Disabilities
Disability services span assistive technology, early intervention, employment support, financial assistance, and traumatic brain injury resources. Together with advocacy and community programs, they aim to foster independence, inclusion, and a better quality of life for people with disabilities and their families.
News related to Disabilities
What veterans should know about VA’s proposed change to rating scars
Veterans should be aware of a proposed change to how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) rates scars. Currently, the VA uses a specific rating schedule to evaluate scars, which can affect veterans’ disability compensation. The proposed change aims to simplify the rating process and make it mo...
UW Autism Center Annual Benefit
The University of Washington Autism Center held its annual benefit on Dec. 5, 2025, to raise funds for autism research and support programs. The event featured keynote speakers, including renowned autism advocates and researchers, who shared insights on the latest developments in autism treatment...
Veteran rebuilds strength through Compensated Work Therapy Program
The Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) program offers veterans an opportunity to rebuild their strength and skills through meaningful work experiences. This program is part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and is designed to help veterans who are facing challenges in their transition to civ...
Early Mobility Innovation for Young Children with IDD
A new initiative focuses on early mobility innovation for young children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This program aims to improve the mobility options available to these children, recognizing that mobility is crucial for their development and independence. By introduci...
DEEL Awards $1.49M in Community Grants Focused on Expanding Perinatal Health Programming
A recent initiative in Seattle aims to enhance educational opportunities for students by providing additional resources to local schools. The program focuses on increasing access to advanced courses, improving support for students with special needs, and expanding extracurricular activities. Key ...
NCD Seeks Input on Disability Training
The National Council on Disability (NCD) is seeking public input on disability training programs to enhance the effectiveness of services provided to individuals with disabilities. This initiative aims to gather insights from various stakeholders, including individuals with disabilities, families...
IDEA Anniversary and Inclusion Resources
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) celebrates its anniversary, highlighting its crucial role in promoting inclusive education for students with disabilities. The act ensures access to a free appropriate public education and mandates that schools provide necessary services and ...
Warriors Club
The Warriors Club, initiated by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), aims to provide veterans with a supportive community and opportunities for camaraderie. Members can engage in various activities, including social events, volunteer opportunities, and advocacy efforts that promote veteran issue...
This Giving Tuesday: Help BrightSpark Amplify Stories Like Chelon’s!
On this Giving Tuesday, BrightSpark encourages support to amplify impactful stories like that of Chelon. Chelon, a dedicated community member, has faced significant challenges but continues to inspire others through her resilience and commitment to social change. By sharing her journey, BrightSpa...
Vacation at VA: One woman’s mindset to master blindness
A blind veteran shares her journey of embracing life after losing her sight. Initially, the transition was daunting, filled with challenges that affected her confidence and independence. However, through support from her family and veterans’ organizations, she gradually learned to navigate her ne...
Adaptive golf for veterans: The role of golf buddies in recovery
Adaptive golf programs provide essential support for veterans, helping them navigate their recovery journeys. These initiatives focus on fostering camaraderie and connection through the sport of golf, allowing veterans to engage in physical activity while building friendships. Golf buddies, often...
Giving Tuesday: Support the Clinic Support Program
On Giving Tuesday, the focus is on enhancing the Clinic Support Program, which provides critical resources and support for clinics serving individuals with disabilities. Donations made on this day will directly impact the availability and quality of services offered to the community. The Clinic S...
Recognizing Metro’s Operators of the Month (September-October 2025)
Metro has recognized its Operators of the Month for September and October 2025, highlighting the exceptional service and dedication of its staff. For September, Daniel Kearney, a West Seattle operator, was honored for his outstanding customer service and ability to maintain a positive atmosphere ...
Community Session: Improving Care for Families with FASDs
A community session aimed at improving care for families affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) took place recently, gathering diverse stakeholders to share insights and experiences. Participants included healthcare providers, educators, and family members, all discussing the challe...
November Publication Updates
November brought a series of updates related to community engagement and development initiatives in Seattle. Key highlights include the release of the latest edition of the Building Connections newsletter, featuring articles on various projects that promote accessibility and inclusion. The newsle...
King County Solutions Weekly Roundup: November 23–November 29, 2025
This week, King County Solutions tracked 72 public-sector and nonprofit updates for the period ending Nov. 29. From major budget decisions in Seattle and King County to emergency food responses during the federal SNAP shutdown and new supports for veterans, the through-line is clear: Local instit...
Adaptive sports: Healing in motion
Veterans participating in adaptive sports have found a pathway to healing and recovery through physical activity. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) supports these programs, emphasizing their importance in enhancing the well-being of veterans with disabilities. Adaptive sports offer opp...
