List of Resources & Services

All links to other websites contained within this web-site are for the purposes of information and convenience only. The Arc of Island & Skagit does not endorse the following organizations and is not responsible for the content or privacy practices of these sites and suggests you review their privacy statements.

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Skagit County Espanol Recursos (Resource Guide Spanish)

Advocacy
  • The Arc of Island & Skagit
    Working together for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Island & Skagit Counties! Offering new opportunities for you and your family members!
  • The Arc of the USA
    The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
  • The Arc of Washington State
    Advocates for the rights of citizens with developmental disabilities.
  • The Arc of Washington Advocacy Center
    Make a big difference in just FIVE minutes!
  • Children's Council of Skagit County
    The Children's Council of Skagit County is an alliance of many individuals, non-profits, local businesses and governmental agencies - who work together to promote issues of importance for the well being of children and families. We advocate community, business and leadership support for a multitude of projects, including: social services, literacy, health, early learning opportunities, school readiness and violence prevention.
  • Community Advocacy Coalition
    The DD CAC consists of 38 statewide organizations whose purpose is to provide a unified voice in advocating for supports and services for people with developmental disabilities.
  • Parent Coalitions around Washington State
    Building a Strong Core of Committed Advocates:
    Parents and Family Members of People with Developmental Disabilities
  • Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council
    Partnering with People with Developmental Disabilities to Build Better Lives

County Services
  • Children's Council of Skagit County
    The Children's Council of Skagit County is an alliance of many individuals, non-profits, local businesses and governmental agencies - who work together to promote issues of importance for the well being of children and families. We advocate community, business and leadership support for a multitude of projects, including: social services, literacy, health, early learning opportunities, school readiness and violence prevention.
  • Island County  Human Services
    The Island County  Developmental Disabilities program coordinates, funds, and manages local services for children from birth to three and for adults 21 and over who have developmental disabilities.  We work actively with families, schools, the business community, as well as local, state, and federal governments to facilitate full contribution for all citizens who experience developmental disabilities. 

Education
  • Autism Outreach Project
    The Autism Outreach Project (AOP) is a State Needs Project through the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, in collaboration with the Early Support for Infants and Toddlers program in the Department of Early Learning and NWESD. Our mission is to provide information, education, and assistance focused on building the capacity of schools, families, and agencies to ensure that children and students with autism spectrum disorders, birth through 21, are appropriately served throughout the state of Washington. 
  • Easter Seals
    Easter Seals provides exceptional services, education, outreach, and advocacy so that people living with autism and other disabilities can live, learn, work and play in our communities.
  • Education Evaluator
    Are you looking for an experienced independent educational evaluator who can perform educational evaluations at your home?  Dr. Steve Becker is a qualified educational evaluator who has worked in special education since 1973 & comes with a full slate of credentials. Click here for more information: www.stevebeckerassociates.com or call 206-935-2479
  • FYI Transition
    This is the portal to F Y I transition, a web site designed for older students with disabilities, their families, and professionals in the field of transition from school to work.
  • My Child Without Limits
    is an authoritative early intervention resource for families of young children ages 0-5 with developmental delays or disabilities, and professionals looking for a single, trusted, aggregate source of information that relates to their needs and interests.
  • Samish Longhouse Head Start & Child Care Center
    Head Start
    Community Child Care
    Assistance Program
  • SPARC
    Skagit Preschool and Resource Center - provides educational, therapeutic and behavioral programs for children with special needs from birth to six.
  • SPARC Kids Assistive Technology
    Our vision for this program is to provide services and devices to children with disabilities that will enable them to be active participants in their education.  Assistive Technology (AT) is both a device and/or any service that helps an individual with a disability to improve or maintain their functional capabilities.
  • Special Education Support Center
    The Washington Education Association works collaboratively with numerous organizations who share an interest in insuring that educators and the families they serve have a clear understanding of state and federal rules and best practices related to students with disabilities. The WEA will continue to provide training to all educators, including administrators and pre-service teachers, parents, and service organizations.
  • Washington PAVE
    Partnerships for Action, Voices for Empowerment: The majority of PAVE staff are parents who have children with special needs. PAVE, a non-profit organization, exists to share information and resources with people whose lives are linked to children and adults with disabilities. PAVE can help you understand the educational system for preschoolers and school-age children.
  • We Connect Now
    We Connect is dedicated to uniting college students with disabilities in access to higher education and employment issues.
  • Wrightslaw Training
    Parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys come to Wrightslaw for accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities.
  • Yellow Pages for Kids
    Find educational consultants, psychologists, educational diagnosticians, health care providers, academic therapists, tutors, speech language therapists, occupational therapists, coaches, advocates, and attorneys for children with disabilities.

