FAMILY SUPPORTS
FOR PARENTS, CAREGIVERS, AND SIBLINGS
SPOKANE COUNTY AND RURAL COUNTY PARENT TO PARENT (P2P)
The Spokane County and Rural County Parent to Parent (P2P) Programs are made up of parents of children with disabilities. The program provides emotional support, information and referrals, and workshops to parents supporting an individual with a developmental disability through peer mentors, support groups, and community get-togethers. Click here for more information.
Spokane County Parent to Parent
Tami Leitz
Phone: (509) 789-8782
Email: tleitz@arc-spokane.org
Ferry, Stevens, and Pend Oreille Counties Parent to Parent
Phone: (509) 789-8327
Email: advocacy@arc-spokane.org
SIBSHOPS
The Arc of Spokane offers Sibshops (sibling workshops) that are made just for siblings of youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The workshops offer fun activities for children ages 8-13.
Phone: (509) 789-8327
SPOKANE COUNTY PARENT COALITION
The Spokane County Parent Coalition (SCPC) provides information, resources, and support to families who have children with intellectual or developmental disabilities. They can connect you to local parent support groups and current legislative issues. Click here for more information.
Join the Facebook group.
Subscribe to the Community Connection e-newsletter.
SPOKANE REGIONAL HEALTH DISTRICT EARLY SUPPORT FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS
The Spokane Regional Health District Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) is the single point of contact for anyone who has a concern about the development of a local child. They are the local lead agency in Spokane County for supporting children with disabilities and developmental delays from birth to three. Parents who have concerns about their child’s development can contact ITN to receive assistance and for information about entering their program.
SRHD Early Support for Infants and Toddlers
1101 W College Ave
Spokane, WA 99201
Phone: (509) 324-1651
Website: www.srhd.org/programs-and-services/infant-toddler-network
WASHINGTON STATE FATHERS NETWORK
Washington State Fathers Network connects fathers of children with special needs of all ages to each other. They provide resources, information, and education to assist them as they become more competent and compassionate caregivers for their children.
Phone: (425) 653-4286
Website: https://fathersnetwork.org/
CATHOLIC CHARITIES CHILDBIRTH AND PARENTING ASSISTANCE (CAPA)
Catholic Charities Childbirth and Parenting Assistance (CAPA) program works with vulnerable families to provide support to strengthen families. CAPA offers counseling and child birth education, toddler time, the New Parent Cafe, parenting classes, and parent mentors.
Childbirth and Parenting Assistance
25 E 5th Ave
Spokane, WA 99202
Phone: (509) 455-4986
Website: www.catholiccharitiesspokane.org/capa
CENTER FOR FAMILY DEVELOPMENT
The Center for Family Development offers a variety of mental health services for children, adolescents, and adults. Some services include counseling, support for families of children with special needs, and social skills development for children.
Center for Family Development
1404 E 11th Ave
Spokane, WA 99202
Phone: (509) 744-1117
Website: www.cffdspokane.com
CEREBRAL PALSY FAMILY NETWORK
The Cerebral Palsy Family Network is an online community created to share resources, news, and support with other families raising children with cerebral palsy.
Phone: 1-800-273-2645
Email: families@cpfamilynetwork.org
Website: https://cpfamilynetwork.org/
DOWN SYNDROME FAMILY NETWORK
The Down Syndrome Family Network is a support group for parents of children with Down Syndrome from birth through adulthood. The network provides opportunities for resource and information sharing, support, recognition, and advocacy.
Phone: 1-868-746-1618
Website: https://dsfamilynetwork.org/
EPILEPSY FOUNDATION WASHINGTON
The Epilepsy Foundation Northwest/Greater Spokane (EFN) is the principal advocate for the epilepsy community in Washington, offering emergency medication assistance as well as teen, adult, and parent support groups.
Phone: (206) 547-4551
Website: www.epilepsy.com/local/washington
THE ISAAC FOUNDATION
The ISAAC Foundation is a great resource for children, families, and adults experiencing Autism. They provide support groups, workshops, IEP consultation and support, as well as educational, emotional, and financial support programs, including a weighted blanket and lap pad service.
The ISAAC Foundation
606 W. Sharp Ave
Spokane, WA 99201
Phone: (509) 325-1515
Email: hello@theisaacfoundation.org
Website: https://theisaacfoundation.configio.com/page/home
FRONTIER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH KINSHIP PROGRAM
The Frontier Behavioral Health Kinship Program supports relatives raising their family member’s children. They assist with navigating community resources and offer limited financial assistance, usually in the form of vouchers for basic needs. Their sister program, The Family Caregiver Support Program, assists families and friends that are informally caring for a loved one who is disabled or a senior.
Phone: (509) 458-7450, option 4
Website: https://stage.fbhwa.org/programs/aging-and-longterm-care-support/kinship-caregiver
INFORMING FAMILIES
Informing Families is a collaboration between the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC), Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), and several other agencies and organizations throughout Washington State to offer trusted news and information to individuals and families with disabilities.
