Special Needs Community Connection
Establishment of this site was recommended by attendees of a 2013 Forum that gathered to discuss ways to promote the artistic abilities of persons with disabilities in the greater Everett area. This Forum was partially funded by the City of Everett Cultural Arts Commission and sponsored by All Aboard. In addition to listed programs that provide activities and events whereby folks with special needs can create, perform, or enjoy the arts, you will find other organizations that serve as resources to support this population. We are hoping this site will strengthen connections, promote future collaboration, and provide more inclusive opportunities within our local and regional communities for our special needs population.
ALL ABOARD - Everett --- www.allaboardwa.org
All Aboard is primarily a day program that provides recreational, social and educational activities for adults (18 and over) with special needs and helps them develop an active, positive, and inclusive lifestyle. In addition, we sponsor the monthly S.P.I.N. dance at Forest Park, 3rd Tues nites, and other community events.
ARC OF SNOHOMISH COUNTY - Snohomish County --- www.arcsno.org
We're affiliated with The Arc of Washington State and The Arc of the United States. The Arc programs are designed to foster inclusion and self-advocacy among its members with developmental disabilities. The Arc also provides assistance and education to families to promote greater self-reliance and advocacy skills.
ART AS A WAY - Whidbey Island --- www.wayartstudio.com
Art As A Way – Freeland, Whidbey Island, WA – is an organization that is working to enrich the lives of people with and without disabilities through participatory art. We use art-based activities to explore the unique human potential of individuals within the special needs community.
AUTISM AND DENTAL CARE --- Autism & Dental Care - A Guide for Caregivers and Family Members
A thorough resource guide to help families with special needs children, teens or even adults who have gone through rough experiences at a dental office.
CEREBRAL PALSY GROUP --- cerebralpalsygroup.com/cerebral-palsy/
Providing information about the different types of cerebral palsy, support, resources, and treatment & therapy.
COALITION FOR INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES - Snohomish County --- Pamphlet
The Coalition for Inclusive Communities was initiated by families and community members who were invested in building awareness and promoting inclusion.
Call 425-388-7320 or email ddinfo@snoco.org for more information.
EAGLE WINGS disABILITY MINISTRIES - Marysville --- www.eaglewingsministries.org
Bringing persons with disAbilities and the community at large together into relationship.
FRIENDSHIP ADVENTURES - Western Washington --- www.friendshipadventures.org
Friendship Adventures is an all volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of people with developmental disabilities by providing social, recreational and educational activities in a safe, engaging environment—building interpersonal skills, confidence and lifelong friendships ... one smile at a time!
FULL LIFE - Everett --- www.fulllifecare.org
Full Life Care helps adults of all ages with chronic illnesses, and physical or developmental disabilities. We are a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving people’s lives and supporting caregivers. Since the 1970s, we have helped thousands of individuals preserve their dignity and avoid living in a nursing home or in isolation
LEARN HOW TO BECOME --- https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/career-resource-center/careers-for-disabilities-abilities/
A disability, whether physical or mental, should not limit anyone’s career aspirations or job prospects; finding success and satisfaction at work is ultimately about identifying a student’s interests and where their strongest attributes and skills lie. Read on to learn about navigating the path to employment as a person with a disability, and find how to evaluate an employer’s standards of accessibility, accommodation and acceptance in order to find the right career fit.
MOSA MUSEUM OF SPECIAL ART - Bothell--- http://www.museumofspecialart.org
MOSA's Mission is to make art accessible to all individuals with disabilities by developing art exhibitions, art programs, and educational opportunities that promote disability awareness and inclusion in our community.
NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY SOCIETY - Seattle --- www.nocsociety.com
NOC Society strives to offer one of a kind programs that foster social inclusivity to the various community members of the Pacific Northwest. This inclusive program addresses issues of social, emotional and physical isolation. On our trips, participants have an opportunity to engage in an age appropriate program and develop genuine friendships with their peers through shared experiences.
NORTHSHORE WRANGLERS - Bothell --- www.northshorewranglers.org
Special recreation and community inclusion program serving people with special needs. The Northshore Wranglers Program offers activities, advocacy and support for individuals of all ages with intellectual, cognitive and developmental disabilities. Our programs include families and caregivers, offering year-round, weekly and ongoing specialized and inclusive opportunities for all participants. The Wranglers is a non-profit program of Bothell’s Northshore Senior Center’s Health and Wellness Department.
QUILCEDA COMMUNITY SERVICES - Marysville --- www.quilcedacommunityservices.org
Quilceda Community Services provides quality individualized caregiving services for adults with developmental disabilities at several locations in Marysville, Wa. The agency also offers a specialized recreation program called Willow Place, which is offered Monday-Thursdays with eight weekly sessions, serving dozens of attendees with a holistic, wellness program of ability-appropriate activities.
