The Northwest Center Mission Shipping Label

 The Northwest Center Mission: 
To promote the growth, development and independence of people with disabilities through programs of therapy, education and work opportunity.

Every Step of the Way

We are a leader in advancing equal opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. Our services for children provide Early Supports for infants and toddlers, inclusive Early Learning, and School Age programs. Our Employment Services include transition services, vocational training, job placement, and supported employment. ​

We provide outsourcing solutions that meet the service needs of small and medium-sized businesses, Fortune 500 companies, local government offices, and large federal agencies. ​Our portfolio of businesses employ people with and without disabilities working side-by-side to offer world-class service to our customers.
​

Our History

Northwest Center was founded in 1965 by parents who refused to institutionalize their children with developmental disabilities or accept the prevailing notion that their children couldn't be taught. Banding together to form Northwest Center, they hired their own teachers to develop education programs targeted to special needs children.

Our founders authored and won approval of civil rights legislation that opened the doors of Washington State schools to children with disabilities. House Bill (HB) 90 “Education for All” was signed into law in 1971 and served as the model for national legislation, The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975. 

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 inclusive education and employment programs. ​Learn more about our 50 partnership for good.