Website: www.informingfamilies.org
Community Based Respite: https://informingfamilies.org/respite-community/
DADS M.O.V.E.
Dads M.O.V.E. is a family-focused, dads-driven, peer support model providing support, training, advocacy, and resources to the parents and families of special needs kids.
Phone: 1-800-736-0979
Email: info@dadsmove.org
Website: www.dadsmove.org
E-PARENT
E-Parent is an online, multi-media company dedicated to being the ultimate resource for everything related to the special needs community. They provide practical advice, emotional support, and educational information to empower caregivers and families.
Website: www.eparent.com
MYAUTISMTEAM
MyAutismTeam believes in making it easy to find the best people around you to help you get the answers you need and to find support from people who can truly relate. MyAutismTeam is a network where you can truly connect, make real friendships, and share daily ups and downs in a judgment-free place. MyAutismTeam is a free social network that makes it easy for you to get the emotional support you need from others like you and gain practical advice and insights on managing treatment or therapies for Autism.
Website: www.myautismteam.com
JOYA CHILD AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT
Joya Child and Family Development (formerly The Guild School) serves children 0-3 and their families. Joya’s purpose is to nurture the full potential of families and their children from birth to three with disabilities. They do this through a personalized, comprehensive program of assessment, therapy, education, and support. They are a great hub to connect you to resources. They have a regular newsletter to help you stay informed about upcoming events.
Joya Child & Family Development
1016 N. Superior St
Spokane, WA 99202
Phone: (509) 326-1651
Website: www.joya.org
THE AUTISM SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON
The Autism Society of Washington promotes lifelong community access for persons within the autism spectrum, including those with Asperger’s Syndrome, through family support, public awareness, advocacy, and collaboration with community partners. Their events are designed for socialization and friendship and include sensory friendly movies, bowling, art activities, picnics, etc.
Website: http://autismsocietyofwa.org/v2/
Email: spokane@autismsocietyofwa.org
HEARING ORAL PROGRAM OF EXCELLENCE (HOPE) SCHOOL
The Hearing Oral Program of Excellence (HOPE) School targets a critical intervention window that helps children with hearing loss develop the speech and language skills they need to reach their full potential in school and in life. Services include:
0-3 in home therapy
Preschool and toddler groups
Parent/caregiver support
Parent support meetings
Outreach mainstream and family communication services
HOPE School
1821 E Sprague Ave
Spokane, WA 99202
Phone: (509) 868-0044
Email: info@spokanehope.org
Website: https://spokanehope.org/
COMMUNICATION FOR LIFE
Sponsored by the University of Washington, Communication for Life is a unique 9-month communication skills program for Young Adults ages 18-30. The program provides the opportunity to: gain communication skills for life, work, and leisure, learn, and have fun with new friends.
Website: https://sphsc.washington.edu/communication-life
SPOKANE REGIONAL HEALTH CHILDREN & YOUTH WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS PROGRAM
Spokane Regional Health District’s Children & Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program (CYSHCN) provides families support via resources and links to community services including family support, care coordination, and health information. The program serves children, birth to 18 years, who have, or who are at risk of developing, serious chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional conditions. Program staff assist families in learning about and connecting with parent organizations, support groups, financial resources, and educational resources regarding the child’s medical condition and needs. If the family meets financial and other program eligibility requirements, CYSHCN staff may be able to assist families in obtaining financial assistance for needed services and equipment.
Website: https://srhd.org/programs-and-services/children-youth-with-special-health-care-needs
Phone: (509) 324-1665
CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAM
The Caregiver Support Program serves unpaid caregivers of adults 18 years of age and older. Through this program, you can gain access to free or low-cost support. Services include: individual counseling and support groups, education and training, respite care, and services such as purchasing supplies, medical equipment, and other necessary supports.
Frontier Behavioral Health
Phone: (509) 458-7450 option 2.
SPEECH AND HEARING CLINIC
The Speech and Hearing Clinic of the University of Washington offers a support group, Leslie Jeanne Berns Support Group, dedicated to families of individuals with speech and hearing impairments. This group is designed for caregivers of children, birth through early adulthood, with communication disorders (e.g., receptive and expressive language delay, developmental delay, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, etc.). The purpose is for caregivers to meet once per month to share experiences, connect with community providers, engage in informational sessions, and share resources. Sessions are facilitated by a speech-language pathologist who is a University of Washington Speech and Hearing Sciences clinical faculty member and graduate students.
Email: LJBSupport@uw.edu
SPOKANE MAMA
Spokane Mama is an inclusive nonprofit social community aimed at providing opportunity, resources, and support in order to eliminate the insecurity and isolation often found in motherhood. Spokane Mama provides Spokane moms with a social community that not only recognizes vulnerability but encourages it. Events and opportunities to connect are held all over the city in a slew of different capacities. Spokane Mama has no religious affiliation; all are welcome, no invitation or membership necessary.
