Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Chris Tiffany brings a rare dual perspective to his role as Executive Director of Encircle Families — he's both a former special education teacher and a parent of a child with autism. In this episode, Chris shares what his statewide Arizona organization is seeing on the ground when it comes to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their access to technology. You'll walk away with a clearer picture of where the gaps are, how families are finding (and missing) critical resources, and what practical steps you can take if you feel like you're navigating this alone.
Learn more about Encircle Families: encirclefamilies.org
Connect with Chris: linkedin.com/in/christopher-tiffany-9b6758a6
0:00 Encircle Families and IDD Support in Arizona
Meet Encircle Families and learn how they help families navigating intellectual and developmental disabilities in Arizona.
2:45 Technology Access Challenges for IDD Families
A look at why access to devices, internet, and digital tools can be harder for families with IDD needs.
6:20 Resource Gaps for Arizona Families
Discussion of the biggest service and support gaps families face across Arizona communities.
10:10 Helping Parents Navigate Systems and Services
Learn how families can find guidance, advocacy, and practical support when systems feel overwhelming.
14:30 Digital Parenting for Children with IDD
How parents can approach kids and technology with safety, independence, and individual needs in mind.
18:40 Online Safety and Tech Boundaries for IDD Youth
Practical considerations for screen time, online safety, privacy, and healthy technology use.
23:15 Building Community Support for Families
Why connection, peer support, and trusted resources matter for parents and caregivers.
28:10 Addressing Equity in Disability Resources
A conversation about making support more accessible for families across different backgrounds and regions.
33:00 Practical Tools Families Can Use Today
Helpful starting points for parents looking for technology, services, and local support.
38:20 How Communities Can Better Support IDD Families
Ways schools, organizations, and communities can help close gaps and strengthen family support.
42:15 Final Takeaways for Arizona Families
Key reminders for parents, caregivers, and advocates supporting children with IDD.
Chris Tiffany brings a rare dual perspective to his role as Executive Director of Encircle Families — he's both a former special education teacher and a parent of a child with autism. In this episode, Chris shares what his statewide Arizona organization is seeing on the ground when it comes to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their access to technology. You'll walk away with a clearer picture of where the gaps are, how families are finding (and missing) critical resources, and what practical steps you can take if you feel like you're navigating this alone.
Learn more about Encircle Families: encirclefamilies.org
Connect with Chris: linkedin.com/in/christopher-tiffany-9b6758a6
0:00 Encircle Families and IDD Support in Arizona
Meet Encircle Families and learn how they help families navigating intellectual and developmental disabilities in Arizona.
2:45 Technology Access Challenges for IDD Families
A look at why access to devices, internet, and digital tools can be harder for families with IDD needs.
6:20 Resource Gaps for Arizona Families
Discussion of the biggest service and support gaps families face across Arizona communities.
10:10 Helping Parents Navigate Systems and Services
Learn how families can find guidance, advocacy, and practical support when systems feel overwhelming.
14:30 Digital Parenting for Children with IDD
How parents can approach kids and technology with safety, independence, and individual needs in mind.
18:40 Online Safety and Tech Boundaries for IDD Youth
Practical considerations for screen time, online safety, privacy, and healthy technology use.
23:15 Building Community Support for Families
Why connection, peer support, and trusted resources matter for parents and caregivers.
28:10 Addressing Equity in Disability Resources
A conversation about making support more accessible for families across different backgrounds and regions.
33:00 Practical Tools Families Can Use Today
Helpful starting points for parents looking for technology, services, and local support.
38:20 How Communities Can Better Support IDD Families
Ways schools, organizations, and communities can help close gaps and strengthen family support.
42:15 Final Takeaways for Arizona Families
Key reminders for parents, caregivers, and advocates supporting children with IDD.
