Clallam County Health & Human Services - Developmental Disabilities

09/14/2026

Clallam County Health & Human Services Developmental Disabilities Presents:
S*xual Health & Healthy Boundaries
Registration Required

When:
October 6, 2026
1:00pm to 4:00 pm
and
October 7, 2026
9:00am to 4:00pm

Location:
Elwha Klallam Heritage Center
401 E 1st Street · Port Angeles, WA 98362

Session 1: The Intersection of S*xual Development & The Need for Direct Care. October 6, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
This training explores the s*xual needs and barriers of people requiring direct care, addresses implicit biases surrounding s*xuality and disabilities, and examines four outcomes that can reduce quality of life after a s*xual incident.

Session 2: Let’s Talk About S*x! - For Parents. October 6, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
This training helps parents feel more confident and prepared to discuss s*x, s*xuality, bodies, gender, and relationships with their children at different stages of development.

Session 3: Proactive & Person-Centered Supports - October 7, 9:00am-12:00pm
This training provides strategies for supporting the s*xuality and romantic relationships of people with disabilities and disorders while balancing their rights, safety, empowerment, and informed decision-making at every age.

Session 4: Recognizing S*xually Maladaptive Behaviors - October 7, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
This training explores healthy, unhealthy, and dangerous s*xual behaviors across development and provides strategies for responding to concerning behaviors in the people you support.

Instructor: Shanya Luther from Among Friends, LLC is a s*xuality educator, trainer, author, and storyteller with more than 25 years of experience leading trainings on s*xuality, disability justice, and nurturing touch. To learn more visit her website: www.among-friends.org/

Registration REQUIRED!

To sign-up for FREE session(s) please visit:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/ClallamCounty1/S*xualHealthHealthyBoundariesTrainingSeriesByShanyaLuther

Questions, contact Jennifer Charles at 360.417.2381
or email [email protected]

09/11/2026

What Doctors Need to Hear From Family Caregivers

The focus of this article is to help you understand:
· Why it’s important for your loved one’s doctor to know about your family caregiving situation
· What the doctor and medical team can do to support you as you care for their patient.

https://wapave.org/what-doctors-need-to-hear-from-family-caregivers/

09/10/2026

September is National Su***de Prevention Month

Start a Conversation. Be the Difference. With one conversation, asking someone how they’re really doing and being ready to truly listen can save lives. No one has to face this alone. Help exists. Healing is possible. And all it can take is for one person to start a conversation.

It is important for caregivers to recognize possible warning signs https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/suicidal-behavior/warning-signs and risk factors of su***de and learn how to support a person who is experiencing suicidal thoughts.

If you or someone you support are in crisis, call 988. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis, and best practices for professionals. You can call, text, or chat with them at https://988lifeline.org/ .

To learn about how to support a person in crisis, please see the following information and resources:

988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline https://988lifeline.org/
Su***de Among People with Disabilities Care Provider Bulletinhttps://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/DDA/dda/documents/DDCS%20Su***de%20Caregiver%20Bulletin.pdf
Department of Health- Youth Su***de Prevention Resources https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/injury-and-violence-prevention/su***de-prevention/youth-su***de-prevention/youth-resources including Su***de Prevention Apps https://www.tomsguide.com/us/su***de-prevention-apps,review-2397.html .
National Alliance on Mental Illness https://www.nami.org/stay-connected/events/awareness-events/su***de-prevention-month/ .

At the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life’s challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns…

09/09/2026

09/09/2026

🌟 Let's keep the momentum going! 🌟

Our goal is to receive a Project SAFER Response Form from every individual in Clallam County who experiences an Intellectual and/or Developmental Disability (IDD).

If you experience an IDD or know someone who does, please fill out our Project SAFER Response Form on our website.

🔗www.clallamcountywa.gov/1882/Project-SAFER

We are working towards a SAFER community for ALL! 😁

09/08/2026

09/03/2026

Emergencies can sometimes mean leaving home quickly. For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, knowing what to expect and planning ahead can make the experience more manageable.

Our new Informing Families bulletin, “Leaving Home in an Emergency: What to Expect and How to Prepare,” shares tips for getting ready before an emergency, deciding what to bring, communicating support needs and understanding what may happen during an evacuation or temporary stay away from home.

The bulletin includes two downloadable guides: a more detailed version and a visual version with shorter text and pictures. Both include a My Emergency Information sheet to help keep important information about communication, medications, equipment, support needs and emergency contacts in one place.

This bulletin helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families prepare for leaving home during an emergency. It covers what to expect, what to bring, how to communicate support needs, where you may stay and how to prepare important emergency information.

09/02/2026

09/01/2026

Finding safe, affordable housing can take time and planning. Knowing where to start can make the process easier.

Informing Families has updated its bulletin, “The Hows of Housing,” with resources for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. It covers rental assistance, homeownership programs, energy assistance and a free benefits and housing review.

It also features a three-part video series about renting, homeownership and innovative housing options. People with developmental disabilities and their families share their experiences and explain how they planned for housing that met their needs.

Finding safe, affordable housing can take time and planning. This bulletin highlights programs and resources that may help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families explore rental assistance, homeownership, energy assistance and options for living more independently.

08/31/2026

From DSHS/DDA:

We need your input and participation to develop the 10- year strategic plan to transform Washington state’s system of services and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

We will share more information about the ways on how to participate and give input. Opportunities will include in-person group discussions, virtual events, and surveys. We will need many voices and perspectives.

Our last message described how we will work with a steering committee to oversee the process. This group is for those helping DDA to design an inclusive approach.

Please send your questions or comments to [email protected]. You can also sign up for updates to stay informed at: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADSHSDDA/subscribers/new .

For SMS: Message and data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel. To view terms and conditions, visit https://lnks.gd/2/rBWvWD. Message frequency may vary