Employment
  • Chinook Enterprises
    Chinook Enterprises provides products/services that meet or exceed our customers expectations while developing and maintaining employment opportunities for persons with those barriers.
  • FYI Transition
    This is the portal to F Y I transition, a web site designed for older students with disabilities, their families, and professionals in the field of transition from school to work.
  • Goodwill Job Training
    Our mission is work. Goodwill helps disadvantaged people achieve economic independence through programs designed to assist those with significant barriers to employment.
  • Rehabco
    Rehabco has been a private provider of human services in the State of Washington for over 25 years. Services are provided under state and county contracts. We offer individualized programs tailored to meet the specific needs of each person we work with.
  • Service Alternatives
    Service Alternatives is a multi-faceted human services agency with a clear vision and strong values. We support individuals and families of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities and provide a spectrum of services that include employment services, residential services, wraparound/kinship services, foster care, school-based services, independent living support, consultation and training.
  • Washington Initiative for Supported Employment
    The Washington Initiative for Supported Employment is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to expanding employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.
  • Washington Vocational Services
    Washington Vocational Services is a private non-profit agency that has been providing valuable work force development services within our communities since 1976. We are dedicated to providing employment services that meet the needs of the employers as well as those of the job seeker. Our trained staff works to match the right people with good jobs.

Family Support
  • The Arc of Island & Skagit
    Working together for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Island & Skagit Counties! Offering new opportunities for you and your family members!
  • The Arc of Washington State - Parent to Parent
    Statewide Parent to Parent - Program of the Arc of Washington State
  • Anacortes Kiwanis Aktion Club
    We're a community service group for adult citizens living with disabilities.
  • Caregiver Support Program
    If you spend 40+ hours a week taking care of a friend or family member  over 18 yrs old in Skagit County and are not paid for this work, you are considered an unpaid family caregiver and can receive services from the Family Caregiver Support Program.  For more information, call the Family Caregiver Support Program at 360.428-1301
  • Fathers Network
    We celebrate and support fathers and families raising children with special health care needs and developmental disabilities.
  • Informing Families
    This website is sponsored by the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council, in collaboration with the Division of Developmental Disabilities and others, to provide information about issues, services and supports that make a difference in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
  • MUMS
    MUMS is a national Parent-to-Parent organization for parents or care providers of a child with any disability, rare or not so rare disorder, chromosomal abnormality or health condition.
  • Parent to Parent USA
    For over 36 years Parent to Parent programs across the country have been providing emotional and informational support to families of children who have special needs most notably by matching parents seeking support with an experienced, trained 'Support Parent'.
  • Sibling Support
    The Sibling Support Project is a national effort dedicated to the life-long concerns of brothers and sisters of people who have special health, developmental, or mental health concerns.
  • Statewide Parent to Parent Groups
  • Skagit Macaroni Kid
    Skagit Macaroni Kid will quickly become THE place to find family friendly events and activities in and around the Skagit Valley. Tell your friends, tell your church, tell your school, tell your kids’ sports teams and clubs, tell everyone you know about Skagit Macaroni Kid! It’s free, it’s fun, it’s for families!!
  • Skagit Parent to Parent
    Parents helping parents with emotional support and information to families of children with special needs and/or disabilities. Program of SPARC 360-416-7570
  • Washington DADS
    WADADS is currently offering 6 dads support groups across the state. A Dads Group can be a great source for finding resources. We each have our own set of issues, stress, and problems to survive daily. Sometimes it can all be overwhelming, to say the least. But when you attend a dads support group, one thing does become incredibly clear... You are not alone, all of us have similar issues to deal with.

