Artwork courtesy of our intern Aria! Save the Date! Our Annual Picnic details are available now. Date : Monday, August 17, 2026 Time : 5 to 8 PM Location : Confluence Park in Issaquah / 595 Rainier Blvd N, Issaquah WA 98027 More details, including how to RSVP, will be announced soon.

The 2026 King County Resource Fair will take place on Thursday, May 28, 2026 ! This year's fair has a new location, the Microsoft Conference Center at 16070 NE 36th Way, Redmond, WA 98052 . This is a free event, but participants should still register at the King County website . From the King County website; "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." Over 100 exhibitors 8 presentations in spoken English and American Sign Language Resources for people of all ages Early childhood supports Transition age resources, School-to-Work Employment and community inclusion College and continuing education System navigation Peer supports Technology and recreation Benefits, health, and housing  LEO is looking forward to seeing everyone at the event!

For the link to the full article, click here. Washington budget cuts shouldn’t target people with disabilities | Opinion By Rep. Jamila Taylor and Rep. Stephanie Barnard When we start talking about people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we must first remember that we are also talking about families. In Washington state, 80% of people with developmental disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy or Down syndrome live with or are cared for by a family member. Read more at: https://www.thenewstribune.com/opinion/article314735292.html

For adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), finding a safe, affordable, and supportive home is one of life’s greatest challenges. In our local communities, the demand for inclusive, long-term housing continues to vastly outpace available options. At Life Enrichment Options (LEO), we believe no door should remain closed. That’s why we offer comfortable, community-integrated residences where adults with I/DD can live more independently with supportive live-in care providers, explore employment opportunities, participate in local activities, and form meaningful friendships. Would you consider making a small donation today? Your support will provide more than just housing – it unlocks the door for more opportunities for living a meaningful life.

It is time to make some plans and to mark up your calendar! LEO's annual summer picnic will take place on Monday, August 11. It's less than a month away! Visit our EventBrite link to register and tell your friends. But remember that space is limited! Life Enrichment Options Annual Picnic Tickets, Mon, Aug 11, 2025 at 5:00 PM | Eventbrite Date : Monday, August 11, 2025 Time : 5 to 8 PM Location : Confluence Park in Issaquah / 595 Rainier Blvd N, Issaquah WA 98027

Visit Communication For Life | Speech & Hearing Sciences to learn more and to fill out an application. This program is being put on by the University of Washington Speech and Hearing Clinic. Intake assessments  July August We'll work with you to determine if our program is a good fit for your needs. Sessions Designed for young adults with developmental disabilities 9-month program runs from October to June 90-minute classes meet once a week: ​In-person on Wednesdays at 3:30pm

Get these events and other news directly in your inbox by signing up for our email list! 2025 Spring Events All in for Autism 5K Walk / Run - Downtown Bellevue Park April 27, 2025 - Sunday - 8:30 AM This is not LEO affiliated, but a great family friendly event! Proceeds from the event will go to support Roots2Wings. 10% discount with code Roots2Wings10 Roots2Wings Family Group - Online Session May 8, 2025 - Thursday - 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Housing and Living Independently - Learn about the many opportunities for the neurodiverse community to connect, engage and thrive. Guest Speakers (including our very own Alyssa Midgley) will share valuable information on a variety of topics. Click here to view the flyer. You can also visit their website by clicking here . Snoqualmie Challenge Race Snoqualmie Challenge Race May 31, 2025 - Saturday - 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM  The Gravity Cars allow those with intellectual & developmental disabilities (and those enrolled in the ECEAP program) to experience the thrill of racing down the hill piloted by a trained volunteer who is 10 years old or older. This event is hosted by Rotary Club of Snoqualmie & Life Enrichment Options. Visit here for more information about this race. Fenders on Front Street in Issaquah Fenders on Front Street - Issaquah June 15, 2025 - Sunday - 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM The Downtown Issaquah Association (DIA) is pleased to announce the 18th Annual  Fenders on Front Street  Classic Car Show Sunday, June 15, 2025. This Father’s Day, hundreds of classic and vintage car owners from across the state will proudly show their vehicles along Front Street in historic downtown Issaquah. LEO is the beneficiary of this event! Stop by and show your support!

