Our Vision

From the perspective of the families who founded Northwest Center, it was only natural that people of all abilities should be welcomed into the world. After all, their children were integral parts of the family, why wouldn't they be embraced as integral members of society? In those early days, the main focus was on basic civil rights, especially the right to go to school. These audacious founding families changed our laws and public policy, making Washington State a model for the nation.

Now it is time for us to build on their courage and commitment, and to accomplish something equally audacious – to change the very consciousness of our community!!

Here's why. It turns out that inclusion is not some penitential compromise, something we “should” do. No – inclusion makes your school, your company, your community better and stronger. Be selfish! Embrace diversity and reap the rewards! The benefits of employment to the person we label as having a “disability” are well understood and obvious: a sense of purpose, of independence, of belonging, and so on. But it is the benefit to everyone else in the organization that surprises many with its profound power.

People of all abilities. It's good for our schools. It's good for business. It's good for the community. Join us as we work together to make the Pacific Northwest the most inclusive region in the nation – a model of what is possible. It's the next big thing, and I would like to personally invite you to be part of it.