General
  • Assurance Wireless
    Apply for your free phone and free nationwide service.
  • Disability.gov
    Connecting the disability community to information & opportunities.
  • Disability Starter Kits - Social Security Administration
    The Disability Starter Kit will help you get ready for your disability interview or online application. Kits are available for adults and for children under age 18.
    - Fact sheet     that answers questions most people ask about applying for disability benefits,
    - Checklist     of documents and information we will request, and
    - Worksheet     to help you gather and organize the information you will need.
  • RoadId
    Id bracelets for the whole family. Click here for a valuable coupon.
  • SafeLink Wireless
    SAFELINK WIRELESS® service is U.S. government supported program for Income eligible households provided by TracFone Wireless, Inc. In order to participate in the SAFELINK WIRELESS® service, persons must meet certain eligibility requirements set by each State where the service is to be provided.
  • SPARC
    Skagit Preschool and Resource Center - provides educational, therapeutic and behavioral programs for children with special needs from birth to six.
  • Summit Assistance Dogs
    We provide highly skilled mobility, hearing and professional therapy dogs for people living with disabilities.
  • Washington Connection
    Find out if you're eligible for a wide range of services. Apply, renew your benefits or report a change for the benefits you're receiving now.

Grants & Assistance
  • Act Today
    “Our Mission: ACT Today! provides grant money for families that cannot afford or access the treatments their autistic children need. From protective helmets, to social skills groups, to ABA and biomedical treatments, ACT Today! does everything they can to help autistic children achieve their highest potential. Through direct donation, corporate sponsorship and community generosity, ACT Today! is changing the lives of children TODAY.”
  • Autism Family Resources
    “Our Mission is simple, to provide special needs families and caregivers with the financial means to acquire the "simple things" they so often are not able to obtain.”
  • Easter Seals
    Easter Seals provides exceptional services, education, outreach, and advocacy so that people living with autism and other disabilities can live, learn, work and play in our communities.
  • Modest Needs
    Modest Needs provides small grants for low income families. “Modest Needs' grant programs are designed PRIMARILY to assist individuals and families who generally are able to pay their monthly bills with no help from anyone, who don't qualify for conventional types of social or charitable assistance, and who are facing a financial crisis because they've encountered a single, unexpected expense they just can't afford on their own.” Some examples of grants are broken stove, car repair, heating bills and other independent living skills needs.
  • National Autism Association
    Provides grants for family in need of services for their children who have a diagnosis of autism. “The Helping Hand Program provides families with financial assistance in getting necessary biomedical treatments, supplements and therapy services for their autistic child. Do not apply for this grant if you are seeking funds for respite care, fencing, trampolines, swing sets, trips to Disney World, etc.” Some examples of services provided: biomedical treatments, supplements or therapies (this does include summer camp programs).
  • Straight Talk on Free Phones
    Living on a low-income and can't afford a cell phone? There are a few options available to receive a free cell phone with low-cost "lifeline" pay-as-you-go plans. Follow the link for more information.
  • United Healthcare
    The United Healthcare Children's Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity dedicated to facilitating access to medical-related services that have the potential to significantly enhance either the clinical condition or the quality of life of the child and that are not fully covered by the available commercial health benefit plan. This “support” is in the form of a medical grant to be used for medical services not covered or not completely covered by commercial health benefit plans.” Some examples of services provided: speech therapy, physical therapy, wheelchairs and hearing aids.

Health
  • Beach Center on Disability
    Through excellence in research, teaching and technical assistance, and service in Kansas, the United States of America, and globally, and through collaborations with those individuals and entities dedicated to the same ends, the Beach Center on Disability will make a significant and sustainable difference in the quality of life of families and individuals affected by disability and of those who are closely involved with them.
  • Cascade Dafo Inc.
    As the leader in innovation, design, and manufacturing of dynamic orthoses for children, Cascade Dafo, Inc. introduced the first Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthosis (DAFO®) more than 25 years ago. Focused on the mobility challenges of young patients, our entire company is passionate about helping children lead healthier, happier lives.
  • Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center
    Ranked as one of the best children's hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report and Child magazines, Children's serves as the pediatric referral center for Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho.
  • Children with Special Health Care Needs
    The Center for Children with Special Needs provides information to families and professionals focusing on children who have chronic physical, developmental, behavioral or emotional conditions such as asthma, cancer, autism, or cerebral palsy.
  • NORD - National Organization for Rare Disorders
    The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), a 501(c)(3) organization, is a unique federation of voluntary health organizations dedicated to helping people with rare "orphan" diseases and assisting the organizations that serve them. NORD is committed to the identification, treatment, and cure of rare disorders through programs of education, advocacy, research, and service.

Legal Issues
  • American with Disabilities Act
    ADA (American with Disabilities Act) Regulations and Technical Assistance Materials
  • Disability Rights Washington
    Disability Rights Washington (DRW) is a private non-profit organization that protects the rights of people with disabilities statewide. Our mission is to advance the dignity, equality, and self-determination of people with disabilities. We work to pursue justice on matters related to human and legal rights.
    We provide free advocacy services to people with disabilities. Contact us for:
    * Disability rights information and referrals;
    * Problem solving strategies for disability issues;
    * Community education and training; and
    * Legal services for disability discrimination or violation of rights.
  • Dussault Law Group
    Our practice focuses on serving individuals who experience disabling conditions, their families and the professionals who serve them. We also provide general estate planning services.
  • PAL Washington
    The Partnership Access Line (PAL) is a telephone based child mental health consultation system funded by the state legislature, being implemented now in Washington State. PAL employs child psychiatrists, child psychologists, and social workers affiliated with Seattle Children’s Hospital to deliver its consultation services. Though PAL is only contracted to provide service to 1/3rd of the state, at this time the PAL team is making itself available to any primary care provider throughout Washington.
    Washington’s primary care providers are encouraged to call the PAL toll free number 866-599-7257 as often as they would like. PAL provides rapid consultation responses during business hours (M-F, 8-5) for any type of child mental health issue that arises with any child.
  • Seattle Disability Law
    We provide high-quality legal services to persons with both developmental and age-related disabilities and their families. Our services include: wills and trusts, guardianship's, Medicaid planning, Social Security appeals, eligibility for developmental disability services, special education disputes, personal injury, and disability discrimination claims.
  • Washington LawHelp
    Looking for LEGAL help?
    Locate legal aid resources in your area. Browse hundreds of free helpful legal publications and do-it-yourself packets covering many common civil legal problems such as debt, divorce, land-lord tenant, consumer, education, employment, government benefits and more.
    Washington LawHelp is provided as a public service by the Northwest Justice Project in collaboration with other legal aid providers in the Alliance for Equal Justice and Washington courts.
  • The Life Opportunities Trust formerly called the DD Endowment, is a public-private partnership that makes it possible for families to enhance the quality of life for their loved ones with a developmental disability, and for individuals with developmental disabilities to participate in their own financial future. 

