Cathy Barrick • April 7, 2026

Save the Date: ODP Announces Learning Collaborative on Supporting Parents With Disabilities

Author

Cathy Barrick

Date

April 7, 2026

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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 supports 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.


An informational webinar on June 4, 2026, will provide more details about the collaborative, expectations for participation, and how to get involved.

We hope you will consider joining and sharing this opportunity with others in your network.


Registration details will be announced in the coming weeks — stay tuned!

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