Northwest Center Disability Blog - Northwest Center

Continuing Successes

1/18/2017

Celebrating a Year of Inclusive Work
By Lindsay MacCary
Manager, School-To-Work

Looking back on 2016, the School-to-Work team is proud to reflect upon a successful year! In 2016 our team of four employment consultants served 22 students from schools spanning King County, all the while diligently collaborating with students, teachers, families and other members of support networks on the journey to best understand students’ strengths, interests and support needs.

Playing by Our Own Rules

1/18/2017

Northwest Center Kids in 2016
By Laura Kneedler
Vice President, Northwest Center Kids

This time of year is our favorite – not only can we share our appreciation with our loyal audience, we get to fill you in on the exciting progress we made this past year!

We’re so grateful to be a part of all families involved with Northwest Center Kids, and through our Early Intervention and Early Learning programs we were able to serve nearly 600 children and families in 2016.

Message from the CEO

1/18/2017

By Ty Taylor
President and CEO, Interim

Happy New Year! As Northwest Center closed out 2016 and as 2017 begins, it seems like a great time to reflect on what we have accomplished, the journey we have taken, and the plans we have for an exciting, bright future ahead.

I would like to start by telling you how much I appreciate each customer, client and employee of Northwest Center and that I recognize we would not be where we are today without the contributions made by each of you. Thank you.

Last year was a year of growth, change and transition. With the help of our stellar employees, we are making great strides in achieving our goal to transform our service offerings and increase our reach in the community. Northwest Center values our 50 years of relationships with customers, and are excited and humbled to continue advancing our standard of excellence to unreached customers.

I know that because of the efforts of a phenomenal team we thrived in 2016. We want 2017 to be even more successful for the company and for you. It is an incredible feeling to know that when I go out to clients – both existing and potential, there is no way I can oversell the competency and commitment of our team to maintaining the mission of Northwest Center.

My thanks to everyone for your contributions in 2016. I hope you will look to 2017 as brightly as we do.

Thank you for all you do for Northwest Center.

Forward,
Ty Taylor

Everlasting Legacy: Evelyn Chapman, Northwest Center Founder

1/18/2017

Evelyn’s commitment to human rights and community service was the guiding beacon of her career.

By Jennifer Owen
Philanthropy Manager

With heavy hearts we share the news that Evelyn Chapman passed away on November 19th, 2016. While her achievements were many, we are forever grateful for her efforts in co-founding Northwest Center.

Passionate about human rights, Evelyn fought valiantly for those with disabilities—especially motivated to champion the rights of her son Coolidge after he was refused equal education in Seattle Public Schools. Evelyn became involved with Northwest Center in the 1960’s, forming an inclusive schooling system.

20th Annual Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive - January 13 - February 12, 2017

1/13/2017

Won't you be our neighbor? Our #MisterRogers #SweaterDrive begins TODAY at @PCC @Sound_CU & @KCTS9 https://t.co/YVrqmqTwdY #FindDanielTiger□ pic.twitter.com/xQXp1Wdad8
— KCTS 9 (@KCTS9) January 13, 2017

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

Way To Go, Disney

1/9/2017

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.

Sibling Success: A Letter from the Mother of Two Special Needs Children at Northwest Center Kids

12/9/2016

I’m a mother of two special needs children at Northwest Center Kids. My son was diagnosed at 18 months old with autism. Our daughter, during that same period, was born prematurely at 29 weeks and diagnosed with Prader Willi Syndrome, which is a rare genetic disorder with both physical and mental delays.

Brandon Keeps Seattle Icon Sparkling

12/8/2016

More than a century old, Starbucks Center (formerly the Sears, Roebuck & Co. building) is a buzzing hub of retail, office, warehousing, and manufacturing activities. Each day, thousands of Seattleites drive by the iconic building, now home to one of the world’s most iconic brands. And behind the scenes of this two million square-foot, 17-acre operation is Brandon, who prides himself on keeping the facility as beautiful as it has been for the past 100 years.

Talking to your Kids About Disability

12/6/2016

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:

With Early Intervention, Tiago and Aviana Meet Milestones Through the Power of Play

12/4/2016

Picture of Family at Northwest Center Early Intervention

Amy and Andres received services from Northwest Center’s Early Intervention team

When Tiago and Aviana were born two months prematurely, doctors told their parents that they would need to adjust expectations for the twins’ development. Developmental milestones including walking and speaking would likely develop on a different timeline than that of full term babies. Sitting for the average baby is usually around six to nine months. For Tiago and Aviana, it was much later.

