Disability Empowerment Center

Curious about adaptive paddling? Join us for a FREE Adaptive Paddling Demo Day at Meydenbauer Bay!

We're partnering with and adaptive paddling expert to offer a fun, low-pressure opportunity to explore adaptive kayaking and learn what's possible on the water. Whether you're new to paddling or interested in learning more about our programs, this is a great chance to try adaptive equipment, ask questions, and connect with our community.

No commitment. No experience required. Just come ready to get on the water and discover the joy of paddling!

Let’s be honest... navigating disability accommodations can feel incredibly overwhelming.

Whether you are trying to advocate for yourself at work, school or another setting, the complex jargon and red tape can make a stressful situation feel even harder.

We tackled this topic in our most recent webinar and, if you missed it, you can watch it any time on YouTube.

✅ Watch it here: youtube.com/watch?v=vZWs5Xsq_PI

✅ Read the recap on our blog: disabilityempowerment.org/blog/recap-accommodations-webinar

Happy June! 😎

Here are three awesome opportunities to meet other people in your community this month:

- Virtual Peer Group: Tuesday, June 9
- Westside Peer Group: Thursday, June 18
- Eastside Peer Group: Tuesday, June 23

Our peer groups are free and open to anyone 14+ with a disability in King County.

Find more events and RSVP on our website: disabilityempowerment.org/upcoming-events


[Visual: Green and gray wavy lines with a blue circle and the text Join us for a peer group, free!]

Our offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day.

Have a safe holiday weekend!

Our staff members Terry and Mandy were at the T-Mobile outreach event last week. It's so fun meeting community members and sharing info about our programs.

Plus our adorable "mascot" had a blast too!

[Visual: Photo of staffers Terry and Mandy sitting behind the Disability Empowerment Center table that has information and swag items. Terry is holding his cute little dog. ]

New research-based technology is emerging locally to support autistic individuals and their families.

A research team at UW Bothell has developed a mobile app designed to help improve access to supports and strengthen day-to-day organization for individuals on the autism spectrum and their caregivers. The project reflects ongoing efforts to create practical, user-informed tools that connect families with helpful resources and support systems.

Read more at dailyuw.com: https://www.dailyuw.com/article/uw-bothell-research-team-develops-app-to-assist-individuals-with-autism-and-their-families-20260303

Save the date for this upcoming community event hosted by King County and Microsoft:

Developmental Disabilities and Early Childhood Supports Resource Fair
Thursday, May 28
9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Microsoft Conference Center (16070 NE 36th Way, Redmond)

This is a free community event that welcomes people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and delays, their families, caregivers, service providers, teachers, employers, and other interested community members.

- More than 100 exhibitors
- 8 presentations in spoken English with Spanish and American Sign Language interpretation.
- Resources for people of all ages
- Light snacks and refreshments will be available courtesy of Microsoft

More info and registration:

Developmental Disabilities and Early Childhood Supports Resource Fair This is a free resource fair for individuals with disabilities and delays of all ages, and their families and allies in King County, Washington.

Understanding Ableism Webinar Series 💻

This month, it's all about accommodations!

Whether in the workplace, school or community spaces, accommodations play a key role in how access is created and where it falls short. We’ll explore how accommodations work, common challenges and how institutions can move beyond reactive approaches toward more inclusive design.

Tuesday, May 19
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. (Pacific Time)

Virtual via Zoom
RSVP here to receive the link: disabilityempowerment.org/events

Sign language interpretation and CART will be provided.

We 💙what our intern, Kai-Wen, said in a recent interview for our blog:

"At Disability Empowerment Center, we share resources, provide peer support and rock with people in their boat together. We never tell people what to do, but show them the resources, reach out and advocate with them. We never see people as their diagnosis, but as how they show up genuinely as human beings with unique strengths and experiences."

Read the full interview (full of inspiring nuggets!) here: https://www.disabilityempowerment.org/blog/meet-intern-kai-wen


[Visual: Photo of Cynthia and Kai-Wen (right) working together in the Disability Empowerment Center office]