AtWork!

04/07/2026

We’re excited to celebrate Hunter’s new role at Trail Youth Coffee in North Bend!

Hunter is now helping weigh and package coffee beans, an important part of bringing great coffee to the community. From careful measurements to preparing bags for customers, Hunter is building valuable workplace skills and growing in confidence each day.

We’re grateful for employers like Trail Youth Coffee who believe in inclusive hiring and creating opportunities for everyone to contribute. Congratulations, Hunter! We’re proud of you!

04/07/2026

World Autism Acceptance Month - A Brief History
Autism Awareness Month began in 1970 as a week-long observance and later expanded to the full month of April. In 2007, the United Nations established April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, recognizing autism as a global public health and human rights issue.

Over time, many self-advocates and disability leaders began encouraging a shift in language, from “awareness” to “acceptance.” While awareness focuses on understanding autism, acceptance emphasizes inclusion, belonging, and systemic change.

Awareness says, “We see you.”
Acceptance says, “You belong here.”

04/03/2026

Spring is in full bloom at AtWork! 🌸

Our cherry tree is a beautiful reminder that growth takes time, care, and community. Just like the individuals we support, when given the right opportunity, people flourish.

Here’s to new seasons, new possibilities, and workplaces where everyone can thrive.

04/02/2026

Today is World Autism Acceptance Day.

At AtWork!, we believe awareness is just the beginning. True inclusion means creating workplaces where autistic individuals are valued for their strengths, talents, and perspectives.

Employment provides more than a paycheck, it builds confidence, independence, and belonging.

When employers embrace inclusive hiring, our entire community grows stronger.

Let’s move beyond awareness, to acceptance, and toward action.
Let’s build workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed.

03/30/2026

How does Supported Employment Work? What is it? Where do I begin? Let's highlight some of the key questions many folks have about Disability Employment Supports!
What is Supported Employment?
Supported Employment is a service in which people with disabilities are assisted with obtaining and maintaining employment. AtWork! provides Employment Consultants to match qualified candidates to the needs of an employer. We support job candidates through the application process, interviewing, onboarding, training, retention of employment, as well as ongoing career growth.
Step 1: Connect with DDCS/DVR
Most individuals who receive services through AtWork! are supported through the Developmental Disabilities Community Services (DDCS) or the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). These agencies determine eligibility for services and provide the funding. While AtWork! works closely with these partners to help people succeed in the workplace, starting with DDCS or DVR ensures that individuals have access to the resources and long-term support needed to make services sustainable and accessible.
Step 2: Choose a Provider
Once an individual is connected with DDCS or DVR, their case manager will explore employment goals and identify the types of support that may be helpful. Then, they will be introduced to a list of approved service providers who offer supported employment or community inclusion services.
Step 3: Job Development
Employment Consultants will assist you in discovering your skill set through a variety of tasks and explore your job interests. We’ll then partner with local businesses to find your job match. They will bring you and the businesses together for interviews, assist in the decision to accept or reject the offers, and negotiate the employment offer and pay rate.
Step 4: On-the-Job Support
While you work on mastering your new job, we’ll provide on-the-job training and support for you, your coworkers, and your circle of support.
Long-term Success
Your Employment Consultant will support you through job coaching, advocating for you through any problems, and check-ins (as needed) to ensure continued success.

03/21/2026

💙💛 World Down Syndrome Day – March 21 💛💙

Today we celebrate the talents, contributions, and voices of people with Down syndrome around the world. World Down Syndrome Day is observed on March 21 (3/21) to represent the triplication of the 21st chromosome that defines Down syndrome.

At AtWork!, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to work, connect, and belong in their community. We are proud to support individuals with Down syndrome in building meaningful careers and relationships that strengthen workplaces and communities alike.

Today—and every day—we celebrate ability, inclusion, and the power of opportunity.


https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/

03/19/2026

We've been rated by Navigator, which means our donors can knowing that we have been independently evaluated for being effective. Learn more at https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/910996632

03/17/2026

💙 Ever wonder how support turns into opportunity?
The AtWork! Newsletter shows how inclusive employment changes lives—one story at a time.
https://mailchi.mp/atworkwa/atwork-newsletter

03/13/2026

🏀🥈 We have an Olympian in our midst! 🥈🏀

Congratulations to Tyler and his basketball team for bringing home silver at the State Special Olympics competition in Wenatchee last week! What an incredible accomplishment. We are so proud of his hard work, dedication, and team spirit.

Tyler is also a valued employee at the Snohomish Co-Op Snohomish Co-op, where General Manager Mr. Mike J. proudly supports him both on and off the court. The Co-op continues to be an outstanding example of an inclusive, supportive employer in our community.

Way to go, Tyler! 💙

03/12/2026

Employment changes lives—and AtWork! is making a real impact across the Inland Northwest. Check out the latest Spokesman-Review article to see how inclusive jobs are transforming communities.

Since 2017, AtWork! has proudly served Spokane County and the surrounding communities, supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to find meaningful employment, community connections, and purpose.

03/11/2026

Your voice can help shape inclusive communities and workplaces.
By signing up for AtWork!’s Advocacy Alerts, you’ll be part of a collective effort advocating for opportunity, access, and dignity.
https://secure.everyaction.com/JVEnKTv8XUKo2AFTH-Ahqw2

03/10/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Isaiah on his new job! 🎉

We’re excited to celebrate Isaiah, who has started a new role as a Courtesy Clerk at QFC! In this position, Isaiah helps keep the store welcoming for customers by assisting with bagging groceries, retrieving carts, and supporting the front-end team.

Starting a new job is a big milestone, and we’re proud to see Isaiah building confidence and gaining valuable workplace experience. Thank you to the team at QFC for helping create an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Way to go, Isaiah! 💙