Our Vision 2020: Teen and Adult Self-Sufficiency
In 2020 employers know the value of hiring workers on the spectrum and provide increased employment opportunities. Businesses who lead by example are recognized and outreach training is provided to employers and merchants through existing networks. Teens and adults access employment, higher education and supportive community/family resources. First responders have enhanced awareness of and competency to serve individuals on the spectrum.
LCAC Resources For Teens and Adults
The Link – sponsored by the Autism Coalition – connects teens and adults on the spectrum and their families with community resources that support your self-sufficiency and success. Free resource binders for families are available. Contact: Link Coordinator thelinkcoordinator@outlook.com or call 360-508-4287
Neurodiverse Connections for Adults – Sponsored by Lewis County Autism Coalition/ Lewis County Cultivating Inclusion. Our Neurodiverse Connections group provides at least one monthly social activity for Neurodiverse Adults. Check our Facebook page and events calendar for upcoming events!
Neurodiverse Social group for young teens and allies – Sponsored by Lewis County Autism Coalition
This group meets monthly for a social activity. Neurodiverse means anyone with autism, a developmental disability, or social differences such as ADD/ADHD. Allies such as siblings or friends of neurodiverse individuals are welcome. Join our private Facebook group to stay connected and hear about our upcoming social events.
Other Lewis County Resources For Teens and Adults
Pathways – sponsored by Lewis County Parent to Parent, an interactive workgroup that focuses on strategies for helping teens & their families through high school transition. Life is full of transitions, and one of the more remarkable ones occurs when we get ready to leave high school and go out in the world as young adults. When the student has a disability, it’s especially helpful to plan ahead for that transition. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Shawna Haller, Lewis County Parent to Parent Coordinator, 360-520-9299, shaller@reliableenterprises.org
Friends Connections-Social Skills Group – Sponsored by Summit Center for Child Development
The focus of Friend Connections Social Skills groups will be to give your child an opportunity to interact with peers and develop and use social language skills in both social interactions and language rich activities. The groups will also provide parents with suggestions and strategies to use at home to facilitate expansion of social language skills taught each week. First group is for ages 13-18, and second group is for ages 6-12.
Spots are limited. Contact 360.736.0086 / info@sccdkids.org.
Comfortable Connections – Ages 14+, Specializing in serving Neurodiverse teens and young adults to connect with someone in a way that feels comfortable to them. Offering support during transitions to new stages of life; and helping neurodiverse individuals achieve their personal goals. Group DBT, individual, and parent sessions available. Free opportunities available contact (877) 269-9007 or comfortableconnections@gmail.com for more information.
Developmental Disabilities Administration – DDA assists individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to obtain services and supports based on individual preference, capabilities and needs, and which promote everyday activities, routines and relationships common to most citizens. Lewis County Outstation: 3451 Galvin Road, Centralia, WA 98531 or call 360-807-7151.
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation – DVR provides services to individuals who want to work but need assistance due to a physical, sensory, cognitive or mental disability. A DVR counselor works with each individual one-on-one to design a customized, step-by-step plan to achieve the desired job goal. Lewis County Outstation: 3451 Galvin Road, Centralia, WA 98531 Call 360 807-7180 Email: DVRCentraliaReferral@dshs.wa.gov.
Training and Employment Services
Morningside – Changes the lives of individuals with disabilities by matching their skill and interest with jobs in the community. Office: 605 W. Main St, Suite 4, Centralia, WA 98531. 360-807-2100.
Reliable Enterprises – Training provided to ensure the best quality of employees for businesses and the best training opportunities for individuals. Adults with a developmental disability are trained, in a group or individual setting, for successful employment in the community. 203 W. Reynolds Ave., Centralia, WA 98531, call 360-736-9558.
Compass Career Solutions – Compass is a human services organization that provides programs for children with developmental disabilities, community-based programs for adults with developmental disabilities, and employment programs for people with and without disabilities. In Lewis County, Compass provides Supported Employment and Community Access at their office at Lewis County DVR, 440 N Market Street, Chehalis, WA 98532 360-355-2430. As of 3/31/18, Compass’ office will be located at 1616 S.Gold #7, Centralia, Wa. 98531. Compass Career Solutions partner Aacres is featured in this King-5 (NBC News) Seattle report:
Lewis County Work Opportunities – Disabled Adults of Lewis County Washington overcome the barriers they face to secure training for work in private industry. This is done by helping them develop skills they need to effectively work and live in our community. Services Office: 1570 N. National Ave., Suite 216, Chehalis, WA 98532, 360-748-9921 lcwo@lcworkop.org.
Recreational, and Support Services
JUMP – sponsored by Reliable Enterprises and Thorbecke’s Fitness Center – Jump is a program for individuals with differing abilities. The program includes weekly exercise classes which provide guided instruction and health education. We hope to lead participants to improved health and well-being.
Location: 91 SW Chehalis Ave, Chehalis WA 98532 (360) 748-3744 for more information contact Alicia at Reliable Enterprises 360-736-9558 ext. 109
Lewis County Special Olympics – Lewis County Special Olympics of Washington. Our goal is to provide year round sports for athlete’s starting at age 8 & older. We offer a variety of sports with multiple skill levels for all those interested in joining. lewiscountyspecialolympics@yahoo.com.
Click HERE for more information.
Neurodiverse Connections for Adults – Sponsored by Lewis County Autism Coalition/ Lewis County Cultivating Inclusion. Our Neurodiverse Connections group provides at least one monthly social activity for Neurodiverse Adults.
Our Neurodiverse Connections Logo was created by Josie Landauer.
Helpful Resource
A Guide for Transition to Adulthood Newly updated in 2021, OAR’s Life Journey Through Autism: A Guide for Transition to Adulthood (2nd ed.) provides an overview of the transition to adulthood process for parents who are traveling this path with their child for the first time. Packed with evidence-based tips, resource recommendations, informational handouts, and activities for parents and young adults.