What We Do
Since 1965, Northwest Center has been a leader in promoting the rights and independence of infants, children, teens and adults with developmental disabilities. Through ground breaking programs and services, we have helped transform lives and influence change across the nation. The parents who started Northwest Center refused to accept the prevailing notion that their children with disabilities couldn’t be taught. They banded together and fought relentlessly until the State of Washington recognized that all children—regardless of their ability—have an equal right to education.
Northwest Center is a business whose principal products are inclusion, diversity, and justice for people with developmental conditions like autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and so on. Every business we operate – from high quality preschools, job training, and employment agencies to manufacturing, document destruction, food service, facility maintenance, and hospital grade hygienic laundry – demonstrates the value that emerges when people of all abilities engage with each other in work, play, learning, and life. Northwest Center proves that inclusion is not a compromise, that diversity and inclusion make all organizations stronger and more successful.