​Stephan knows a thing or two about dancing in the rain. An avid hip-hop dancer, Stephan enjoys every day as a Donations Station Attendant for The Big Blue Truck™, no matter if there are sunny skies or some of our Pacific Northwest mist.

While Stephan is a happy, vital member of The Big Blue Truck™ team, it took some trial and error to find the job where he could excel. A member of the School-to-Work (S2W) program, Stephan was actively preparing himself for employment opportunities before he graduated from high school. It took some job coaching and training, but when Stephan saw the people in the Big Blue Truck™ he knew he wanted to join in.

​Dear Northwest Center Community:
​
​I am honored to be the new CEO of Northwest Center, to lead and serve a world class team in our mission “to promote the growth, development, and independence of people with disabilities through programs of education, rehabilitation, and work opportunity.”

Each of us has talents, gifts and potential, and deserves the opportunity to engage and contribute. When society values diverse perspectives, honors all abilities and allows everyone the opportunity to contribute, that society is working at its best and will help the world achieve its collective potential. I am reminded daily of the importance of inclusion through my eyes as a parent. My daughter, Tori, is 24 years old, loves horseback riding, listening to music, shopping, and going out to restaurants…and has Autism. Tori has helped mold me into the person I am today and contributes to my success in immeasurable ways. But her opportunities to engage in our community are limited.

At Northwest Center, inclusion is at our core and we envision a fulfilling future for everyone. Our founding parents insisted that everyone deserves the opportunity to realize their fullest potential and we continue to honor their philosophy today. Now in our 52nd year, Northwest Center provides early intervention and inclusive learning for children, and employment services for individuals with disabilities. We employ people of all abilities in our Social Enterprise, with over 40% of the 950 people on our payroll self-identifying with a disability.

I am humbled to be part of an organization that refuses to allow anyone to be overlooked, mislabeled, marginalized, or denied the opportunity to engage and contribute.

Thank you for everything you do to support Northwest Center. Your partnership is what makes this possible.
​
Onward and Upward,
Gene

What is something special about you?

Though sometimes difficult to answer, Chris Ulmer asks this question to nearly everyone he interviews. Ulmer, a special education teacher turned an internationally renowned speaker, travels the globe interviewing people with disabilities. His goal is to not tell their stories, but to give them the opportunity to tell their story themselves.

​When a new shift begins, associates clock in and head to “Stand Up,” an area of the warehouse where managers go over daily announcements and celebrate top performers in front of their coworkers. For Mihret, who has worked for just over six months, Stand Up became a goal from day one.
 
Mihret, born in Ethiopia, is deaf yet does not know American or Universal Sign Language.  English is her second language and this makes communication and connection difficult for her. Yet in June 2017, Mihret came into work and saw her name, written in big green letters.  Mihret was awarded top performer.  Two days later, Mihret achieved her goal yet again. In fact, that day, three out of the four top performer awards were given to associates placed by Northwest Center, all with diagnosed disabilities.  

Northwest Center is the recipient of Value Village’s 50 Year Partnership Award. Since 1967, we have had a long-term partnership with Value Village to collect clothing and household donations with our iconic Big Blue Trucks and blue donation bins. Value Village buys that merchandise to sell in its stores, and the revenue Northwest Center receives funds education and employment programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities in WA State.

Written by: Amy & Connor Doran
Edited by: Jennifer Owen
 
It started as a hobby. Pulling a string, defying gravity with every twist and turn of his body, Connor Doran knows how to fly a kite. He enjoyed gliding his kite through the crisp Washington air, but it wasn’t until 2009 that he thought to share his talents with the rest of the country. 

By: Tracee Christie
Writers: Jennifer Owen
 
Tracee, Senior Area Manager at Integrated Facility Services (IFS), has been with Northwest Center for 15 years and knows what it takes to succeed. From working long hours to personally inspecting with her teams the 1.6 million square feet of property she manages; Tracee knows that hard work and proper management leads to successful teams. 

Written by: Wendy Heddrick & Jackie Fountain
Edited by: Jennifer Owen
 
Innovation blossoms in environments that embrace diversity. At Argus, the female-run janitorial service defies the traditional insular, male dominated profession with a workforce largely consisting of women, minorities, and people of all abilities. We sat down with General Manager Jackie and Senior Manager Wendy to learn about their model of inclusive employment and all the strides Argus is making in the Pacific Northwest. 

​Northwest Center and Value Village Celebrate 50 years in 2017
By Denise Small
Senior Director, Big Blue Truck
 
In 1967, just two years after our founding, Northwest Center entered into a partnership with Value Village. We collect clothing and household donations with The Big Blue Truck™ and The Blue Bin. Value Village buys that merchandise to sell in its stores, and the revenue funds our education and employment programs.  The innovative “social business” model was decades ahead of its time.  Today, the partnership is stronger than ever, collecting state wide.
 
Northwest Center’s business relationship with Value Village has been the foundation of our entire philosophy of change, which is to use business to create social good.  Now the world is embracing the business value of diversity at unprecedented scale, thanks in part to this breakthrough that started 50 years ago right here in Seattle.

April means Autism Awareness month! Be sure to explore the sensory sensitive events taking place throughout Seattle:

We know that workplaces benefit the more diverse they become, but the number of unemployed people with disabilities highlights how much change is yet to come. If you or your organization are interested in hiring individuals with disabilities, consider the following advice and tips to find the right employee.

Last week, my child was bullied.

And while this is more common than not in today’s world, it was a first for our house.  It was also a first that I expected sooner rather than later. Knowing this, I assumed I would be fully prepared to know how Sully would respond (poorly) and how I, as his mother, would need to support him (intensely).

