Parent to Parent

What is Parent to Parent? How Can it Help Me & My Family?

Parent to Parent offers support, connections to resources, system navigation and opportunities such as events and training for families with children or adults with special needs, delays, disabilities and/or complex medical needs. 

Free Services Offered

  • Support for families of children and adults with disabilities/special needs.
  • Information & resources to community providers.
  • Monthly Newsletter offering resources, support and ideas.
  • Personal support from another parent who has a child with similar needs can be helpful. Helping parents are available. 
  • Educational presentations from system experts.
  • Social and recreational events such as dances, movies & bowling.
  • Resource guides: Family Resource Toolkits are available in English and Spanish.  

Want to be added to our monthly newsletter distribution list?  Or a copy of our Family Resource Tool

**See our latest newsletters.**

Additional Contact Info: 

  • Call or text or email Island County Parent to Parent Coordinator Tiffany Wheeler-Thompson

Para Espanol: Call or text Spanish Outreach Coordinator Laiza Ramos at 787-529-6788.

What's happening in your area?

All events are open to All Ages & All Abilities unless otherwise statedInvite your friends & neighbors, bring the whole family.  All events are subject to change/cancellation, especially outdoor events.

Autsim Summit coming this spring. Stay tuned for details. 

Follow the Island County Parent-to-Parent Facebook Page for up-to-date information.

Parent to Parent Facebook Page Link

Island County Support and Social Groups for families and adults with disabilities. Support & Social Groups 2026 Don't forget, Mom Meet-up in person or Parent Connect Meetings are virtual meet the First Tuesday of the Month.  Support Groups with P2P 2026

Check out our upcoming events: 

All events are open to All Ages & All Abilities unless otherwise stated. The prom is the only exceptionInvite your friends & neighbors, bring the whole family. All events are subject to cancellation. Check our Facebook Page before you head out for up-to-date information. Especially for outdoor events.                                           Winter 2025-26 Events with Parent to Parent Flyer

