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Sunday, November 30, 2025 | Special Advertising Section 24of those without %u2014 7.2% versus 3.5%. And though children with disabilitiesmake up 13% of U.S. preschoolers,they account for 75% of those turnedaway from early learning programs.These numbers are a reminder that theinclusion revolution is not finished.Modern DEI (Diversity, Equity andInclusion) consultants like Liz Fosslienemphasize that progress depends on communities that believe every persondeserves a place to learn, work and belong.%u201cNorthwest Center continues to leadthis nationwide inclusion revolution because we embrace the attitude ofour Founding Mothers: we do what%u2019sneeded,%u201d says Boes.Northwest Center%u2019s comprehensiveservices for children and adults withdisabilities provide the foundation and support needed for individuals,families, employers and the community. Programs include:%u2022 Northwest Center Kids: Inclusive early childhood programs wherefamilies receive individualizededucation, advocacy, therapy and support that nurture children with andwithout disabilities.%u2022 Hospital to Home: Supportshospitalized babies and families asthey transition home.%u2022 Early Supports: Familycentered services for children with developmental delays, offeringeducation, therapy and resources forlifelong growth.%u2022 Early Learning: Inclusive early learning centers where children agessix weeks to five years learn and playside by side.%u2022 IMPACT Program: Provides live trainings and on-demand courses foreducators, employers and community leaders to build inclusive environments.%u2022 Employment Services: Empowers adults with disabilities throughjob coaching, placement and skilldevelopment, giving individualsindependence and purpose whilestrengthening workplaces.%u2022 Employment TransformationCollective: Partners with employersto build inclusive workplaces usingresearch-based strategies that remove barriers and unlock workforcepotential.In 2024 alone, Northwest Centerserved more than 35,000 peoplewith disabilities through earlylearning and employment programs.Each number represents a persongaining opportunity, confidence and independence. Over 3,500 earlylearning providers in 12 countries received training, extending the reachof inclusion around the world.%u201cThe inclusive world we all deserve will require educators, employers and advocates to listen to every voice,%u201d Boes says.SPONSORED CONTENTPROVIDED BY NORTHWEST CENTER Thanks to four Seattle mothers andtheir allies, Seattle is the birthplace ofspecial education.Janet Taggart, Katie Dolan, CecileLindquist and Evelyn Chapman created %u201cbasement schools%u201d in local churchesand community centers %u2014 places where their children could learn andthrive. Their success proved what theyalready kne children with disabilities were capable, curious and deserving of equal opportunity.In 1965, they founded NorthwestCenter to promote the growth, development and independence of people with disabilities througheducation, therapy and employment.Determined to make inclusionpermanent, the founders partneredwith University of Washington lawstudents William %u201cBill%u201d Dussault andGeorge Edensword-Breck to draft thenation%u2019s first law guaranteeing publiceducation for children with disabilities. In 1971, Governor Dan Evans signedHouse Bill 90 %u2014 Education for All%u2014 into law. That groundbreaking legislation became the model for the national Education for All HandicappedChildren Act of 1975, later renamed theIndividuals with Disabilities EducationAct.Creating space for people of allabilities strengthens our communities,says Gene Boes, Northwest Centerpresident and CEO. While inclusion hascome a long way in 60 years, there isstill much to do. People with disabilitiesface an unemployment rate twice thatSeattle: Birthplace of special educationPlease join Northwest Center inbuilding a more inclusive world.Your support helps children and adults of all abilities accesseducation, employment andopportunity. Donate now by Signing of House Bill 90 in 1971. (Northwest Center) visiting nwcenter.org.Northwest Center crew at work at the Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks in Seattle, April 20, 2023. (Photo by Dan DeLong for Northwest Center)Research shows that when inclusionis prioritized, everyone benefits.Children in inclusive classroomsdevelop stronger problem-solving andsocial-emotional skills. Employees ininclusive workplaces report higher engagement, lower turnover andgreater innovation. Communitiesthat invest in early intervention andequitable employment see lastingreturns through economic growth andsocial connection.Programs like early learning, early supports and inclusive employmentdon%u2019t just change individual lives %u2014they strengthen the fabric of society, Boes says. Every child who learns acceptance in an inclusive classroomgrows into an adult who values diversity. Every employer who invests in accessibility builds a stronger team. And every donor who supports these programs helps ensure that opportunity is determined not by ability,but by possibility.