SCHACK ART CENTER - Everett --- www.schack.org
Schack Art Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and celebrating the arts for the enhancement of community life. The Schack Center opened in April 2011 and is the place to look at, learn about, and create art in our region.
SHORELINE SPECIAL RECREATION PROGRAM - Shoreline --- www.shorelinewa.go
If you are looking for an Adult Day Program, weekend trips, or special events, Shoreline has it all. We offer a wide variety of activities specifically for individuals with developmental disabilities. We run all of our programs using trained and qualified staff that put an emphasis on safety and, of course, fun. Check out the current Recreation Guide to see all the great programs we offer.
SNOHOMISH COUNTY PARKS & REC - Snohomish County --- www.snocoparks.org
Snohomish County Parks & Rec specialized and inclusive recreation programs provide people with varying ages, abilities, and backgrounds an opportunity to come together and share common interests.
SPECIAL DREAMS --- www.spdreams.org
Special Dreams for Special Kids was founded in 2010 by Michelle Tornetta and a group of parents who were gathering for support and encouragement. The core of Special Dreams has always been connected to the word joy! Michelle has a daughter with special needs who brings joy to her family, classmates and friends. Special Dreams was formed to encourage kids with various special needs to go for their dreams and not be limited by resources or circumstances. Functioning as a team and a network, we combine our resources to make kids dreams come true and provide rest and encouragement for parents. When we work together there is nothing we cannot achieve. And when we selflessly help others, our joy is multiplied.
If you know a child with a dream, have a resource to share, or just have questions, please contact us.
VILLAGE COMMUNITY SERVICES - Arlington --- www.villagecommunitysvcs.org
Village Community Services is a mission-driven organization committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. We have been providing quality residential support and vocational services to adults with disabilities for more than 50 years. Our service area encompasses Snohomish, Island and Skagit counties.
VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA - Western Washington --- www.voaww.org
Volunteers of America is a national, faith-based human services organization that helps some of the most vulnerable families, children, seniors and people with disabilities in our communities lead safe, healthy, independent and productive lives.
WARM BEACH CAMP - Stanwood --- https://www.warmbeach.com/programs/special-needs-programs
Providing diverse accommodations, meeting spaces, recreation, and service, Warm Beach Camp is the perfect place for your group's next camp or retreat! We exist to provide environments, experiences, and resources, which draw people of all ages to God through the ministry of Christian Camping.
All Aboard is primarily a day program that provides recreational, social and educational activities for adults (18 and over) with special needs and helps them develop an active, positive, and inclusive lifestyle. In addition, we sponsor the monthly S.P.I.N. dance at Forest Park, 3rd Tues nites, and other community events.
ARC OF SNOHOMISH COUNTY - Snohomish County --- www.arcsno.org
We're affiliated with The Arc of Washington State and The Arc of the United States. The Arc programs are designed to foster inclusion and self-advocacy among its members with developmental disabilities. The Arc also provides assistance and education to families to promote greater self-reliance and advocacy skills.
ART AS A WAY - Whidbey Island --- www.wayartstudio.com
Art As A Way – Freeland, Whidbey Island, WA – is an organization that is working to enrich the lives of people with and without disabilities through participatory art. We use art-based activities to explore the unique human potential of individuals within the special needs community.
AUTISM AND DENTAL CARE --- Autism & Dental Care - A Guide for Caregivers and Family Members
A thorough resource guide to help families with special needs children, teens or even adults who have gone through rough experiences at a dental office.
CEREBRAL PALSY GROUP --- cerebralpalsygroup.com/cerebral-palsy/
Providing information about the different types of cerebral palsy, support, resources, and treatment & therapy.
COALITION FOR INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES - Snohomish County --- Pamphlet
The Coalition for Inclusive Communities was initiated by families and community members who were invested in building awareness and promoting inclusion.
Call 425-388-7320 or email ddinfo@snoco.org for more information.
EAGLE WINGS disABILITY MINISTRIES - Marysville --- www.eaglewingsministries.org
Bringing persons with disAbilities and the community at large together into relationship.
FRIENDSHIP ADVENTURES - Western Washington --- www.friendshipadventures.org
Friendship Adventures is an all volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of people with developmental disabilities by providing social, recreational and educational activities in a safe, engaging environment—building interpersonal skills, confidence and lifelong friendships ... one smile at a time!
