- disAbility Resource Center
Everett WA, USA
The DRC is a Center for Independent Living funded primarily by a grant
from the Rehabilitation Services Administration of the U.S. Department of
Education. The DRC is located in Everett, Washington, USA, and serves residents with
disabilities of northwest Washington, (Snohomish, Island, Skagit, Whatcom and San Juan
Counties who need Independent Living services.
Please sign our Guest Book
Our Mission: The disAbility Resource Center is a positive disability organization working daily to promote individual independence and a better quality of life for all.
The DRC works to make sure that people with disabilities are assured of their human and constitutional rights by promoting public understanding and acceptance of disability and by supporting civil rights.
The DRC operates under the Washington Coalition of Citizens with disAbilities (WCCD), a 501 (c)(3), a nonprofit organization supported by grants, memberships, volunteers and donations. Membership in WCCD is $15 per year, and members receive a quarterly newsletter. Checks may be sent to WCCD at 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N., Suite 100, Seattle WA 98103-6952. WCCD is a member agency of United Way of King County.
The DRC provides information and referral in all areas of disability, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, transportation, housing, peer support, insurance and Personal Assistance Services.
Staff are trained to answer the email and telephone queries and are able to use practical knowledge combined with personal experience to assist persons in locating appropriate resources.
For information and referral email us at or call: 425-347-5768, or for Western Washington 1-800-315-3583.
The disAbility Resource Center currently offers the following peer support groups:
- Women with DisAbilities
- Young Adult Transition Support Group
- Parents with disAbilities Network
As interest grows, other support groups will be scheduled to meet. Please feel free to call the DRC office and indicate a preference or need.
Skills Training
Computer Skills Training
Computer skills training is one key to employment and personal independence. Self-paced tutorials are available on all levels of Windows 95 and Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel. The CD-ROM tutorials allow learners to repeat each lesson as many times as needed. Call the Center to schedule an intake interview. All computer training is offered at our Everett office, which is easily accessible from I-5 or by bus (Everett Transit #6 and #7).
Training is available to learn how to access the Internet. The DRC has computers available for use by consumers, whether to use it to find a job, create a resume or to do research on a business or disability using the Internet.
Personal Assistance Services (PAS) ...who needs it_
- you may have a disability from an injury or illness, recent or long-term
- you may have a family member or friend who needs this type of assistance
The DRC has published a Personal Assistance Services User Manual. Topics include:
- Creating a self-marketing plan
- How to advertise
- How to respond to inquiries
- Arranging an in-person interview
- Hiring & managing
- Empowering Yourself
- Personal safety
If you would like a copy of the PAS User Manual, please call us and order a hardcopy for $15.00 post-paid, or print out separate pages for FREE as posted on this site. The Table of Contents is located at Personal Assistance Services Users Manual.
Making our needs and wants clear
DRC offers skills training to persons with disabilities. Self-advocacy is at the heart of being able be independent. Skill-building focuses on stating your needs clearly and effectively in order to obtain your goal, whether that goal is to talk with your doctor, apply for services, hire and manage a personal assistant, schedule or access transportation, interview for employment or get involved in political issues. Through self-advocacy we become better communicators and are better able to provide input into decisions that affect our lives.
Systems Advocacy
We are involved with disability issues on the national, Washington state and local levels to create changes to enhance independent living. Interest evolves for individuals as they go through their own personal experiences.
Targeted advocacy issues include:
- Low-income, accessible housing options
- Transportation
- ADA accessibility issues
- Personal Assistance Services and other support for independent living
We would be happy to add you to our email list for advocacy action alerts--particularly for Washington residents. Advocacy has never been easier or more effective! Tell us your interests: .
What is "Accessibility"_
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 requires state and local government, businesses and employers with 15 or more employees to make goods and services, as well as access to job opportunities, available to people with disabilities in ways which make them genuinely "usable." (Washington State law applies to business with 8 or more employees.)
When access to opportunities is provided, and is usable within the meaning of the Act, then the opportunity is "accessible."
Who is Affected_
All government agencies and most businesses are affected. Over 49 million Americans have a significant disability intended to be covered by the ADA. Everyone benefits from the ADA.
- Curb cuts installed for wheelchair users are popular with parents pushing strollers.
- Businesses get tax credits for making some changes which improve access for
everyone.- People with disabilities who are employed become taxpayers.
Accessibility Services
Our fee-for-service activities include:
- Training for staff and management on disability awareness
- Facility access reviews and solutions provided by our licensed architect
- Consultations on policy, service and employee accommodations
Is Accessibility Expensive_
We specialize in simple, common-sense approaches to accessibility. While some modifications to facilities can be expensive, most accommodations do not involve much expense.