Northwest Center Programs
Northwest Center Kids changes the course of children’s lives. We work in partnership with families to support and enhance the development of children of all abilities. Our early intervention programs decrease the effects of developmental delays and may reduce—or even eliminate—the need for public support in adulthood. Children are welcome in our program beginning at birth. In convenient and familiar surroundings, our therapists work with children and families to prepare children with disabilities for school and life. We also provide high-quality inclusive full-day early learning programs where children of all abilities play, learn, and grow together.
Northwest Center Works provides career development for people with disabilities, specifically people with significant cognitive disabilities. We work with adults, and also partner with high schools to help high school seniors with developmental disabilities prepare for the world of work. The process includes a customized employment plan based on the interests and skills of each person combined with specialized training to assist them in achieving their goals. Our clients face myths and prejudices about their employment capabilities; Northwest Center works with the employee and employer to alleviate these concerns and promote mutually beneficial long-term job placements in the community.
Northwest Center Teens creates an inclusive environment where teens of all abilities are able to participate together. Typical teens get exposure to, and develop compassion for people of different abilities, and gain an appreciation for diversity. “Independent” teens with disabilities have the opportunity to develop relationships with typical teens and get practice with social and life skills. "Dependent" teens with disabilities practice positive social and community interactions.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
Northwest Center is leveraging its size to build community awareness of people with disabilities. Our “People of all Abilities” campaign was launched in 2011, and has touched millions of people in the community. The campaign is broadly framed and designed to build awareness of people with disabilities and the contributions they make to our community so that other organizations serving people with disabilities also benefit from the increased public awareness of people with disabilities. Our hope is that public perceptions will shift and our local businesses and citizens will begin to take more and bigger steps toward inclusion.
A current critical need for our community is safe and affordable before and after school care for teens with disabilities. Adolescents and young adults with developmental disabilities, especially moderate to severe cognitive disabilities, are an underserved population. They have significant needs to help them prepare for as much independence in adulthood as they are capable of attaining—with regard to basic self care/life skills, social skills for interacting the broader community, and skills that prepare them for potential employment in inclusive workplaces. Their families also have significant needs for support in keeping their teens safe and helping them develop important skills. Northwest Center has launched a teen program that will serve the needs of this demographic.