A List of Links to Resources
The following are a list of organizations providing services for families with children experiencing special needs:
The Arc of SW Washington – The ARC of SW Washington and the Clark County Parent Coalition provides people with disabilities and their families with a support system that helps them link with their natural support system (the community), better understand and access the system, respond to crisis, and become involved in decision making at the state and local levels.
Autism Empowerment – Autism Empowerment is a non-profit organization devoted to enriching and empowering the lives of children, adults and families in the autism and Asperger communities. The vision we work toward is an inclusive society that accepts and respects all youth and adults on the autism spectrum and empowers each person to reach his or her highest potential. We offer innovative and inspiring programs, training and services and opportunities for leadership and volunteerism for those within and supporting the Autism and Asperger community.
Northwest Down Syndrome Assn. – The Northwest Down Syndrome Association is a non-profit organization serving families in Portland, OR and Southwest Washington. The NWDSA’s mission is to create and nurture a loving and inclusive community celebrating every person with a disability including Down syndrome.
PAVE – Washington PAVE is a parent directed organization that works with families, individuals with disabilities, professionals and community members in all walks of life and with all types of disabilities. Since 1979, PAVE has provided information, training and support for over 1,000,000 individuals with disabilities, parents and professionals.
Innovative Services – Innovative Services provides a continuum of services for children and adults with disabilities or other disadvantages. Services include therapy and childcare for children; employment training and job support for teens and adults; intervention, education and support for families and adult day health care for senior citizens and adults who require daytime assistance.
Cerebral Palsy Guidance – An information-rich website created to provide answers and assistance to parents of a child with cerebral palsy. Features a great blog with inspirational stories, written by journalist Leigh Egan and Alex Diaz-Granados, who has had cerebral palsy since he was an infant.
United Cerebral Palsy – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Oregon and SW Washington offers individualized support, information and advocacy for people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities and their families throughout our region. We’ve been committed to improving supports for people experiencing disabilities for over 50 years.
Washington DDA – State of Washington Dept. of Development Disabilities strives to develop and implement public policies that will promote individual worth, self-respect, and dignity such that each individual is valued as a contributing member of the community. The Residential Service Guidelines, issued in 1988, and the County Guidelines, issued in 1992, continue to support the Department’s vision, mission, and core values.
Supplemental Security Income – SSI is a federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes) and is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income; and provide cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.