Pierce County Resource Guide to Services and Supports for Individuals
Who Experience Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
(section links below).
Please call our office at 253.564.0707 to make arrangements to pick up your copy!
Dear Reader:
This Pierce County Resource Guide is dedicated to the hard work and commitment of those who have endeavored
timelessly over the years to “keep the promise.”
We want to acknowledge the generous support of Pierce County Human Services, Developmental Disabilities
Program, in providing the funds to update and print this important comprehensive guide to services and supports
for individuals who experience intellectual/ developmental disabilities. This important tool will assist you in
navigating the public and private programs and services available throughout Pierce County and beyond.
The Pierce County Coalition for Developmental Disabilities (PC2) welcomes the opportunity to assist individuals
and families in finding the services and programs that best meet your needs. We are here to answer your calls
if you need further assistance. Whether you are an individual who experiences an intellectual/developmental
disability, have a family member who experiences an intellectual/developmental disability, work within the disability
field, or are in the general community, we welcome your questions and concerns.
We acknowledge that, when compiling this complex list of resources, there are changes that can occur during the
production process. Please know that every effort was made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of agency
information.
ACHIEVE is a comprehensive post-secondary transition program that includes credit and non-credit classes, intensive advising, involvement in campus life, community-based internships, and assistance with job placement. All ACHIEVE students work with an intensive advisor and career specialist to draft and implement a comprehensive, individual plan for college and career. Specific courses, campus activities, and work-based learning experiences are determined based on skills and competencies needed for the student to achieve his or her identified goal(s). ACHIEVE is CARF-accredited for Employment Transition Services.
Bates Technical College helps students realize their potential for growth and success through innovative instruction in a nurturing, diverse environment. Students achieve their career and personal goals, strengthening the region’s social and economic vibrancy. Strong local and global partnerships with business, industry, labor and the public make the college a respected contributor to community vitality. Bates measures mission fulfillment through four strategic core themes: workforce education, student centered, general education, and community relationships.
Bates Technical College - Disability Support Services (DSS)
The primary focus of the Disability Support Services (DSS) office is to assure nondiscrimination on the basis of disability. Through DSS, qualified persons with disabilities can address their concerns regarding attitudinal or procedural barriers encountered, as well as any need for academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids to assure equal access. We will provide information and auxiliary aids or services, serving as a resource to the campus community while striving to make Bates Technical College both an accessible and hospitable place for persons with disabilities to enjoy full and equal participation. We work with individuals who have physical, learning and/or mental disabilities, are academically or economically disadvantaged, limited English speaking, single parents, ex-offenders, displaced homemakers, and gender equality programs. Please visit our website for more information regarding eligibility, how to obtain services, reasonable accommodations policy for students with disabilities under 504-ADA, confidentiality, accommodations, attendance, grievances, special transportation, and course substitutions/waivers.
The DO-IT Center is dedicated to empowering people with disabilities through technology and education. It promotes awareness and accessibility - in both the classroom and the workplace - to maximize the potential of individuals with disabilities and make our communities more vibrant, diverse, and inclusive. Please visit our website for more information.
DSS works with qualified students with disabilities in a confidential, respectful, and safe environment to identify and develop reasonable classroom accommodations; to ensure equal opportunity and access of academic and professional goals; and to promote an accessible community where students with disabilities have equal opportunity to participate in college programs and activities.
Pierce College supports an integrated learning experience for students with disabilities by promoting an environment that is free from physical and attitudinal barriers. Students are encouraged to develop successful learning strategies in collaboration with faculty and staff. Students with permanent or temporary disabilities may be eligible for services. Please contact Access and Disability Services (ADS) for more information on required documentation and the process for eligibility. Services and academic adjustments are designed to ensure that students with a disability have equal access to all college activities and programs. It is the goal of ADS to provide an open door to any student who believes he or she may need our services. In addition to approved academic adjustments and services, ADS offers assistive technology and learning strategies for students. Information regarding Access and Disability Services is available in alternate formats upon request. Additionally, ADS provides for accommodations at college sponsored events.
Pierce College supports an integrated learning experience for students with disabilities by promoting an environment that is free from physical and attitudinal barriers. Students are encouraged to develop successful learning strategies in collaboration with faculty and staff. Students with permanent or temporary disabilities may be eligible for services. Please contact Access and Disability Services (ADS) for more information on required documentation and the process for eligibility. Services and academic adjustments are designed to ensure that students with a disability have equal access to all college activities and programs. It is the goal of ADS to provide an open door to any student who believes he or she may need our services. In addition to approved academic adjustments and services, ADS offers assistive technology and learning strategies for students. Information regarding Access and Disability Services is available in alternate formats upon request. Additionally, ADS provides for accommodations at college sponsored events.
Pierce College supports an integrated learning experience for students with disabilities by promoting an environment that is free from physical and attitudinal barriers. Students are encouraged to develop successful learning strategies in collaboration with faculty and staff. Students with permanent or temporary disabilities may be eligible for services. Please contact Access and Disability Services (ADS) for more information on required documentation and the process for eligibility. Services and academic adjustments are designed to ensure that students with a disability have equal access to all college activities and programs. It is the goal of ADS to provide an open door to any student who believes he or she may need our services. In addition to approved academic adjustments and services, ADS offers assistive technology and learning strategies for students. Information regarding Access and Disability Services is available in alternate formats upon request. Additionally, ADS provides for accommodations at college sponsored events.
The Pierce County Skills Center opened in 2010, bringing along with it career options for students, leading to real jobs that mesh with workplace demands. The Pierce County Skills Center serves juniors and seniors from our 10 school districts: Bethel, Eatonville, Fife, Franklin Pierce, Orting, Steilacoom, Sumner, Tacoma, University Place and White River. Please visit our website for information on programs, resources, and more.
The School of Education and Kinesiology prepares future educators, practitioners and leaders who positively impact the world around them. As a school we strive to create evidence based practitioners through an education that is grounded in theoretical and contemporary knowledge and that engages students through immersive, experiential learning experiences. The school is comprised of two strong departments, Education and Kinesiology. Education at PLU is defined by rigorous academics coupled with early and on-going field experiences. It includes both undergraduate and graduate degree programs that can lead to initial teaching certification. As a department, Education seeks interactive, collaborative partnerships between students, teachers, administrators, parents, and the business and social community as it strives to provide the most relevant and meaningful programming possible. In addition, the department is committed to lifelong learning for alumni and all educators through offerings in the partnership and professional development program. Kinesiology programs are designed to provide quality academic professional preparation for undergraduate students in areas related to the study of human movement, especially as it supports the pursuit of lifelong physical activity and well-being. Specifically, Kinesiology offers programs in health & fitness education, recreation, exercise science, pre-physical therapy, pre-athletic training and health & fitness promotion. These programs serve to prepare future leaders who will positively impact the health behaviors of individuals and of society through the education and promotion of life-sustaining and life-enhancing pursuits. If you are interested in joining a dynamic, engaged learning community with a focus on serving and leading others we encourage you to explore our web pages and reach out if you have any further questions.
Tacoma Community College is recognized as a spirited leader in emphasizing and documenting student learning. We are known for our commitment to innovation and excellence, our inclusive community, and our technology integration. We achieve this through the collective dedication and recognition of our college family and the generous support of our community. Access Services provides reasonable accommodations and support services for students with disabilities in accordance with the ADA (as amended) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Access Services supports the social and identity models of disability, celebrating disability as an integral part of diversity on our campus. Our goal is to provide access and equitable opportunity in the classroom while promoting the use of Universal Design in our classrooms and beyond. For more information on access services, please call (253) 460-4437 or email molsson@tacomacc.edu (Monica Olsson, Access Services Manager) or tpeterson@tacomacc.edu (Troy Peterson, Technology and Retention Specialist).
Think College
Institute for Community Inclusion, University of Massachusetts Boston
Think College is a national organization dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving inclusive higher education options for people with intellectual disability. With a commitment to equity and excellence, Think College supports evidence-based and student-centered research and practice by generating and sharing knowledge, guiding institutional change, informing public policy, and engaging with students, professionals and families. Please visit our website for more information.
Our mission is to remove obstacles to a liberal arts education by providing support and accommodations to otherwise qualified students with both visible and invisible disabilities while they embark on their pursuit of knowledge. We stand behind their journey towards a goal of using their talents, aspirations and intelligence to play a significant role in our democratic society. We are also committed to promoting a universal design in education, architecture and product design to improve the environment for all citizens and decrease the need to ask for special accommodations. Please visit our website for more information.
