Northwest Center - People of All Abilities

Northwest Center - People of All Abilities is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the growth, development, and independence of individuals with disabilities through comprehensive programs in therapy, education, and work opportunities.

Established in 1965 by a group of Seattle mothers advocating for the rights of their children with disabilities, the organization has been at the forefront of the disability inclusion movement.

Services Offered

Northwest Center provides a wide array of services tailored to individuals of all ages.

• Early Supports (Birth to 3 Years): A family-centered program offering speech-language, occupational, and physical therapy, nutrition, mental health, education services, and family resources to children with developmental delays.
• Kids Early Learning (4 Weeks to 5 Years): An inclusive early learning environment where children with and without disabilities learn and play together, fostering empathy and understanding.
• Transition Services for Graduating High School Students: Helping students assess career interests, providing training, and supporting employment for a smooth workforce transition.
• Employment Services for Adults with Disabilities: Job coaching and skill development to help adults find meaningful employment opportunities.

Training & Consultation

To foster inclusive environments, Northwest Center offers specialized training and consultation.

• Early Education Inclusion: Training for early childhood educators to include children with disabilities in classrooms successfully.
• Corporate Disability Inclusion: Supporting businesses in creating inclusive workplaces through training and assistance for employees with and without disabilities.

Social Enterprises

The organization operates several social enterprises employing individuals with and without disabilities. These enterprises generate revenue to fund its programs.

• The Big Blue Truck: A clothing donation service supporting disability inclusion programs.
• Lithtex NW: A full-service commercial and digital printing company.
• Print It Forward: Printing solutions tailored for nonprofit organizations.
• Day8 Managed Office Solutions: Providing managed staffing and contracted work teams for various services.
• OneNorth Integrated Facility Solutions:Janitorial and building services across multiple sectors.
• OneNorth Logistics: Specializing in short-haul trucking, sorting, cross-dock logistics, and short-term warehouse storage.
• Northwest Center Laundry Services: Offering hospital-grade laundry services to government agencies and facilities in the Puget Sound region.

Locations

Northwest Center operates in multiple locations, including:

• Seattle, WA, USA: The organization's headquarters and primary location.
• Arlington, VA, USA: An additional operational site.

Through its diverse programs and services, Northwest Center continues to lead the way in building a more inclusive world for individuals of all abilities.