Some of Work Opportunities friendly and dedicated staff
Work Opportunities has been providing vocational services to persons with
disabilities since 1963. The agency was founded by a group of parents from the
Edmonds School District Special Education Parents Group who had a growing concern about
what would happen to their children once they graduated from the newly developed Special
Education program. These parents did not want their children to return home to live
non-productive lives after gaining so much from their school programs. Their dream
was that persons with disabilities have a right to have an opportunity to become
participating and contributing members of the community. With the support of other
concerned citizens, the group formed a non-profit corporation with an eight-person Board
of Directors. They chose the name Work Opportunities because of their
belief that through work, persons with disabilities would experience increased self-esteem
and have greater economic and social opportunities within the community. These
beliefs continue to guide our organization to this day...
Work Opportunities' Values
Work Opportunities recognizes and honors the following values in regard to promoting the well being of persons with disabilities:
The need for increased options in employment and lifestyle
The value of work and/or skill acquisition as a means to increase inclusion and participation within the community
A focus on abilities rather than disabilities
The necessity of individualized services
The importance of health and safety
The right to make self-determining choices
Increased access to community resources and activities
The need for acceptance and support by the community
The need to promote understanding within the community of all aspects of disability
These values are reflected within Work Opportunities' Mission statement,
within it's Vision statement, in it's programs and services, and in its relationship with individuals served by the organization.
Mission Statement
The mission of Work Opportunities is to promote self-determination, self-respect, and valued participation in the community for persons with disabilities.
Vision Statement
We envision Work Opportunities as the leader in our community in making it possible for persons with
disabilities to participate fully in all aspects of community life. We see persons
with disabilities making their own choices from a full range of options in employment
opportunities, social and recreational activities, health services, educational
opportunities, and living arrangements. We envision an accessible community, free of
barriers, shared by accepting and supportive fellow citizens.
