We believe in the power of communities to impact change. Will you believe with us?
While society has advanced significantly over the past 65 years, biases, stereotypes and/or discomfort towards people with disabilities remain today. Current education and employment outcomes data show that we still have a long way to go to realize a truly inclusive community for people with disabilities. An equitable society begins with identifying and eliminating barriers to participation; when equity is achieved there is the opportunity for inclusion. Sherwood believes in people’s abilities, striving to create a society where children and adults with disabilities feel included and can live full, independent lives as a part of their community.
Early Supports:
More than 1,500 babies are born each year in Snohomish and Island County with some type of disability or developmental delay. 60% of those children receive an early diagnosis and treatment.
Sherwood provided effective services and therapies to 930 infants and toddlers in Snohomish County in 2022-2023. We expect to serve 1,250 children by 2027. In the last five years, Sherwood has seen a 43% increase in critical birth to three services. By 2026, we expect this need to increase to 47%
Even though our Early Supports program is hitting their yearly goals of infants and toddlers served, we are seeing these yearly goals increase exponentially. Our service area is ever expanding as families learn more about the importance of the early childhood development phase. We are expanding into more rural areas to give these communities an equal chance of leading meaningful lives.
Career and Community Connections:
In Washington State, nearly 27,000 individuals with disabilities are unemployed. Additionally, fewer than half of students with disabilities find jobs after graduating. Overall, a person with a disability has a 10% chance of gaining employment without vocational supports.
Sherwood has provided meaningful employment to 177 individuals in Snohomish, Skagit, Island, and San Juan Counties. Individuals who Sherwood works with now have a 78% chance of gaining employment. In the last five years, Sherwood has seen a 34% increase in life-changing employment supports. by 2026, we estimate an 18% increase.
Sherwood is one of the few vocational programs that serve Northwest Washington. In the last eight years, we have increase our services area to three neighboring counties to meet vocational demands. Making sure we stay ahead of the curve of these needs is essential. More individuals are learning that they do have the ability to succeed in their dream career, and we need to be ready to help them enter the workforce.
