Community Resources
Local Resources & Groups
Provides information and resources for parents, caregivers and families with children and adults with developmental disabilities living in Kitsap County. Their goal is to get you connected with the appropriate services available in our community, and offer opportunities for networking with other families, training, and education.
A local group that promotes the acceptance and inclusion of people of all abilities, advocates for the most current research-based improvements, and opens new doors in helping people achieve a lifetime of success. Examples include Specialized Habilitation, Friday Night Social (The Dance) for 18+, Lifelong Learning & Empowerment Trainings, and Protective Payee Counselors. Short term portable ramps for wheelchair users are available to borrow to improve accessibility. They can also help with questions about Guardianship in Washington State.
Bainbridge Parks & Rec Adaptive and Accessibility Programs
Adaptive and accessible recreation programs on Bainbridge Island.
Coordinator: Cody Ogren, codyogren@biparks.org
Kitsap County Community Connect Database
Share information about your family, your needs, and your property/pets with first responders.
TOPSoccer is a community-based program for players with disabilities.
Head Coach: Ian McCallum, ian@bifc.net
Division of Little League Baseball to enable boys and girls with physical and mental challenges, ages 5 to 18, to enjoy the game of baseball. Buddies are in place to assist the Challenger players on the field but encourage the players to bat and make plays for themselves.
Early Childhood Resources
Infant Toddler Program: Early Support services are provided primarily in natural environments such as family/caregiver homes, childcare centers as needed, and other community settings. Telehealth continues to be an option for services upon request.
Secondary & Transition Resources
What to Do and When to Do It: Transition Support (PDF)
How to access services and supports beginning at age 15.
Transition from Dependence to Independence (PDF)
Skills needed to maximize independence and employment potential, by age and skill.
There are multiple graduation pathways students can choose from. Find information about them here.
Information for students ages 16-21.
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is a statewide resource that assists people with disabilities to prepare for, secure, maintain, advance in, or regain employment.
Pre-Employment Transition Services (DVR)
Available to enhance and support secondary education transition planning, not replace or supplant transition requirements. Intended to work toward alignment of the student’s IEP and/or High School and Beyond Plan goals.
PACER Center: Transition and Employment
Provides assistance and support to parents, youth, and professionals on transition topics. This project keeps the needs of families at the forefront and helps youth with disabilities find success in post-secondary education, employment, and life in the community.
Bainbridge Island Special Needs Foundation (BISNF) serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities from all over Kitsap County. They provide a day program filled with structured activities, both at Stephens House and in the wider community, that provide ongoing opportunities for active participation and social interaction.
Vitalize Kitsap provides opportunities and guidance in the areas of setting and achieving goals, building relationships, learning and practicing life and job skills, and community engagement. They support members in participating in local events, obtaining a job if applicable, interacting socially with their peers and others, and enjoying creative self-expression.
Kitsap Transit ACCESS buses provide transportation for seniors and people with disabilities who are unable to use Kitsap Transit regular routed buses some or all of the time.
Additional Resources
Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Developmental Disabilities Administration. Provides support to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families of all ages. Examples include respite care, Assistive Technology, Early Intervention Services, Adult Living, and Residential Programs.
Center for Parent Information and Resources
A central “Hub” of information and products created for the network of Parent Centers serving families of children with disabilities.
TIES Center (Inclusive Education Tools)
TIES Center works with states, districts, and schools to support the movement of students with disabilities from less inclusive to more inclusive environments.
PAVE: Partnership for Action, Voices for Empowerment
PAVE provides support, training, information, and resources to empower and give voice to individuals, youth, and families impacted by disabilities.
Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth (CDHY)
The Washington Center for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Youth (CDHY), formerly the Center for Childhood Deafness and Hearing Loss (CDHL), is a statewide resource committed to ensuring all deaf and hard of hearing students in Washington reach their full potential regardless of where they live or attend school.
Supporting Success for Kids with Hearing Loss
Supporting Success for Children with Hearing Loss began in 2011 with the goal of creating an ‘umbrella website’ for teachers of the deaf/hard of hearing.
A parent-led, professionally collaborative organization infused with the life experiences of adults who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, that is dedicated to serving families with children who are D/HH without a bias around communication modes or methodology.