Join a team dedicated to advocating for the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the Spokane community. At The Arc of Spokane, our work focuses on inclusion, equity, and ensuring that people with IDD have the support they need to lead the lives they choose.

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March 2026

Celebrating DD Awareness Month

Join The Arc of Spokane for DD Awareness Month this March! Explore events and workshops near you, read community highlights, and find local businesses who are giving back!

Events & Workshops
Community Partners

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

What Is DD
Awareness Month?

Every March, Developmental Disabilities (DD) Awareness Month gives us the opportunity to highlight individuals with DD, celebrate diversity, and advocate for disability rights.

This month is a great time to explore how access, rights, and inclusive practices give people with developmental disabilities more independence and involvement in our community.

Use #DDAwareness2026 on Instagram and Facebook to share how you’re celebrating DD Awareness Month.

DD Awareness Month Events, Workshops, & More

  • Support Group For Parents & Caregivers. Image description: A group of men and women sit together in discussion

    IDD Parent & Caregiver Support Group

    March 2, 2026 | 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
    Akin, Spokane Valley

    Join The Arc of Spokane and Akin for a free, bi-weekly support group for parents and caregivers of individuals with IDD. Connect, share experiences, and build community in a welcoming space.

  • Indaba Coffee Non Profit Feature. Image Description: Members of The Arc's community center stand in front of Indaba coffee smiling and waving at the camera as they hold their drinks

    Indaba Coffee Non-Profit Feature

    March 6, 2026

    10% of all proceeds will be donated to The Arc of Spokane in support of individuals with IDD. For information about locations and business hours, click here!

  • Maple St Bistro Non Profit Feature. Image description: The front patio of Maple Street Bistro

    Maple Street Bistro Non-Profit Feature

    March 7, 2026 | 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
    5520 N. Maple Street, Spokane, WA

    Enjoy a meal at Maple Street Bistro, and 25% of proceeds will support The Arc of Spokane and our IDD community.

  • Helping Parents Training. Image Description: A diverse group of people put their hands together to show solidarity and support

    Helping Parents Training (2-Part Series)

    March 11 & 18, 2026 | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
    Virtual

    A peer mentor program connecting parents and caregivers of individuals with IDD for guidance, encouragement, and shared insight.

  • Life After High School 3-Part Workshop. Image Description: A woman leads a group discussion about how to transition into adult support programs

    Life After High School

    March 11, 18, & 25 | 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
    320 E. 2nd Ave, Spokane, WA

    A three-part workshop guiding families through the transition to adulthood, including SSI, DDA, employment, housing, and building independence.

  • Fortunata Friday the 13th Flash Event. Image Description: A black and white picture of Fortunata's front desk

    Fortunata Tattoo Flash Event

    March 13, 2026

    Visit Fortunata Tattoo for their Friday the 13th flash event; 10% of sales will benefit The Arc of Spokane. Walk-ins are available, but booking ahead is suggested. To learn more about times, booking, and artwork, click here.

  • IDD Talk & Play Parent Support Group. Image Description: Children engage in free play with blocks and toys

    IDD Talk & Play Parent Support Group

    March 13 & 27, 2026 | 10:15 am - 12:15 am
    4211 E Colbert Rd, Colbert, WA

    Caregivers connect and share resources while children enjoy a play-based environment. Free and inclusive for all families.

  • USL Zephyr FC: Non-Profit Feature Match. Image Description: Text on a purple box overlaying an image of Spokane One Stadium

    Zephyr FC Feature Match

    Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 6:00 PM
    509 W Gardner Ave Spokane, WA

    Enjoy a Zephyr soccer match with $10 fundraiser tickets (with optional $3.50 donation to The Arc) that support inclusion in Spokane.

A member of The Arc of Spokane's Community Center stands in front of a shoe rack in The Arc Thrift Store's Spokane Valley Location. He smiles wide while wearing a fuzzy green hat with colorful felt spikes. He holds up a medallion he thrifted.

Shop The Arc Thrift Store March 1–15: Spend $40 and Get $5 Off Your Next Visit

Celebrate DD Awareness Month with savings that feel good and do good! Every purchase supports an inclusive community where people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) can live full, self-directed lives.

North Spokane: 1441 N Argonne Rd, Spokane, WA
Spokane Valley: 11008 N Newport Hwy, Spokane, WA

Hours: Mon–Sat: 9 am - 6 pm | Sun: 10 am - 6 pm

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities take part in daily life across Spokane just like anyone else. They build relationships, join local activities, and contribute their skills in many settings, including the workplace. Take a closer look at how people with DD participate, contribute, and lead in different areas of Spokane:

Celebrating People With Developmental Disabilities

People with DD take part in friendships, social activities, and community events, and many advocate for inclusion and disability rights.

They also strengthen Spokane workplaces as dependable, skilled employees who bring valuable experience and insight to their roles.

  • People with DD are active members of society. They often advocate for their rights, pursue hobbies and interests, and participate in local events around Spokane.

  • From casual dating to getting married, people with DD have thriving, healthy, and active romantic lives.

  • Some individuals with DD pursue higher education and attend college or specialized educational programs.

  • Workplaces grow stronger with inclusive hiring. Many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are skilled, dependable employees who contribute in meaningful ways.

  • Individuals with DD often start their own families and become parents.

  • Many individuals with DD live independently or in supportive living arrangements, depending upon their needs and preferences.

  • People with DD can build meaningful relationships, enjoy social activities, and participate in their communities.

DD Awareness Resources

Advancing Rights and Inclusion Across Spokane

At The Arc of Spokane, we continue to advocate for a more inclusive world every day so that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can have greater independence and deeper involvement in daily life across Spokane.

Our year‑round programs and advocacy are grounded in the lived experiences of people with IDD and the many ways they participate, connect, and shape our region. If you’d like to be part of The Arc of Spokane’s mission of creating an inclusive community where every life is fulfilled, consider making a donation today!

Donate to The Arc of Spokane

Support Local Art with DD Awareness Month Stickers!

We’ve partnered with local artist Kassy Kilayko to create a special DD Awareness Month sticker, available at various events in the Spokane and Tri-County areas throughout March.

Kassy is a local Spokane artist, working primarily in watercolor and digital mediums. She lives with her husband and daughter, and draws inspiration from local institutions and architecture for much of her work.

Community Partners