Key Takeaways
- Ethan’s journey at Willow Place illustrates how consistent, individualized support can transform reluctance into active participation, friendship, and a sense of belonging.
- The transition from school‑based services to adult programs remains a major hurdle for many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families, especially when safety, engagement, and skill‑building are needed.
- The Innovation Lab at Willow Place was created to fill this gap, offering hands‑on, adaptive experiences that build life‑skills, confidence, and community connections.
- Grounded in Quilceda Community Services’ mission, the Lab operates through partnerships with schools, service providers, families, and community organizations, extending its reach beyond the center.
- Core offerings include adaptive technology (gaming, fitness, cooking tools), adaptive gardening, fitness and movement activities (yoga, Zumba, adaptive bicycles), and a developing multi‑sports court for inclusive recreation.
- The Innovation Lab Roadshow brings these experiences directly to the community via transition fairs, partner events, farmer’s‑market outreach, and small‑group excursions, supported by a wheelchair‑accessible mini‑van.
- Upcoming events such as adaptive bowling at Strawberry Lanes (June 2026) and an open house at Willow Place (July 2026) showcase the Lab’s commitment to inclusive, fun, and visibility.
- Funding comes from a Washington State DSHS Dan Thomson Memorial Account grant, and interested parties can contact Connie Smith or Jayde Stewart for more information.
Ethan’s Early Experience at Willow Place
Ethan began attending Willow Place as an Everett School District transition student, requiring one‑to‑one support for his personal safety while navigating the program. At first, he appeared unfocused, reluctant to join activities, and often tried to leave without staff assistance, highlighting the challenges many face when entering a new environment with heightened needs.
Ethan’s Growth and Current Engagement
Over the five‑plus years since his arrival, Ethan has undergone remarkable development. He no longer seeks to leave, greets everyone with a fist bump or high‑five, actively helps staff, and has formed lasting friendships. His enthusiasm now extends to planning his weekly schedule at Willow Place, reflecting a deepened sense of belonging and motivation.
The Broader Transition Challenge
Ethan’s story mirrors a widespread issue: the shift from school‑based services to adult day programs can feel overwhelming for individuals with I/DD and their families, particularly when additional supports are necessary for safety, engagement, and connection. Many families encounter limited employment and day‑program options that lack the financial resources to match the diverse interests and complex needs of the next generation.
Origin of the Innovation Lab
Recognizing these gaps, Willow Place partnered with Quilceda Community Services (QCS) to create the Innovation Lab—and its complementary Roadshow—to provide engaging, skill‑building opportunities for high‑school transition students, recent graduates, and other qualifying adults. The initiative aims to add capacity to existing school and community programs while creating new pathways for participation during and after the transition period.
Mission‑Driven Partnership Approach
The Innovation Lab is guided by QCS’s mission to deliver individualized, quality care and recreation in a safe, respectful, and positive environment that is meaningful to each person served. Rather than working in isolation, the Lab collaborates with schools, IDD service providers, families, and other community organizations, ensuring that its offerings complement and extend the work already happening elsewhere. Connie Smith emphasized that the focus is on collaboration, providing hands‑on chances to explore assistive and adaptive tools while having fun at Willow Place and during community outings.
Core Offerings: Technology and Adaptive Activities
While technology is a central component, the Lab’s scope intentionally spans a wide range of devices, tools, and hands‑on activities tailored to the I/DD community’s varied interests and needs. Current and planned offerings include:
- Digital tools for gaming, fitness, cooking, and lifelong learning, adapted for accessibility.
- Adaptive gardening projects that teach horticulture and sensory engagement.
- Fitness and movement options such as yoga, obstacle‑course games, Zumba, and adaptive bicycles and trikes—one of which enables riders with significant sight loss to pedal with a support person steering and braking.
- A multi‑sports court under development that will host adaptive basketball, pickleball, and other inclusive outdoor games, with hopes to partner with local organizations for adaptive tournaments.
Roadshow and Community Outreach
The Innovation Lab Roadshow takes these experiences directly into the community through:
- School transition fairs where students and families can try adaptive equipment.
- Events hosted by partner agencies that also serve the IDD population.
- Community‑based outreach at fairs, farmer’s markets, and other local gatherings.
- Small‑group excursions to activities such as adaptive bowling, museums, hiking trails, and gaming groups.
A wheelchair‑accessible mini‑van supports these outings, transporting up to two individuals in their wheelchairs at a time, thereby extending recreational and cultural opportunities across the region.
Saturday Sessions and Upcoming Events
Willow Place also hosts periodic Saturday sessions open to non‑members for a daily fee. A typical session might feature an immersive gaming activity to practice social skills, a hands‑on project using safety‑adapted tools, a shared lunch with social time, and afternoon adaptive basketball games that welcome family members. Upcoming events highlighted in the material include:
- Friday, June 26, 2026: Adaptive bowling at Strawberry Lanes in Marysville (2 pm–4 pm), offering balls with handles and other adaptive gear.
- July 24, 2026: Innovation Lab & Roadshow Open House at Willow Place Recreational Center (5 pm–7 pm), inviting the IDD community, families, providers, and stakeholders to explore games, equipment, technology, and more.
Funding, Contact, and Closing Thoughts
The Innovation Lab and Roadshow are funded in part by a grant from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services via the Dan Thomson Memorial Account, which invests in innovative programs that improve life outcomes for individuals with I/DD. Those interested in learning more, volunteering, or participating can contact Connie Smith or Jayde Stewart, Willow Place Program Manager, at 360‑653‑2324 or [email protected]. Through sustained partnership, adaptive programming, and community outreach, the Innovation Lab exemplifies how targeted support can turn transition anxiety into active, joyful engagement.