Looking to explore something new this weekend? Check out our list of family friendly activities based throughout the Seattle metro area!

1. Tulip Festival. Get lost in a field of flowers; daffodils are already in full bloom, and the tulips are next! With wide swaths in bloom, there’s plenty of space for you and your child to indulge your senses.
2. Seattle Men's and Women's Chorus. This free event takes place this Saturday, April 1. Featuring familiar tunes, children and adults alike are encouraged to move their bodies and sing along.
3. Ice Cream Cruise. All are welcome abroad the ice cream cruises departing from South Lake Union this Sunday. Lasting 45 minutes, families can experience the accessibility of the water from the comfort of the heated cabin.

 
Know of other goings-on? Let us know in the comments or on Facebook!

Modes of communication consistently evolve, with technology serving as a catalyst. New assistive technology is focusing on ways to facilitate communication for people who are non-verbal or have difficulties expressing themselves verbally. Whether reading brain waves or offering quick expression sharing options, tech ventures are a driving force behind innovative ways to democratize communication.

Happy World Reading Day! While every day should be a reading day, today we get to celebrate the amazing invention of the story. Books are such an incredible tool when it comes to children’s success, development, and creativity. Books have enabled children all around the world to engage one another in a common language. They teach us how to be good people. Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree teaches the importance of sharing and appreciating your loved ones (and has been translated into more than 30 languages). Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax shows us the value of taking care of the world around you. Crockett Johnsons’ Harold and the Purple Crayon is a perfect illustration of just how far your imagination can take you.

Spring is around the corner and we couldn’t be more excited to be outside and get some sunshine on our faces. If you’re looking for some accessible activities to get involved in during the upcoming months, check out some of the resources below!

1) Friendship Adventures
Based out of Kirkland, Friendship Adventures focuses on recreation, education and leisure activities for people with developmental disabilities. From bingo to dances, they’re all about building community.

2) Outdoors for All Foundation
From kayaking to snowboarding, Outdoors for All’s mission is to enrich the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities through outdoor education. Offering a diverse selection, see if there’s one for you!

3) Wilderness Inquiry  
Providing integrated trips with people of all abilities, Wilderness Inquiry wants to get as many people out enjoying nature as possible. They also provide inclusive equipment meant to meet a range of needs.

4) Seattle Adaptive Sports  
Seattle Adaptive Sports facilitates athletic and recreational activities for youths and adults with physical disabilities, and offers a mélange of options. Basketball, tennis and soccer are all some of the classic sports leagues you can join.

5) Aquatic Therapy Services  
A combination of mental relaxation and physical well-being can result from spending time in the water, especially if it’s in the form of aquatic therapy. If you’re located in the Seattle area, Seattle Children's Hospital has an accessible pool which is always heated to 93 degrees. If you happen to be located near Sammamish, Community Integration Services offer several programs for both children and adults.
 
Let us know of any other organizations, groups or services you enjoy participating with, we want to spread the word!

On February 7th, Betsy DeVos was confirmed as Secretary of Education under President Donald Trump. This process – from President Trump announcing DeVos as a candidate to her confirmation – has been one of the most contested cabinet positions in modern history. In an unprecedented vote, the U.S. Senate confirmed Betsy DeVos to be secretary of education despite widespread concerns about her comments on special education. 

​With a full agenda of developments and exciting news, there’s a lot to be excited about at Northwest Center in this upcoming year. One thing we’re especially pleased to share with you all is the launch of our advocacy branch; a new sector of Northwest Center aiming to connect our clients with even more resources both locally and nationally, while also supplying useful, nonpartisan information to help families and individuals make the best choices for themselves. 

Help to support local non-profits this winter by donating new or gently worn sweaters, coats and cold-weather gear to KCTS 9’s 20th annual Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive. January 13 - February 12, 2017. Donated items will benefit Northwest Center, Wellspring Family Services, and Queen Anne Helpline.

Look for the Sweater Drive collection bins at all PCC Natural Markets locations, Sound Credit Union’s location in Western Washington; or drop your items off at KCTS 9's Seattle Center studio.

Uber is also making it easy to donate to the sweater drive with the touch of a button. On Saturday, February 11, Uber users can log-in and request ‘Donate’ at the bottom of the screen. A driver will pick up the donated clothing and deliver it directly to a local donation center – for free!

“All of us, at some time or other, need help,” said Fred Rogers. “Whether we’re giving or receiving a sweater, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world.”

Be sure to follow @nwcenter and @KCTS9 on Facebook and Twitter for updates!

Last year’s drive collected hundreds of sweaters for individuals in Western Washington.
Learn more at: www.kcts9.org

Disney films have become a staple of our childhoods, acting as cultural symbols both adults and children can identify with and use to relate to one another. Recently, Disney is using their international clout to embark on a noble mission of bringing disabilities into the limelight. Between Disney’s 2015 blockbuster ‘Inside Out’ and this year’s ‘Finding Dory,’ the topic of disability is becoming more accessible to a larger audience, including younger children; and when 12.5% of individuals in the US struggle with some type of disability,[1] Disney’s move towards socially-conscious themes benefits advocacy groups like Northwest Center.

If there’s one rule to follow about how to treat people with disabilities it’s this: simply treat them the way you’d treat anyone else. At Northwest Center Kids, where children with and without disabilities share the same classrooms and playgrounds, kids naturally learn that we’re all more alike than we are different. Here are some great tips on sharing that same lesson with your kids: