Council.
📅 Friday, September 19, 2025
🕛 Doors open at 12:00 PM with light lunch & refreshments
🕐 Program: 1:00–4:00 PM
📍 Bethaday Community Center, 605 SW 108th St., Seattle, WA 98146
Support is available for dads to attend, including travel mileage, child care expenses, and limited compensation for lived experience.
Attendance is free but limited to 120 participants, register today to secure your spot!
👉 2025 Fatherhood Summit - Celebrate Dads the Continuing Journey Tickets, Fri, Sep 19, 2025 at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite
| | |
Northwest Access Fund - Navigating Social Security Overpayments
September 23 - 12:00pm Online
Ever gotten a overpayment notice, and suddenly you owe Social Security hundreds or thousands of dollars? Don't panic, you have options! This free webinar will cover how overpayments happen, what your options are when you have an overpayment, and tips and resources to navigate the forms required. There will be a live Q&A, and ASL interpretation will be provided. Click here to register.
| | |
The Arc of King County presents - CAREGIVER WELLNESS: Breathwork and Meditation for Stress Relief
Thursday, September 25th, 6-7pm via Zoom
This free online caregiver wellness session is open to parents, caregivers, and professionals who support individuals with I/DD. Participants will learn simple breathing techniques to help manage stress from daily work and family responsibilities. The session will close with a gentle guided meditation.
About the instructor: Sanjeev Ginotra has practiced breathwork and meditation since 2004 and has volunteered as a meditation instructor with the Art of Living Foundation for more than ten years.
For questions or to request accommodations: RNemhauser@arcofkingcounty.org
To join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83300095236...
| | |
NAMI Washington State Conference
It's time for the Annual State Conference Saturday Saturday September 27, 2025 online
This year's theme is Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges and what a time to be drawing together!
An exciting array of deep-dive topics and valuable perspectives to offer, including...
- Youth Voices: Comfortable Uncomfortable Conversations
- Mental Health through a Decolonized Lens
- BIPOC Healing
- Wellness in Refugee & Immigrant communities
- Thriving after Incarceration
- PACT & New Journey's Services
- Cultural Attitudes & Eating Disorders in the South Asian Diaspora
- Evidence-based Support for Caregivers of Youth
- Burn the Burnout
- Intersections of Diverse Military & Veteran Support
A full day of compelling learning with regional experts and passionate advocates in the mental health field. To learn more and register- Click here
| |
Buddy Fest NW 2025
Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 10 AM – 1 PM (PST)
Moda Center Commons
Join NW Disability Support for their annual Buddy Fest NW a joyful celebration of acceptance and inclusion for people experiencing disability (including Down syndrome). This is NWDS’s largest fundraiser of the year and brings together families, friends, self-advocates, educators, professionals, and community leaders for a day filled with fun, connection, and advocacy.
Everyone seeking to understand, accept, and celebrate disability, diversity, and inclusion is welcome at Buddy Fest NW! For more info and to register visit: Events — NW Disability Support
| | |
11th Pacific Northwest Employment Forum
Oregon APSE and Washington APSE are excited to host the 2025 Pacific Northwest Employment Forum in Portland, Oregon!
📅 Dates: September 29–October 1, 2025
📍 Location: Portland, OR
🌱 Theme: Rooted in Resilience: Nurturing Growth through Supported Employment
This annual forum is a great opportunity to connect, learn, and share best practices in supported employment. Stay tuned for updates on sessions, speakers, and registration.
🔗 Learn more: pnwef.org
| | |
Looking for More Trainings?
Providence Swindells Resource Center offers a wide variety of trainings many of them virtual, free, and accessible to families in Southwest Washington. From parenting workshops to disability-related resources, there’s something for everyone.
Currently offering:
- Special Education Series
- Trauma Informed Parenting
- Neurodiversity 101
- Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Explore their full calendar of offerings here: Providence Swindells Resource Center Trainings
| | |
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
| | Get Involved and make a difference! | | |
Clark County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board (DDAB) Survey 2025
The Clark County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board (DDAB) is currently developing priorities for inclusion in the 2026 – 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Your input is critical to the DDAB and we respectfully request you take a few moments of your time to answer the following questions. Thank you! We estimate that this survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete. https://clark.wa.gov/community-services/dd-comprehensive-plan
| | |
Join the Apple Health Advisory Council
Your chance to shape the future of Apple Health (Medicaid) services has arrived. The newly formed Apple Health Advisory Council is looking for people who receive intellectual and developmental disability or long-term care services from the state. Your feedback can improve the program for nearly 2 million Washington residents!
- Compensation: Members are paid for their time ($57 per hour up to $200 per day)
- Share your voice: Give feedback directly to inform programs, policies and services.
- Make a difference: Represent your lived experiences with Medicaid services and be heard.
Meetings are virtual and start this fall. Estimated time commitment is 2-3 hours per month for the first few months, plus 1-2 hours every other month. Members serve on the council for a one-year term. Interpreter service is available on request.
How can I apply for the Apple Health Advisory Council?
Email the following information to Apple Health Communications at
HCAMPDBusOps@hca.wa.gov
• Your name
• Client ID or Provider One ID number (if you know it)
• Phone number
• Email
• Best time to contact you
| |
Autism Serves – Helping Hands, a volunteer group for teens and adults, has new service projects scheduled this fall! Whether you’re already a member (or thinking about joining 😊), they invite you to participate in one or more upcoming events.
🌿 Next Event: Park Clean-Up
📅 Monday, September 15, 2025 • 4–6 PM
📍 Lewisville Regional Park (26411 NE Lewisville Hwy, Battle Ground, WA 98604)
✅ Check-in: Park Entrance
👟 Wear: Closed-toe shoes & weather-appropriate clothing (uneven terrain)
🧤 Bring: Tools provided by Clark County Public Works (bring gloves if you prefer)
🗑️ Activity: Litter pick-up
✨ Bonus: Helping Hands T-shirts are available! Registered members can pick theirs up at the event. Not a member yet? Membership is free—just let them know your size.
🌐 Learn more: www.autismempowerment.org
📘 Facebook Group: Autism Serves – Helping Hands
📲 Register here: Sign-Up Form
| |
Clark County Food Bank
Evening repacks are back and at their kickoff event, 20 volunteers sorted 3,600 pounds of beets and pears that will be distributed through partner agencies.
Evening repacks will now be held once a month from 5:30pm-7:00pm. Please join to make a hands-on difference! For more information on how to sign up, email volunteer@clarkcountyfoodbank.org
| | |
Medicare Open Enrollment is just around the corner.
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.
| | |
More time to shape the future of health care in rural Washington
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the application deadline for the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is early November.
Now that we know the timeline, we’re extending our due date for RHTP input to Friday, September 26.
Please submit your ideas as early as possible. We process ideas as we receive them, and we hope to have a clear picture of Washington’s rural community priorities by early September.
We’ll keep updating our RHTP webpage as we hear from you and learn from CMS.
Send your input to the HCA Paying for Value team
| | | | |