  • No February Mom Meet-up or Parent Connect Meeting. See you in March.
  • February 7, 2026  Sensory Friendly Movies at Oak Harbor Cinemas at 2 p.m. $8 per person. Film title will be released soon. Be around others who will understand if your kiddo/adult doesn't sit still, makes noises, needs quiet space, etc. Be around others that "get it." Lowered sound, lights on low, warning for any flashing lights, staff are aware, trained and intended to make the experience less overwhelming for all. 
  • February 21, 2026 Guardianship and Power of Attorney, What are the Differences? Virtual presentation with Disabilty Attorney Christy Ibrahim. 10:00pm. Get your questions ready. RSVP Link 
  • March 3, 2026 Mom Meet Up at Whidbey Coffee next to Wendy's in Oak Harbor. 1:00-2:00pm. Pop in, join us for a chat. Grab your favorite beverage, ask questions, find resources, seek support or just hang out with adults. Very informal.
  • March 3, 2026 Parent Connect with Parent to Parent virtual opportunity to connect with us and other families. Find resources, ask questions, etc all from the comfort of your place. Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82712379811?pwd=ftFFK2pZ9eUQY4yba1MDN3Cw9vyckn.1
  • March 7, 2026 Sensory Friendly Movies at Oak Harbor Cinemas at 2 p.m. $8 per person. Film title will be released soon. Be around others who will understand if your kiddo/adult doesn't sit still, makes noises, needs quiet space, etc. Be around others that "get it." Lowered sound, lights on low, warning for any flashing lights, staff are aware, trained and intended to make the experience less overwhelming for all.
  • March 17, 2026 Sensory Friendly Zone at the St. Patricks's Day ParadeOur zone is located in front of My Sister's Closet on Pioneer. Parade starts at 4:30pm. Designated parking is just kiddy corner, look for the signs. No whistles, horns, loud noises in this area. Plus the parade participants know our group may not want to be approached or witness anything too wild and loud. Great way to test the waters for upcoming events.
  • April 4, 2026 Sensory Friendly Movie at Oak Harbor Cinemas at 2 p.m. $8 per person. Film title will be released soon. Be around others who will understand if your kiddo/adult doesn't sit still, makes noises, needs quiet space, etc. Be around others that "get it." Lowered sound, lights on low, warning for any flashing lights, staff are aware, trained and intended to make the experience less overwhelming for all. 
  • April 7, 2026 Mom Meet Up at Whidbey Coffee next to Wendy's in Oak Harbor. 1:00-2:00pm. Pop in, join us for a chat. Grab your favorite beverage, ask questions, find resources, seek support or just hang out with adults. Very informal.
  • April 7, 2026 Parent Connect with Parent to Parent virtual opportunity to connect with us and other families. Find resources, ask questions, etc all from the comfort of your place. Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82712379811?pwd=ftFFK2pZ9eUQY4yba1MDN3Cw9vyckn.1
  • April 12, 2026 Annual Autism Awareness and Acceptance BBQ at Fort Nugent Park. Noon-2pm. We provide the food and entertainment. You bring your whole family and enjoy the afternoon. Activites, games, touch a truck, and of course, lunch. All welcome.
  • April 18, 2026 Autism Community Connections Summit Resources, presentations, information and connections with those that love and support people with autism, provide services and connect our community. More details to follow.
  • April 25, 2026 Holland Happening Parade Sensory Friendly Zone. Our zone is located at Hal Ramaley Park on Bayshore. Look for the signs. We also have designated parking. Parade details will be coming soon. No whistles, horns, loud noises in this area. Plus the parade participants know our group may not want to be approached or witness anything too wild and loud. Great way to test the waters for upcoming events. 
  • May 2, 2026 Sensory Friendly Movie with Oak Harbor Cinemas. 2 p.m. $8 per person. Film title will be released soon. Be around others who will understand if your kiddo/adult doesn't sit still, makes noises, needs quiet space, etc. Be around others that "get it." Lowered sound, lights on low, warning for any flashing lights, staff are aware, trained and intended to make the experience less overwhelming for all. 
  • May 3, 2026 Hawaiian Dance Party Noon-2:00pm at Coupeville Rec Hall. 901 NW Alexander Street. Coupeville. Enjoy some music, dancing, potluck, arts & crafts and more. If you are able to bring a side dish or snack, great. If not, no problem. Dress up Hawaiian style or come as you are. Engage as little or as much as you like. All Ages, All Abilities, All Welcome. 
  • May 5, 2026 Mom Meet Up at Whidbey Coffee next to Wendy's in Oak Harbor. 1:00-2:00pm. Pop in, join us for a chat. Grab your favorite beverage, ask questions, find resources, seek support or just hang out with adults. Very informal.
  • May 5, 2026 Parent Connect with Parent to Parent virtual opportunity to connect with us and other families. Find resources, ask questions, etc all from the comfort of your place. Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82712379811?pwd=ftFFK2pZ9eUQY4yba1MDN3Cw9vyckn.1
  • We will be posting our June, July and August Summer Events soon. Make sure you follow our Facebook Page or join our newsletter list to keep up to date. https://www.facebook.com/islandcountyparent2parent Email t.wheeler-thompson@islandcountywa.gov to be added to our list. 
  • Sensory Friendly Opportunities Flyer 
  • Free Products, Services and Resources for People with Disabilities Spanish
  • Special Olympics for Ages 8 & Up with sports all year round. No skills needed. Swimming and Track & Field start in the spring. 


Island County Disability Resource Guides

Ages & Stages Resources

How can Parent to Parent help? We can guide you to community resources, support in a variety of different ways, help with navigating systems, and connections with other families with special needs. All ages, stages and abilities. We may not be therapy, but we sure are therapeutic. We will share knowledge and resources and provide support and guidance. Or, sometimes, you may just want to chat and meet others in our community that is on a similar journey.

Washington State Developmental Disabilities Community Services DDCS (formally DDA)

Help With Insurance

Click the icon below for informational pdf or for more information on healthcare insurance options, please call the Washington State Health Care Authority/Apple Health: 800-562-3022

Understanding your medical insurance