Always a Fighter: Evelyn Chapman, Northwest Center Founder

12/1/2016

On November 19, Evelyn Chapman, co-founder of Northwest Center, passed away. She was 80. It is with deep respect and honor that we express our sincere condolences to her family and to those that knew and loved her. Her legacy and dedication to those she served lives on in the work of Northwest Center and the lives of those with disabilities that she fought for. Evelyn and her late husband, John, an esteemed attorney, were always on hand to provide wise counsel to the management of NWC until recent years when health prevented them from doing so. We are grateful for their tutelage and guidance over the decades. We hope to honor Evelyn here by reposting this story of her legacy with Northwest Center.

It was 1971, and Chapman was on the phone with the latest in a string of Seattle school officials she’d had to fight for years, just trying to make it possible for kids with developmental disabilities, like her son Coolidge, to get an education.

“I was talking to the Superintendent of the Seattle Public Schools,” she remembers. “The Special Ed director was keeping out kids like Coolidge. So I called his boss. I was very frustrated. He had a million excuses: we don’t have any money, we don’t have any mandate from the state, and on and on. I was on my kitchen phone, and I just kicked a hole in the wall.”

A Positive Match: Larry Excels at Edelman

11/25/2016

Larry was hired as the day porter for the Seattle offices of worldwide PR firm Edelman. It’s safe to say that things are going well.

“We need more people like him in the office,” says his supervisor, office manager Alison Maddox. Although a big company with its busy schedules and tight deadlines can make some people jaded and irritable, she says, Larry is always soft spoken, upbeat, and ready with a smile.

A Team for Alex: Early Intervention Works Together for Solutions

11/24/2016

By Katia, Northwest Center Mom

Northwest Center Early intervention has helped me understand Alex. Everybody is so on top of things, helping me and helping Alex learn to eat. Before, I would chase after him if he left the table. Now I talk to him to engage him at the table so that he stays and eats more. Early Intervention has made changes happen.

Northwest Center is different from other programs I work with because there are several resources in your network like a nutritionist and feeding team, so I don’t have to wait for referrals to different places. We have meetings with his childcare, Early Head Start, Alex’s doctor and his nutritionist, which means that we are all on the same page, so there is connection and support. We are all trying to find a way together for Alex to work on the things that are hard for him right now.

Northwest Center is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization. We envision a day when all people have the same opportunity to learn, work and enjoy a fulfilling life. From birth to retirement, we support people with disabilities.
This story was originally published as part of Northwest Center's 50th anniversary project: 50 Stories Worth Sharing

Angelica and Steven Shine at Brown & Brown Insurance

11/21/2016

Angelica and Steven, seated, with colleagues (left to right) Suzie Darst, Kelly Agan, Naomi Takata, and Tracy Johnson

The employees at Brown & Brown Insurance would like you to throw out any preconceived notions about working with people who have a developmental disability.

“You might automatically assume that, because they have a disability, that they’re unable to do the job,” says Account Executive Suzie Darst. “Out the window!” she exclaims. “Totally not the case. Not at all.”

She knows, because she’s worked with two colleagues hired through Northwest Center: Angelica, who works as an administrative assistant and manages the Brown & Brown Facebook page; and Steven, a young man with degrees in both English and Computer Science, who was hired to build the company’s website.

Conner is Back to Work – Winning Awards, Making Friends, and Bringing Joy into the Workplace

11/16/2016

Conner’s job at the distribution center facilitates his personal and professional growth

In September 2015, Northwest Center Employment Services referred Conner to a position as a Fulfillment Associate in Kent, WA, working in a busy distribution center for one of the world’s largest online retailers, based in Seattle, WA. After successfully completing the interview and screening processes, Conner was thrilled to accept the job.

Zach Makes New Connections and Takes on New Responsibilities at Northwestern Mutual - Bellevue

11/11/2016

Last year, Luke Madsen, Managing Director at Northwestern Mutual Bellevue, was impressed when Zach asked for more work to do in his job as data entry assistant. Well, Zach got his wish: he now tracks the daily activity of an entire fleet of insurance advisors.

“I help the first- or second-year financial advisors keep track of the people they call,” Zach explains.
“In our business, you have to make a certain number of phone calls, you need to meet with a certain number of people,” says Luke. “Zach has a system that he plugs all the information into.”

Northwest Center Joins Value Village at The Eco Fashion Week Collective Conversation, Seattle WA

11/4/2016

Northwest Center is honored to be participating in The EFW Collective Conversation, presented by Value Village. The day of open dialogue aims to provide information on the challenges, opportunities and innovations facing the sustainability of the garment and textile industry.