VA Research Wrap Up: New findings on lung cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and maternity care
VA research is advancing in various critical health areas, focusing on lung cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and maternity care. A recent study highlights the effectiveness of a new lung cancer screening protocol that utilizes low-dose CT scans, significantly improving early detection rates among vet...
Down Syndrome-Connect Research Study Roundup
Down Syndrome Connect has released a roundup of recent research studies focused on Down syndrome. The studies cover a range of topics, including the impact of early intervention, advancements in educational strategies, and the effectiveness of various therapeutic approaches. One key finding empha...
Getting to know Dave
Dave, a senior participant in the Senior Community Meals program, has been attending lunches since the program’s early days at the Lake City Community Center. He lives with cerebral palsy, which limits his ability to speak and walk, but he has built close friendships within his community. This ye...
Events for Disabilities
Sight Tech Global Virtual Conference
Join us for the Sight Tech Global Virtual Conference, taking place from December 9 to 11, 2025. This free, fully virtual event is dedicated to exploring how advancements in AI and technology can enhance accessibility for individuals with vision loss. Attendees can expect engaging panels, live dem...
Social Services Community Connection
Join us for the Social Services Community Connection on Dec. 9, 2025, at the South Park Neighborhood Center, located at 8201 10th Ave. S, Seattle, WA. This event offers an opportunity to meet with Janette and learn about various social services and resources available in the community. Whether yo...
CISC - Medical Insurance Consulting Service - Cantonese and Mandarin
Join us on Dec. 9, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at CISC, located at 16305 NE 87th St., Suite 123, Redmond, Wash., for a Medical Insurance Consulting Service offered in Cantonese and Mandarin. This free event provides valuable resources for community members seeking assistance with health care cove...
Course Accessibility Lunch & Learn: Explore UDOIT, our new Canvas Accessibility Checker
Join us on Dec. 9, 2025, at 12 p.m. for a Course Accessibility Lunch & Learn focused on UDOIT, our new Canvas accessibility checker. This engaging session will provide attendees with insights into how to effectively use UDOIT to enhance course accessibility. Participants will learn practical ...
Low Vision Group
Join the Low Vision Group on Dec. 9, 2025, from 2 to 3 p.m. at The Center for Active Living, located at 4217 SW Oregon St., Seattle, WA. This supportive gathering invites individuals facing low vision challenges to share their experiences and access valuable resources. Attendees can expect a welc...
Exercise & Cancer: Qigong Sponsored by EvergreenHealth
Join us online on Dec. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. PST for “Exercise & Cancer: Qigong,” sponsored by EvergreenHealth. This session offers a gentle, flowing practice that combines movement, breath, and mindfulness to enhance overall well-being. Participants can expect to increase their energy...
Community Resource Fair
Join us for the Community Resource Fair on Dec. 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Tukwila Library, located at 14380 Tukwila International Blvd. This event is designed to support community members in need, featuring various social service providers who can connect you with essential resources...
Parkinson’s Support Group
Join the Parkinson’s Support Group on Dec. 15, 2025, from 2 to 3 p.m. at The Center for Active Living, located at 4217 SW Oregon St., Seattle, WA. This monthly in-person gathering is designed for individuals living with Parkinson’s, as well as their caregivers, spouses, and significant others. At...
Social Services Community Connection
Join us on Dec. 16, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the South Park Neighborhood Center for the Social Services Community Connection event. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with Janette, who will provide information on various social services and resources available in the communit...
CISC - Medical Insurance Consulting Service - Cantonese and Mandarin
Join us on Dec. 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at CISC, located at 16305 NE 87th St., Suite 123, Redmond, Wash., for the Medical Insurance Consulting Service available in Cantonese and Mandarin. This free event is designed to empower community members by providing person-centered assistance with health...
Get Moving!
Join us for “Get Moving!” on Dec. 16, 2025, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at The Center for Active Living, located at 4217 SW Oregon St., Seattle, WA. This engaging workout class, led by physical therapist Sherryl DeVries, is designed for all fitness levels, particularly those with a Parkinson’s diagno...
Improving Accessibility in Computing Courses: Open office hours
Join us for “Improving Accessibility in Computing Courses: Open Office Hours” on Dec. 18, 2025, at 10 a.m. PST. This event is designed for educators, students, and anyone interested in enhancing accessibility in computing education. Attendees can expect to engage in discussions, share ideas, and ...
UW Traumatic Brain Injury - Behavioral Health ECHO
Join the UW Traumatic Brain Injury - Behavioral Health ECHO on Dec. 19, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. PST. This monthly online clinic connects front-line health care providers with specialists to discuss evidence-based treatments and case consultations for managing behavioral health issues in p...
