To update a resource or to add one one to our list contact Brian Holloway at bholloway@arc-spokane.org. Thank you.
CHILDREN
Spokane Guilds' School and Neuromuscular Center - For children age three or under, the Spokane Guild's School provides screening and therapy services for children with developmental or other disabilities. Go to www.guildschool.org.
Northeast Youth Center - Operated by the City of Spokane's Parks & Recreation Department, this program provides low-cost recreational and educational opportunities that build life experiences while enhancing the self esteem of youth. Go to www.spokaneyc.org.
Our Kids: Our Business - A campaign by the Spokesman-Review to help prevent child abuse in Spokane. Go to www.spokesmanreview.com/ourkids.
DISABILITY RIGHTS
Inclusion Daily Express - An international disability rights news service. Go to www.inclusiondaily.com.
DisAbility Rights Galaxy - A public awareness and disability advocacy project featuring articles, videos, discussion boards and more. Go to www.disabilityrightsgalaxy.com
EMPLOYMENT
The Arc of Spokane - A non-profit organization providing supported employment and job training services in Spokane County. See our Supported Employment page on this site or call (509) 328-6326.
The Artisans - A non-profit organization providing community-based jobs for people with developmental disabilities through various services for private and commercial employers. Call (509) 325-4489.
Career Path Services - A private, non-profit corporation providing employment and job training services in Spokane County since 1971. Go to www.careerpathservices.org or (509) 326-7520.
ENSO - A non-profit organization offering state-of-the-art employment supports using an individualized planning process, choice in design of individual supports and a personalized resource department. Contact Katherine Titus at katherine@enso.ws or Jeannie Loy at jeanne@enso.ws or by phone at (509) 329-6010.
Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest - A non-profit organization providing employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities through a network of second-hand clothing and household goods stores. Go to www.giin.org for information about operations in the northwest.
Job Resource Center - Provides jobsite training services to a wide variety of Spokane area businesses, including Supported Employment for persons with developmental and other cognitive disabilities. Call (509) 209-2693.
NOVA Services - A local non-profit providing employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. Go to www.nova-services.org or (509) 928-1588.
PACE Services - Assisting people with significant obstacles to employment or community inclusion in achieving their career goals through education, resource coordination and vocational support. Go to www.iel.spokane.edu/abe/pace or call (509) 533-8577.
Peaceful Valley Community Center - Offering a wide range of opportunities for working age as well as retired individuals. Call (509) 624-8634.
Skils'kin - A non-profit organization in Spokane providing employment and community living services for people with developmental disabilities. Go to www.skils-kin.org.
SL Start and Associates, Inc. - A local company providing a variety of services for people with physical and developmental disabilities, including living support as well as employment training and support. Go to www.slstart.com or call (509) 328-2740.
EDUCATION (School Districts)
Central Valley - (509) 228-5400
Cheney - (509) 559-4507
Deer Park - (509) 464-5525
East Valley (321) - (509) 927-9511
Freeman - (509) 291-4791
Great Northern - (509) 747-7714
Liberty - (509) 624-4371
Mead - (509) 465-7600
Medical Lake - (509) 565-3408
Nine Mile Falls - (509) 340-4300
Orchard Prairie - (509) 467-9517
Riverside - (509) 464-8361
Spokane (81) - (509) 354-5900
West Valley - (509) 924-2150
We Connect Now - A website for college students who have learning or other disabilities. Go to www.weconnectnow.wordpress.com.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Spokane Prepares - A website offering information about how people with disabilities and special needs in Spokane can prepare for emergencies and natural disasters. Go to www.spokaneprepares.org for more information.
FAITH BASED
Serve Spokane "Still Waters" Special Needs Ministry - An multi-denominational source for faith-based activities, Bible study and worship services for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Contact Laurie for a monthly calendar of events.
Life Center North - (509) 444-8445
Lean on Me (Greg) - (509) 326-6716
Serve Spokane (Vinny & Cathy) - (509) 238-4467
The Friendship Group (Carl & Luci) - (509) 489-7047
Full Circle (Michelle Smith) - (509) 869-2745
Laurie (News Letter) - (509) 238-2304
GOVERNMENT
Developmental Disabilities Council - A council working with elected officials to develop a comprehensive system of services for people with developmental disabilities in Washington State. Council members include citizens with developmental disabilities and family members. Go to www.ddc.wa.gov.
Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), Region 1 - A division of the State of Washington Department of Social and Health Services, DDD administers state-provided benefits to people with developmental disabilities and their families. Go to www.dshs.wa.gov/ddd/region1.
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) - Part of the Department of Social and Health Services, DVR assists people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain and retain community employment. Go to www.dshs.wa.gov/dvr or call (509) 363-4700 or 1 (800) 468-9763.
Plan to Work - Providing free benefits planning and work incentive information to help people who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) make informed choices about work. Call (509) 444-3087 or 1 (866) 497-9443.