Panel of @SaversVVillage @SMARTTextile @SeattleSPU @nwcenter discuss full circle textiles, changing the model, & engaging stakeholders #EFW pic.twitter.com/mmAyKoniOc
— Eco Fashion Week (@EcoFashionWeek) November 4, 2016

5 New Tech Trends for Everyday Life

11/3/2016

Photo courtesy of Adobe.com ©2016

Every time we update the software on our computers we’re reminded of the ever-evolving nature of technology. Fortunately, this constant force of change brings with it new opportunities for technology to enhance the lives of adults living with disabilities. Below are some of the most exciting emerging trends available today.

5 Fun Craft Projects for Children with Special Needs

10/25/2016

Courtesy of Adobe.com

With winter quickly approaching, we understand that families need to find activities to fill their children's time. Crafts can be a great way to engage with children in a manner they find entertaining while also offering the opportunity for teachable moments. Below is a list of five activities that make indoor time seem like the most exciting option!

Golden Hearts Luncheon Raises $159,000 for Northwest Center Kids Services

10/22/2016

On Tuesday, October 11th, local business leaders and members of the community filled the 4th floor of the Westin Downtown – Seattle to celebrate and invest in our Early Learning services for children with and without disabilities.

‘It took citizens who cared’: How Northwest Center Changed the World

10/20/2016

It sounds so simple. It was the late 1960s, and four Northwest Center founders—Cecile Lindquist, Janet Taggart, Evelyn Chapman, and the late Katie Dolan—were having a casual conversation with Ralph Munro (then an assistant to Governor Dan Evans, who would go on to become Secretary of the State of Washington). Now that Northwest Center was up and running, the women wanted to do more. Munro had a suggestion.

“He said, ‘Why don’t you write a mandatory law that children with disabilities will be served by public schools?’” Lindquist remembers. “‘We thought, ‘Well, there's an idea for you.’”

Northwest Center Joins Friendship Circle WA to 'Walk With Friendship', Sunday, October 9, 2016

10/9/2016

We were thrilled to join The Friendship Circle of WA at their 5th Annual Walk with Friendship on Mercer Island, Sunday, October 9th! The walk is a fun family event that brings out hundreds of families for a celebration of disability inclusion in the Puget Sound area. The walk was followed by a carnival with music, entertainment, prizes, and food. Thank you, Northwest Center employees, friends, and families for showing your support!

Walkin' for a great cause! @FriendshipWA @nwcenter pic.twitter.com/UDgWvFsEnk
— Laurie Lamoureux (@LLamx) October 9, 2016

Northwest Center Customer, GoodHangups Enters the ‘Shark Tank’, Makes Deal!

10/1/2016

Northwest Center Assembly & Packaging customer, GoodHangups entered the Shark Tank on September 30, 2016 to pitch a unique and damage-free solution to hanging artwork on walls. Mom and entrepreneur Leslie Pierson created the company, which can be found on Amazon, QVC, Paper Source stores, and other independent shops. Congratulations on making a deal, Leslie!

Northwest Center customer, @GoodHangups Entered the ‘Shark Tank’: A Look Inside the Company: https://t.co/pgLuOs79yT #Inclusion pic.twitter.com/lwO37c26Ol
— Northwest Center (@nwcenter) October 1, 2016

Northwest Center Kids: Creating a Lasting Impact

9/28/2016

In fall of 2016, Northwest Center Kids received a letter that started like this:

Dear Northwest Center Kids,

Our relationship started with NWC about 6 years ago. At the time, our family was struggling to get by. My daughter had KLS as well as Rheumatoid Arthritis. These two diseases made her sleep for days at a time, and when she was up, she could hardly move. They also made it nearly impossible to raise her two-year-old daughter.

I had been searching for quite a while to find help. It seems that there are nonprofit groups to help adults with disabilities and there are groups to help children with disabilities but there was no group that I could find that would help disabled adults take care of their children. As a family we were doing the best we could but it was incredibly hard. It was only by circumstance that our paths met.

My Granddaughter, *Erika, had hearing loss. By the age of two, we realized that she was speech delayed. Your school came out to evaluate her and set her up for therapy. It was through this initial process that we learned about the scholarships at NWC.

She was admitted with a very high scholarship. I cannot tell you the relief that this family felt I We had 8 hours a day where we not only felt that Erika was safe but that we knew she was flourishing. Before NWC, when her mother was having episodes, we would have to pass Erika off from person to person. She was always well cared for but the pressure of filling each day with care givers who would work for free was incredibly difficult.

A Lasting Friendship

8/9/2016

Among the bright posters and colorful paintings decorating the walls of Northwest Center Kids is a black and white photograph of a teacher holding a baby girl that tells the story of a 26-year friendship.

John, a teacher’s aide at Northwest Center’s Early Learning Center, still remembers the day in 1989 when he was asked to hold one of the classroom babies, Emily, for a photo, and how the charismatic little girl immediately stole his heart.

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