Learning Collaborative for Professionals Supporting People with Disabilities who are Parents
Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 10:45 am
Description:
The Office of Developmental Programs is pleased to share an upcoming opportunity for professionals across systems to engage in a new Learning Collaborative focused on supporting people with disabilities who are parents—or who are planning to become parents. This Learning Collaborative will bring together professionals from across state and local systems, including providers, supports coordination organizations, administrative entities, and partners in early childhood, behavioral health, and child-serving systems. Participants will engage as regional or local teams to explore effective practices, share resources, and strengthen cross-system collaboration.
Through a series of interactive sessions, the collaborative will focus on:
- Identifying practical strategies and best practices to support parents with disabilities;
- Promoting informed choice, supported decision-making, and rights-based approaches;
- Navigating complex situations with clarity around roles, responsibilities, and system requirements;
- Connecting individuals and families to a broader network of support and resources; and
- Building sustainable relationships across agencies and communities.
The Learning Collaborative is designed as a community of practice, emphasizing shared learning, discussion, and real-world application. While it will not provide regulatory guidance, it will highlight key questions and opportunities to inform ongoing system improvement.
Audience:
All Interested Stakeholders
After Hours with Policy from the Office of Development Programs (ODP): How Can I Share my Ideas of Make a Suggestion About an ODP Policy? What is Public Comment?
Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Description:
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) invites individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism (ID/A) and their families to join in a virtual discussion with members of the Division of Policy and Program Innovation. These sessions are informal, meaning the conversation will not be recorded, and rules will be set before the session starts to ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe to provide questions and comments. The session will be held through Microsoft Teams.
Please note: This event is being held
only for individuals and family members; this is not an event for someone who is solely a professional.
What Will Be Covered? ODP’s policy staff is excited to engage with individuals and families about how to share a suggestion or desired change when ODP is asking for input.
The process of public comment will be explained and will include:
•
How to find out when public comment is being sought;
•
Why public comment is important;
•
What happens with the comments after they are submitted; and
•
Overall information about the public comment process.
ODP has chosen this topic for June as ODP is in the process of updating some of their waivers.
Audience:
Individuals and Families