Website: www.spokanemama.org
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/spokanemama
CENTER FOR MUSIC THERAPY
Center for Music Therapy allows children, teens, adults, and seniors to improve social, cognitive, physical, and emotional health, eventually improving the quality of life. They provide a time-tested and highly effective approach that can enhance mental and emotional well-being.
Website: www.musictherapyspokane.com
Phone: 509-979-4357
Email: Musictherapy4health@gmail.com
Location: 1315 N Napa Spokane, WA 99202
YOU TOO? SUPPORT IN SPOKANE FOR PARENTS OF KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Local parents have strongly recommended that if you are on Facebook, to join the local group “You Too? Support in Spokane for Parents of Kids with Special Needs.” This group can be a wonderful way to connect with other local parents, share ideas, and get input from others.
SPECIAL KIDS OF SPOKANE
Special Kids of Spokane is a community created to help provide support to families of special needs children. They host quarterly family support nights featuring organizations around Spokane that provide services and support to families with disabilities. Check out their Facebook page here.
BEN’S FUND
Ben’s Fund provides funds to families in need in Washington State to help cover costs associated with medical bills, therapies, technology, camps, equipment, safety and security, and numerous other aspects of supporting a child or young adult on the autism spectrum. Applicants can request a yearly grant to help cover the costs of getting the care, support, and items they need. Along with financial support, Ben’s Fund has created a community of encouragement, hope, awareness, and understanding.
Website: https://www.bensfund.org/
LILAC SERVICES FOR THE BLIND
Lilac Services for the Blind’s primary service, the Independent Living Program, provides personalized training, adaptive devices, and support, which includes instruction in alternative techniques in home management, activities of daily living, communication methods, and more. Both in-office and in-home training is available. Other important services include the low-vision department and adaptive-aid demonstrations, and extensive Braille transcription services and Braille lending library.
Website: www.lilacblind.org
Location: 1212 N. Howard St. Spokane, WA 99201
Phone: (509) 328-9116
Email: contact@lilacblind.org
WASHINGTON AUTISM ALLIANCE & ADVOCACY
Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy is a personal advocate and legislative champion for children and adults with ASD and other developmental disabilities. Services include Insurance & Family Navigation, Special Education Parent Partners, and Supporting Parents of Autism Group.
Website: www.washingtonautismadvocacy.org
Phone: (425) 894-7231
WA STATE HANDS & VOICES
WA State Hands & Voices was founded on a concept to provide information and support to all families equally across our state. For some, the journey into deafness and hearing loss is brand new and there is much to learn. As a parent-driven organization, they understand first-hand the value that comes with learning up to date information, having guidance by experienced parents, and making connections with other families and community members. They also provide a monthly newsletter.
Website: https://wahandsandvoices.org
Phone: (425) 268-7087
Email: info@wahandsandvoices.org
WASHINGTON SENSORY DISABILITIES SERVICES
Washington Sensory Disabilities Services provides online training and education to families and service providers in education to assist children ages 0-21 who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired, or have a combined hearing and visual impairment.
Website: https://wsds.wa.gov/
Location: 800 Oakesdale Ave. SW Renton, WA 98057
Phone: 425-917-7827
ALTA VISTA INTEGRATED LIFE SERVICES
Alta Vista Integrated Life Services offers coaching, parent support groups, and family wrap-around services.
Website: https://altavistalife.com/services-for-families
THE PARENTING PLACE IN KITSAP COUNTY
The Parenting Place in Kitsap County offers classes and resources that help family members build positive family relationships and create healthy home environments. Programs include the Strengthening Families Program for youth and their parents (both in person and online) and the Nurtured Heart Program.
Website: https://www.kcr.org/the-parenting-place/
PEOPLE EMPOWERED AND COMMUNITIES ENHANCED NORTHWEST
People Empowered and Communities Enhanced (PEACE) Northwest has a video library with resources for parents of children with disabilities.
Check out their video library here: https://peacenw.org/resources/video-library/
CONVERSATIONS ABOUT AUTISM
Seattle Children’s Hospital created a series titled “Conversations About Autism.” The series consists of 60-minute live-streamed sessions created for providers and caregivers of children with autism who wish to better understand the autism spectrum disorder. In these sessions, experts and advocates from our region share their knowledge and perspectives on autism as well as helpful tips for supporting a child, adolescent or young adult with autism.
Website: www.seattlechildrens.org/health-safety/keeping-kids-healthy/development/conversations-about-autism
PSYCHCENTRAL
PsychCentral provides suggestions on how to co-parent with a partner that is on the Autism spectrum in a helpful article.
Article: https://psychcentral.com/autism/co-parenting-with-a-partner-on-the-autism-spectrum