Social Services Community Connection
Join us on Dec. 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the South Park Neighborhood Center for the Social Services Community Connection. This event offers a valuable opportunity to meet with Janette, who will guide attendees through the various social services and resources available in the community. ...
Course Accessibility Lunch & Learn: Ask Us! Accessibility Resources at the UW Libraries
Join us for the Course Accessibility Lunch & Learn on Jan. 6, 2026, at noon via Zoom. This interactive session invites attendees to ask questions and learn about the accessibility resources available at the University of Washington Libraries. Whether you’re an educator, student, or staff memb...
Winter Accessibility POP Session 2: Accessibility Checkers
Join us for the Winter Accessibility POP Session 2: Accessibility Checkers on Jan. 21, 2026, at 3 p.m. PST via Zoom. This interactive session will focus on using accessibility checkers to enhance digital content and ensure inclusivity. Attendees can expect to learn about various tools available f...
Course Accessibility Lunch & Learn: Seven Practical Moves Toward Disability Justice in the Classroom
Join us for the Course Accessibility Lunch & Learn on Feb. 3, 2026, at 12 p.m. via Zoom. This engaging session will focus on “Seven Practical Moves Toward Disability Justice in the Classroom.” Attendees can expect to learn actionable strategies to make their teaching more inclusive and access...
Winter Accessibility POP Session 3: Canvas Accessibility Tips
Join us for the Winter Accessibility POP Session 3 on Feb. 4, 2026, at 3 p.m. PST via Zoom. This interactive session will focus on Canvas accessibility tips, providing attendees with practical strategies to enhance accessibility in their online courses. Participants can expect to engage in discus...
Winter Accessibility POP Session 4: Simple Alternative text
Join us for the Winter Accessibility POP Session 4: Simple Alternative Text on Feb. 11, 2026, at 3 p.m. PST via Zoom. This interactive session will focus on the importance of alternative text for images, helping attendees learn how to create effective descriptions that enhance accessibility for a...
Winter Accessibility POP Session 5: Accessible Slide Design
Join us for the Winter Accessibility POP Session 5: Accessible Slide Design on Feb. 25, 2026, at 3 p.m. This virtual event focuses on creating accessible presentations, ensuring that your slides are inclusive for all audiences. Attendees will learn practical tips and techniques for designing slid...
Organizations focused on Disabilities
- Akin
- Alzheimer's Association
- American Council of the Blind (ACB)
- Archdiocese of Seattle
- Arms Around You (AAY)
- Beehave Academy
- Benefits Law Center (BLC)
- Birth to Three Developmental Center (BTT)
- Boyer Children's Clinic (BCC)
- Catholic Community Services of Western Washington (CCSWW)
- Center for Technology and Disability Studies
- Children's Therapy Center (CTC)
- Circle of Caring Friends Charity (CCF)
- City of Bellevue Human Services Division
- DESC
- Department of Labor (DOL)
- Department of Services for the Blind (DSB)
- Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
- Disability Empowerment Center (DEC)
- Dispute Resolution Center of King County (KCDRC)
- Encompass
- Experimental Education Unit (EEU) (EEU)
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Education
- Friends of Youth
- Greater Maple Valley Community Center
- Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center
- Hilltop
- Honor and Courage Foundation (HCF)
- HopeCentral
- Horn of Africa Services (HOAS)
- Inatai Foundation
- Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD)
- International Rescue Committee (IRC)
- Iraqi Community Center of Washington (IRCCW)
- Jewish Family Service Seattle
- Kids And Family Counseling
- Kindering
- Kinderminds
- King County
- King County Solutions
- Lifeline Support
- Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW)
- Mother Nation
- NAACP
- NOSSCR Referral Service
- North Seattle College
- Northshore Senior Center
- Olive Crest (OC)
- Opal: Food + Body Wisdom (OPAL)
- Open Doors for Multicultural Families (ODMF)
- POCAAN
- Peer Washington
- Praisealujah Discipleship
- Providence PACE (PACE)
- Puget Sound Labor Agency Food Bank
- Refugee Women's Alliance
- Ryther
- SOUND Behavioral Health
- Seattle Human Services Department
- Seattle's Union Gospel Mission - Men's Recovery Program (UGM)
- Senior Center Village
- Skate Like a Girl (SLG)
- Social Security Administration (SSA)
- Sound Generations
- THIRA Health (THIRA)
- The Center for Pediatric Dentistry
- The Genesis Project (GP)
- Together Center
- Transforming Age
- UW Autism Center (UWAC)
- Ukrainian Community Center of Washington (UCCWA)
- Washington Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth (CDHY)
- Wonderland Child & Family Services (WCFS)
- YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish
- Youth Eastside Services (YES)