Social Security Administration (SSA) - Providing benefits to eligible individuals insured under Social Security as well as benefits to those eligible for Supplemental Security Income. Go to www.socialsecurity.gov/work or call 1 (800) 772-1213.
Spokane County Community Services (SCCS) - Working in partnership with Region 1 Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), SCCS administers a range of programs by subcontracting with local agencies to provide support and services to people with developmental disabilities and their families. Go to www.spokanecounty.org/communitysvcs/.
HISTORY
Parellels in Time - A brief but comprehensive summary of how people with developmental disabilities have been regarded and treated through history created by the Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities. Go to www.mnddc.org/parallels/.
A Friend Indeed: The Bill Sackter Story - An award-winning documentary about Bill Sackter, a Minnesota man with a developmental disability whose life took a dramatic turn for the better when a community embraced him after 44 years in an institution. Nonfiction, 90 minutes (and worth every second). Go to www.billsackter.com.
ORGANIZATIONS
The Arc of the United States - Get news and information about national issues or find a chapter of The Arc anywhere in the United States at www.thearc.org.
The Arc of Washington State - Get news and information about state issues or find a chapter of The Arc in Washington State at www.arcwa.org.
The Autism Society of Washington - A non-profit organization addressing issues related to autism across Washington State. Go to www.autismsocietyofwa.org.
CORD (Coalition of Responsible Disabled) - A grassroots, consumer driven agency delivering independent living services throughout Eastern Washington. Go to www.cordwa.info.
The Down's Syndrome Family Network - A national non-profit addressing issues related to Down's Syndrome. Contact Carolyn Wright for information and activities in Spokane (509) 455-7439.
Easter Seals Washington - A non-profit organization providing a variety of services for people with physical and intellectual disabilities. Go to www.wa.easterseals.com or locally (509) 326-8292.
Epilepsy Foundation Northwest - Contact Ryan Oelrich at (509) 325-1128 for information about resources and activities in Spokane.
The March of Dimes Foundation - A non-profit organization working to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defect, premature birth and infant mortality. Go to www.marchofdimes.com/washington or locally (509) 328-1920.
The Northwest Autism Center - A non-profit organization in Spokane providing information for families about autism and related conditions. Go to www.nwautism.org.
People First of Washington - A state-wide organization of "self advocates" (people with developmental disabilities) working to encourage greater respect for those with differing abilities in Washington State.
Spokane Alliance - An organization comprised of local churches, unions and non-profit organizations, the Spokane Alliance helps citizens organize for the community good. Go to www.spokanealliance.org.
Spokane County United Way - A locally managed non-profit providing a wide variety of information and resources to people in need on our community. Go to www.unitedwayspokane.org.
ON-LINE PUBLICATIONS
Ability Awareness - a non-profit organization dedicated to building a world of inclusion for people with health conditions and disabilities. Go to www.ABILITYAwareness.org.
Ability Jobs - The largest stand-alone resume bank for people with disabilities. Go to www.ABILITYJobs.com.
Ability Magazine - The largest magazine in the U.S. covering disability issues. Go to www.ABILITYMagazine.com.
Disability Rights Galaxy - A public awareness and disability advocacy project featuring articles, videos, discussion boards, and more. Go to www.disabilityrightsgalaxy.com.
Healthy Children - A website for parents endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics providing information about children's health. Go to www.healthychildren.org.
Knowledge & Involvement Network - A monthly e-newsletter designed to help individuals with disabilities and their families advocate for community services. Subscribe at www.familysupportclearinghouse.org.
Special Needs Parenting - An on-line magazine for parents of children with disabilities or special needs. Go to www.parentingspecialneeds.org.
Wrightslaw Yellow Pages for Kids - A resource directory for parents of children with disabilities. Go to www.yellowpagesforkids.com.
RECREATION
Babe Ruth Bambino Buddy Ball - A support-based baseball league for people with disabilities ages 5 through 20. For more information contact Leslie at (509) 251-2588 or bambinobballmom1@yahoo.com.
Camp Fire USA, Inland Northwest Council - A local non-profit providing camping opportunities for people with developmental disabilities ages 5 through 21 through the You Bet I Can! program. Go to www.campfireinc.org.
Center Point - A local non-profit providing social and leisure opportunities for people with developmental disabilities during the day. Call (509) 325-5451.
Challenger Division Little League Baseball - A local program providing ability-appropriate play for children with developmental disabilities ages 5 through 18. For more information contact: In north or south Spokane, Heather Sutherland (509) 747-0508; on the west plains, Dawn Schafer (509) 624-9554; in Central Valley, Deanna Ristau, (509) 701-4411; in all other areas, Heather Sutherland (509) 951-7990. Click here to watch an introductory video.
City of Spokane's Therapeutic Recreation Services - A City of Spokane program providing recreational opportunities for people with developmental and other disabilities. Go to www.spokaneparks.net/Recreation.
East Central Community Center - A local activity center providing social and recreational activities for people with developmental disabilities of retirement age. Call (509) 625-6693.
