Stay up to date with news, activities, and schedules for the National Collaborative and the Supporting Families Best Practice Series as we share tools, updates, and opportunities to connect and collaborate.
The National Collaborative for Supporting Families is an outgrowth of the interest and momentum for continued, shared efforts following the Supporting Families Summit. To prioritize the efforts and objectives of this collaborative, a survey was distributed amongst those who attended the Summit and associated events.
A meeting was held on April 14, 2023 to discuss the formalization of the National Collaborative which included:
The Supporting Families Best Practice Series will introduce and elevate best practices related to supporting families. The series will be held quarterly in collaboration with the National Community of Practice for Supporting Families. Each session will feature a panel of individuals or entities who will address key recommendations from the National Agenda through their lens of grassroots advocacy, “practice level” implementation, states service systems, federal policies, and research. Proposed topics include: expanding and operationalizing family support, professionalizing roles for people with lived experience (including funding and formalizing peer support), waiver supports and services, and front doors to supports.
Federal Policy Updates Impacting the Disability Field
November 20, 2025
1 – 2:30 p.m. (CT)
In this session, hear from national policy experts on the impact of current proposed federal and state policies. The presenters will share what the policies mean for the disability field, how they impact families, and give you concrete ideas on how to engage in advocacy.
February 2026
Best Practice Series
February 19th, 2026
1 – 2:30 p.m. (CT)
The Best Practice Series introduces and elevates innovative services, supports and policies directly related to supporting families. Each session features a panel of National, State, and/or local organizations providing services and supports for families across the lifespan.
May 2026
Best Practice Series
May 21st, 2026
1 – 2:30 p.m. (CT)
The Best Practice Series introduces and elevates innovative services, supports and policies directly related to supporting families. Each session features a panel of National, State, and/or local organizations providing services and supports for families across the lifespan.
Expanding and Operationalizing Family Support
September 7, 2023
Hosted by the University of Missouri–Kansas City’s Institute for Human Development, the webinar is part of the Supporting Families Best Practice Series. It brings together leaders and advocates to share updates on the National Agenda for Supporting Families of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) — a continuation of work that began at the 2011 Wingspread Conference and was revisited in 2022.
Enhancing the Peer Support Workforce for People with I/DD and their Families
December 7, 2023
This session highlights national efforts to strengthen family supports through peer support and lived experience. Building on the 2022 National Agenda, panelists share best practices from family- and peer-led organizations, emphasizing collaboration, cultural responsiveness, and sustainable systems that meet families’ needs across the lifespan.
The Role of HCBS Waiver Services in Supporting Families
April 4, 2024
This session explores how Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers support families of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Panelists share national and state perspectives on Medicaid waiver design, person-centered planning, and innovative state practices that expand family supports, promote inclusion, and strengthen community-based living.
Supporting Families to Navigate Services and Supports
August 15, 2024
This session focuses on creating “front doors” that make it easier for people with disabilities and their families to access information, supports, and services throughout life. National and state leaders share models like the No Wrong Door system, emphasizing collaboration across aging, disability, and community programs to simplify navigation, expand access, and strengthen family-centered supports.
Respite for Families
November 21, 2024
This session focuses on respite care as a vital support for families of people with disabilities. National and local leaders share effective models, funding strategies, and programs that offer meaningful breaks for caregivers. Panelists highlight creative, community-based approaches that strengthen families and improve well-being across the lifespan.
June 26, 2025
This session explores how aging and disability systems can work together to better support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. National leaders introduced new resources from UIC’s Family Support Research and Training Center and highlighted the Bridging Aging and Disability Network. Panelists from Connecticut, Hawaii, Michigan, and New Jersey shared the challenges aging individuals with IDD face, strategies for strengthening futures planning, and innovative approaches for building capacity within aging networks to more effectively engage and support families across the lifespan.
August 21, 2025
This session explores how families act as powerful allies, advocates, and partners in grassroots systems change. Leaders from national organizations share how they support family caregivers, elevate family voices, and drive policy and community-level impact. Panelists highlight the importance of family engagement, practical ways families can get involved, and the collective efforts shaping stronger, more inclusive systems.
Share the National Agenda and upcoming meeting dates with your networks! Use the attached marketing kit with newsletter text, social posts, and slides to help spread the word and drive action.
Be part of a growing community driving systems change. Connect with peers, share ideas, and stay informed on events and best practices. Sign up today to strengthen support for families.
In response to this feedback, the National Collaborative will form a Steering Committee, which will serve as a space for connection and information dissemination for systems change agents dedicated to enhancing supports for people with IDD and their families. The Steering Committee will convene quarterly, and members will serve as advisors for the Supporting Families Best Practice Series.
National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services
University of Missouri-Kansas City-Institute for Human Development, UCEDD
A collaboration between the Community of Practice for Supporting Families, University of Missouri Kansas City Institute for Human Development (UMKC-IHD) and
the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS)