Developmental Disabilities Program

The Island County Developmental Disabilities program coordinates, funds, and manages local services for children from birth to age 3 and adults 19 and older who have developmental disabilities. We work actively with families, schools, the business community, and local, state, and federal governments to facilitate full contribution for all citizens who experience developmental disabilities.

We believe that all individuals with developmental disabilities have the skills, interests, and talents to enhance our communities, and that our communities are stronger when all citizens contribute. We also know that employment is a powerful way to engage both to the larger community and to continue to grow and learn. If you know an individual with a developmental disability and want to know more about employment support and community inclusion, contact Developmental Disabilities Coordinator Mike Etzell.

If you are interested in being a qualified provider of Individual Employment, Community Inclusion, or Child Development Services to discuss provider qualifications, contract, and for a Request for Proposal packet. We have an open and continuous enrollment policy. Completed packets will be reviewed upon completion please contact Mike Etzell. 

Parent to Parent

If you are seeking support and resources, contact Island County Parent to Parent Information and Education Coordinator Tiffany Wheeler-Thompson. Wheeler-Thompson can guide you to community resources, provide support in a variety of different ways, and help with navigating systems and connections with other families with special needs during all ages and stages. For more information, visit the Island County Parent to Parent page on Facebook.

Want to be added to our monthly newsletter distribution list? We offer mail and email versions. Email to t.wheeler-thompson@islandcountywa.gov or call/text 360-632-7539. Include information, so we can add you to the list. We know you are busy and won't bombard you with emails. 

Perhaps you would like a Family Resource Toolkit, which is includes our resource guide, monthly newsletter, information about Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), events and more. We are more than happy to send one to you. We just need your mailing address. 

School to Work Program

The School to Work Program helps individuals with developmental disabilities to identify the best job match for their skills and interests and supports them through training, job stabilization and future advancement. For more information, contact Mike Etzell. Job Foundations vs School to Work

Upcoming Events

All Events are All Ages, All Abilities Unless Stated Otherwise

• Movie Fun: Family Movie  Island County Parent to Parent Facebook Tuesday, December 19th at Oak Harbor Theater. Sensory friendly. Watch a movie with other that will understand if your kiddo/adult doesn't sit still, makes some noises, etc. We will be seeing the second screening of the family movie offered that day. Usually around 4pm. Movie titles are not released yet.  
•  Holiday Party with Santa Claus at Coupeville Rec Hall  December 20th at 5-7pm. Come one, come all. Celebrate the holidays with other special needs families in Island County. Free event, Potluck, Arts & Crafts and of course, Santa. Santa will be making an appearance about 5:30ish.
•  Bowling Fun with the Family  RSVP Required  Great fun for all ages and all abilities. $7.50 for 90 minutes of bowling and shoe rental. Visit EventBrite for tickets and more information.

All events are all ages and all abilities welcome. Unless stated.  All events are subject to change/cancelation. Especially outdoor events. Follow the Island County Parent-to-Parent Facebook Page for up-to-date information.

For full list of events, trainings, information and resource guides, check Island County Parent to Parent website