FULL LIFE - Everett --- www.fulllifecare.org
Full Life Care helps adults of all ages with chronic illnesses, and physical or developmental disabilities. We are a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving people’s lives and supporting caregivers. Since the 1970s, we have helped thousands of individuals preserve their dignity and avoid living in a nursing home or in isolation
LEARN HOW TO BECOME --- https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/career-resource-center/careers-for-disabilities-abilities/
A disability, whether physical or mental, should not limit anyone’s career aspirations or job prospects; finding success and satisfaction at work is ultimately about identifying a student’s interests and where their strongest attributes and skills lie. Read on to learn about navigating the path to employment as a person with a disability, and find how to evaluate an employer’s standards of accessibility, accommodation and acceptance in order to find the right career fit.
MOSA MUSEUM OF SPECIAL ART - Bothell--- http://www.museumofspecialart.org
MOSA's Mission is to make art accessible to all individuals with disabilities by developing art exhibitions, art programs, and educational opportunities that promote disability awareness and inclusion in our community.
NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY SOCIETY - Seattle --- www.nocsociety.com
NOC Society strives to offer one of a kind programs that foster social inclusivity to the various community members of the Pacific Northwest. This inclusive program addresses issues of social, emotional and physical isolation. On our trips, participants have an opportunity to engage in an age appropriate program and develop genuine friendships with their peers through shared experiences.
NORTHSHORE WRANGLERS - Bothell --- www.northshorewranglers.org
Special recreation and community inclusion program serving people with special needs. The Northshore Wranglers Program offers activities, advocacy and support for individuals of all ages with intellectual, cognitive and developmental disabilities. Our programs include families and caregivers, offering year-round, weekly and ongoing specialized and inclusive opportunities for all participants. The Wranglers is a non-profit program of Bothell’s Northshore Senior Center’s Health and Wellness Department.
QUILCEDA COMMUNITY SERVICES - Marysville --- www.quilcedacommunityservices.org
Quilceda Community Services provides quality individualized caregiving services for adults with developmental disabilities at several locations in Marysville, Wa. The agency also offers a specialized recreation program called Willow Place, which is offered Monday-Thursdays with eight weekly sessions, serving dozens of attendees with a holistic, wellness program of ability-appropriate activities.
SCHACK ART CENTER - Everett --- www.schack.org
Schack Art Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and celebrating the arts for the enhancement of community life. The Schack Center opened in April 2011 and is the place to look at, learn about, and create art in our region.
SHORELINE SPECIAL RECREATION PROGRAM - Shoreline --- www.shorelinewa.go
If you are looking for an Adult Day Program, weekend trips, or special events, Shoreline has it all. We offer a wide variety of activities specifically for individuals with developmental disabilities. We run all of our programs using trained and qualified staff that put an emphasis on safety and, of course, fun. Check out the current Recreation Guide to see all the great programs we offer.
SNOHOMISH COUNTY PARKS & REC - Snohomish County --- www.snocoparks.org
Snohomish County Parks & Rec specialized and inclusive recreation programs provide people with varying ages, abilities, and backgrounds an opportunity to come together and share common interests.
SPECIAL DREAMS --- www.spdreams.org
Special Dreams for Special Kids was founded in 2010 by Michelle Tornetta and a group of parents who were gathering for support and encouragement. The core of Special Dreams has always been connected to the word joy! Michelle has a daughter with special needs who brings joy to her family, classmates and friends. Special Dreams was formed to encourage kids with various special needs to go for their dreams and not be limited by resources or circumstances. Functioning as a team and a network, we combine our resources to make kids dreams come true and provide rest and encouragement for parents. When we work together there is nothing we cannot achieve. And when we selflessly help others, our joy is multiplied.
If you know a child with a dream, have a resource to share, or just have questions, please contact us.
VILLAGE COMMUNITY SERVICES - Arlington --- www.villagecommunitysvcs.org
Village Community Services is a mission-driven organization committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. We have been providing quality residential support and vocational services to adults with disabilities for more than 50 years. Our service area encompasses Snohomish, Island and Skagit counties.
VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA - Western Washington --- www.voaww.org
Volunteers of America is a national, faith-based human services organization that helps some of the most vulnerable families, children, seniors and people with disabilities in our communities lead safe, healthy, independent and productive lives.
WARM BEACH CAMP - Stanwood --- https://www.warmbeach.com/programs/special-needs-programs
Providing diverse accommodations, meeting spaces, recreation, and service, Warm Beach Camp is the perfect place for your group's next camp or retreat! We exist to provide environments, experiences, and resources, which draw people of all ages to God through the ministry of Christian Camping.
Here are some additional informational resources for the special needs community:
Legal Resources for Special Needs
Keeping Disabled Persons Safe While Remodeling
Creating a Home Where Your Disabled Child can Thrive
Teacher Resources for Special Needs
Disaster Preparedness for Special Needs
Home Accommodations for Special Needs
Disability Resources from the Department of Labor
Tips for Disabled Persons to Declutter and Organize their Home
Financial Planning for Special Needs