We're trying to make it a little easier for families of those with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities. It's still a work in progress, but here are some new pages to help you start your search. Resources | LEO - This page explains the various popular housing models in the State of Washington. Checklist | LEO - This page has a quick list of things to take into consideration when starting the planning process. References | LEO - Click here for a list of references and links to help you along your journey. Thank you

Mark your calendar! The King County Resource Fair will take place Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 9 AM until 3 PM at Microsoft. All the details are available here - Resource Fair - King County, Washington , including a Workshop Schedule and a list of organizations and agencies that will be in attendance. LEO will be one of those in attendance! So please stop by our table to say hello. Important additional information; When: Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 9 AM to 3 PM Where: Microsoft Campus - Mixer Commons Building at 15255 NE 40th, St, Redmond WA 98052 Registration Link: Registration is required! Register at Eventbrite . Cost: Free to attend, and parking is free as well.

A New Chapter Begins: Meet LEO’s Executive Director Alyssa Midgley We’re excited to share an important leadership update from Life Enrichment Options (LEO). As of April 1, 2025, Alyssa Midgley has been appointed Executive Director of LEO! Alyssa first joined LEO nearly a year ago, and from day one, her dedication and insight have made a lasting impression. Her strong leadership and deep commitment to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) make her the right person to guide LEO into our next chapter. This transition marks a significant milestone for LEO. With Alyssa at the helm, we are evolving from a hands-on volunteer board to a professionally managed organization—supported by a committed governance board. This shift is a key step in ensuring LEO’s long-term sustainability and in growing our impact in the community. Alyssa brings both personal and professional experience to this role. As a former Adult Family Home care provider and nonprofit administrator, she understands the needs of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community and the power of compassionate, creative solutions. Under her leadership, LEO is already exploring new programs and expanding housing opportunities—projects we look forward to sharing with you soon. Many of you have already had the chance to meet Alyssa and experience her thoughtful approach firsthand. We’re confident that under her guidance, LEO will continue to be a strong and reliable partner in this important work. Please join us in congratulating Alyssa Midgley on her new role as Executive Director. We look forward to the future with great optimism and gratitude for your continued support. Warm regards, Mike Ernst President, Board of Directors

Life Enrichment Options Board and Staff are heartbroken by the passing of State Senator Bill Ramos. He was a remarkable public servant and an excellent advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Senator Ramos’ dedication to building a more inclusive and equitable community was evident in everything he did for this community, and his legacy will have a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals and families. State Senator Ramos was a strong supporter of our nonprofit and the work we do. We could count on him attending our events, spending time with our community, and he made it clear that he truly cared. His support meant the world to us. We’re so grateful for everything he did and for the kindness and dedication he brought to every conversation. He’ll be deeply missed by all of us. Our hearts are with his wife King County Councilmember Sarah Perry & family, friends, and everyone who had the honor of working alongside him. We will deeply miss him but his legacy will live on for decades to come.

The Snoqualmie Challenge Race is now open for registration! When is the Event? The 2025 race is on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Who Runs the Event? This family fun event is hosted by the Rotary Club of Snoqualmie . How Do I Register? If you would like to register as a co-driver, visit our Eventbrite page at the following link; Challenge Race CO-DRIVER (Participant w/ Disability) Snoqualmie Tickets, Sat, May 31, 2025 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite If you would like to register as a driver, visit our Eventbrite page here; Challenge Race DRIVER - Snoqualmie Tickets, Sat, May 31, 2025 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite Best of all, it's free! What Can I Expect? Watch this video from Evening Magazine featuring Zachary Hochman, which shows the Lynnwood Challenge Race and some of what goes on behind the scenes and on the day of the race. Looking forward to seeing you there!