Gonzaga University Specialized Recreation Program - A volunteer organization sponsored by students of Gonzaga University providing recreational opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. Go to www.gonzaga.edu or call (509) 328-4220.
Lutherhaven Ministries - A local, faith-based organization providing camping and summer activities for people with developmental disabilities in and around Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Go to www.lutherhaven.com.
Sinto Senior Activity Center - Providing programs and services in education, recreation, nutrition and addressing social and spiritual needs since 1958. Call (509) 327-4210.
Special Olympics Washington - A non-profit organization providing athletic and other competitive events for people with developmental disabilities. Go to www.sowa.org.
Special Olympics Young Athletes - A sports play program that introduces children ages 2 through 7 to the world of sports prior to Special Olympics eligibility. Contact Mary Timm Mueller at (509) 290-6704 or marytimmmueller@msn.com or go to www.specialolympics.org/Young_Athletes.aspx.
Upward Special Kids - A program providing recreational opportunities in basketball and cheerleading to children with physical or intellectual challenges. Contact Angie Cameron at (509) 230-3368 or the Spokane Valley Nazerene church (509) 926-1545.
West Central Community Center - A local activity center providing social and recreational activities for people with developmental disabilities in our community. Call (509) 323-7517.
RESOURCE GUIDES
Spokane Resource Guide - A resource guide for families of children with developmental disabilities in Spokane published by The Partnership, a program of The Arc of Spokane working to prevent abuse and exploitation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Contact Theresa Fears at (509) 328-6326 or tfears@arc-spokane.org for a copy.
Starting Point Guide - A resource guide for children with special health care needs in Washington State, published by Seattle Children's Hospital. Download a copy on-line at www.cshcn.org by clicking "New Diagnosis? Get Started."
SUPPORT GROUPS
Autism Society of Washington (Spokane Chapter) - www.autismsocietyofwa/asw-spokane.org
Chapter Meeting - 3rd Wednesday monthly, 6:30 p.m. at St. Luke's Rehab Center, Conf. Rm. 200, 711 S. Cowley, Spokane.
Teen & Young Adult Social Group (for peope with Asperger's) - 3rd Sunday monthly, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Service Station Coffee House, 9317 N. Nevada, Spokane. Bring a game to share.
Down Syndrome Family Network
Saturday Breakfast - 2nd Saturday in February, April, June, August, October and December, 9:00 a.m. at Jenny's Cafe, 9425 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley. Contact Carolyn Spradley at theothercarolyn@yahoo.com or (509) 499-8792.
Epilepsy Foundation Northwest Spokane - www.epilepsynw.org
Monthly Meeting - 3rd Wednesday monthly, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at The Rec Room, 1522 N. Washington, Spokane. Contaact Ryan Oelrich at roelrich@epilepsynw.org or (509) 325-1128.
Families In Support of Hearing (F.I.S.H.) - Contact Kim Schafer at kim@spokanehopeschool.org or (509) 863-7097.
Parent to Parent - 1st Thursday monthly, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave., Spokane. Open to any parent or guardian who has a child with special needs. Contact Helen Black at (509) 328-6326 or hblack@arc-spokane.org.
Parents for Life - 3rd Wednesday monthly, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave., Spokane. For parents of children with developmental disabilities age 20 or older. Contact Helen Black at (509) 328-6326 or hblack@arc-spokane.org.
People First of Washington - www.peoplefirstsv.com
Lilac Chapter - 2nd & 4th Tuesday monthly, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at the Downtown Public Library, Lower Conference Rm., 906 W. Main St., Spokane.
Spokane Valley Chapter - 2nd & 4th Tuesday monthly, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Ambitions Auditorium, 511 N. Argonne, Spokane.
Spina Bifida Association of Washington State - Contact Ed Kennedy at (509) 768-6379.
Spokane Father's Network - www.spokanefathersnetwork.com
Monthly Meeting - 2nd Thursday monthly, 6:30 p.m. at The Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave., Spokane. For fathers of children with special needs. Contact Gregg Osborne (509) 768-1383.
Traumatic Brain Injury Survivor's Network - www.tbiwa.org
TBI Survivor Support Group - 2nd Wednesday monthly, 7:00 p.m. at St. Lukes Rehap Center, 711 S. Cowley, Conf. Rm. 200, Spokane. Contact Craig Sicilia at (509) 218-7982 or craig@biawa.spokane.org.
Spokane County TBI Survivor Support Group - 4th Wednesday monthly, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Spokane County Library, 12004 E. Main St., Spokane Valley. Contact Craig Sicilia (509) 218-7982 or Toby Brown (509) 868-5388.
North Idaho TBI Survivor Support Group - 3rd Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Kootenai Medical Center, 2003 Lincoln Way, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Contact Ron Grigsby (208) 659-5459.
TRANSPORTATION
Spokane Transit Authority (STA) - Providing transportation opportunities for people with disabilities through fixed and para-transit routes. For routes and schedules go to www.spokanetransit.com or call (509) 328-7433 or TTY (509) 456-4327.
