About Rachel

Rachel Nemhauser is a disabilities advocate, consultant, and parent with more than two decades of personal and professional experience navigating systems that serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

As the mother of an autistic young adult with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Rachel brings lived experience to her work alongside extensive professional expertise. She spent 11 years at The Arc of King County, ultimately serving as Director of Information and Family Support, where she helped thousands of families understand their rights, navigate complex systems, solve problems, and access needed services and supports. She also served two terms on the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council, and is a certificated Community Organizer.

Rachel’s areas of expertise include special education, developmental disability services, transition to adulthood, guardianship and decision-making, systems navigation, and family advocacy. Her approach combines practical knowledge of disability systems with a deep understanding of the realities families face while navigating them.

Rachel founded Nemhouse Disability and Parent Support Services to provide families with knowledgeable, individualized support as they make decisions, advocate for their loved ones, and navigate often complicated systems. She is also a speaker and educator whose work centers on helping families feel more informed, capable, and supported.