Medical
  • Children with Special Health Care Needs
    The Center for Children with Special Needs was formed in 1998 as a program of Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle, Washington. The Center focuses on improving systems of care for children with special needs through education, research and evaluation. Our work impacts policy, quality of care, education and family partnerships in health care.
  • Disabled Discounts
    Discounts for people with disabilities.
  • Google Health
    **Google Health has been discontinued. You can download and delete the data you have stored in Google Health through January 1, 2013 by signing in, but you will no longer be able to view, edit, share, or enter new data.
  • HSDC Center
    The Hearing, Speech & Deafness Center strengthens community by promoting effective communication. (360) 647-0910 (360) 255-7166 VP (360) 647-8058 TTY
  • Lions Club Eye Glasses and Hearing Aids
    LIONS Club Contacts for Eyeglasses & Hearing Aids for people with disabilities & low-income.
  • Medicaid Reference Desk
    The Medicaid Reference Desk is a tool to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities find out what Medicaid can offer them.
  • Microsoft HealthVault
    Sign up for your FREE account. Online health tools and devices offer a growing range of ways to get the important health information you’re tracking into your HealthVault record. Many tools let you analyze and manage that information to help you achieve your health and fitness goals. 
  • Prescription Assistance Program
    The Partnership for Prescription Assistance helps qualifying patients without prescription drug coverage get the medicines they need for free or nearly free. Our mission is to increase awareness of patient assistance programs and boost enrollment of those who are eligible. We offer a single point of access to more than 475 public and private programs, including nearly 200 offered by pharmaceutical companies. We have already helped millions of Americans get free or reduced-cost prescription medicines.
  • Seattle Children's Hospital
    4800 Sand Point Way NE Seattle, WA 98105 206-987-2000, 866-987-2000 (toll-free) Ranked as one of the best children's hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report and Child magazines, Children's serves as the pediatric referral center for Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho.
  • SEIU Training Partnership
    Parent Provider Training for MPC care is provided through the SEIU Training Partnership. For more information, visit their website or phone # 1-866-371-3200. The Arc of Island & Skagit does not currently offer this training just yet but we hope to within the next 6 – 12 months.
  • SPARC
    Skagit Preschool and Resource Center - provides educational, therapeutic and behavioral programs for children with special needs from birth to six.

Recreation & Social Opportunities
  • M-Bar-C Ranch
    Mission Statement To promote old-fashioned fun through a western adventure for a wide variety of children and adults. The ranch provides a safe and enriching environment where everyone, despite physical or mental limitations, have the opportunity to enjoy being a kid for a day!
  • Sensory Friendly Films
    AMC Theatres (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program.
    Click here for upcoming films at the Burlington Mall.
  • Skagit Special Olympics (Their website is not working right now.) Schedules and applications can be found below.
    Quality program of physical fitness training and sports competition with a focus on friendship and FUN... Ten weeks of training and athletic competition in each sport for children (at least 8 years of age) & adults with intellectual disabilities. Athlete's Oath: "Let me win, But if I cannot win, Let me be brave In the attempt."
    Application for Participation
    New Athlete Welcome Letter
    2011 Bowling Schedule
    2011 Basketball Schedule
    2011 Volleyball Schedule 
  • Trips Inc. Special Adventures
    Special Adventures provides all-inclusive vacation packages for travelers ages 16 & older with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Warm Beach Programs for Special Needs Kids & Adults
    Experience a camp specifically designed for special needs persons age 15 through adult. Enjoy all the fun activities and camp adventures such as swimming, mini golf, trail rides (extra fee), challenge course, crafts, skits, and more!
  • Y-STAR
    Y-STAR formally known as Rec N Roll is funded in part by Skagit County Community
    Services. The Y has recently partnered with the county to continue to offer this
    successful program to individuals who have a disability. We strive to provide opportunities for members of our community to participate in Supportive Trips, Activities, and Recreation.

Self-Advocates
  • People First of Washington
    This is a self advocacy organization for people with disabilities, who are people first and their disabilities is secondary.
  • People First of Skagit County
    Our Mission Statement: "To assist people of disability to realize and appreciate that we are PEOPLE FIRST and our disabilities are secondary and that we are equal citizens in our communities"
  • Self Advocates in Leadership (SAIL)
    SAIL is statewide coalition that focuses on shaping public policy. Self Advocates of Washington Chapters in Pierce and Kitsap Counties. 1.253.571.8665

Therapists
  • SPARC
    Skagit Preschool and Resource Center - provides educational, therapeutic and behavioral programs for children with special needs from birth to six. 
  • Northwest Autism Clinic (no website at present)  360-691-9824
       Dr. Melissa MacNeal, M.A., Ph.D., Autistic and Behavior Consultant
       2615 Old Hwy. 99 S. Road
       Mt. Vernon, WA 98273

Specializing in intensive early intervention, treatment and verbal behavior           therapy for children with autism and other developmental delays.
  • Delayed Speech and Language Development
  • ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Therapy
  • Diagnostic Assessment
  • Program Management
  • School Consultations
  • Challenging Behaviors
Video Links