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Rejected by public schools
When their kids are rejected by public schools, Seattle parents of children with developmental disabilities form their own. They pay their own teachers to instruct children in loaned rooms at synagogues, churches and community centers, resulting in the nickname “basement schools.” "Those teachers, I’ll always give them credit. They created something out of nothing. It helped a lot of kids." –Janet Taggart, Northwest Center founder -
Five basement schools merge
Fred Fontana, a parent on the board of the Boeing Employee Good Neighbors Fund, proposes that five basement schools merge in order to qualify for a grant. With $20,000 secured, a steering committee plans a school that will include a workshop for job and life skills. Shown here is Naida, the daughter of founders Janet and Phillip Taggart. -
Secures two unused Naval Supply Depot buildings at Pier 91
The steering committee in 1964, negotiates with the local Navy command, lobbies Senators Henry Jackson and Warren G. Magnuson for support, and eventually secures two unused Naval Supply Depot buildings at Pier 91 in Interbay. -
Parent members and citizens negotiate with Seattle Public Schools
Parent members and citizens negotiate with Seattle Public Schools for non-certified teachers and student transportation. -
Northwest Center is dedicated
Northwest Center is dedicated on August 28, 1965. A key is presented to eight-year-old student Debra to officially open the doors. She’s shown here with Senator Henry M. Jackson and Rear Admiral W. E. Ferrell. -
The Big Blue Truck™ hits the road
The Big Blue Truck™ hits the road in 1967 as Northwest Center partners with Value Village. The newly established thrift store buys donated clothing collected by Northwest Center, with the money going to help fund education programs. -
Begin writing a law mandating education for all in Washington State.
In 1968, wanting to guarantee education for all children with disabilities, founders Katie Dolan, Cecile Lindquist, Evelyn Chapman and Janet Taggart begin writing a law mandating education for all in Washington state. After they recruit University of Washington law students William Dussault and George Breck, the team drafts 29 versions of the law before they’re satisfied. -
Northwest Center moves to the current South Park location.
After 40 years at the original Pier 91 location, Northwest Center staff offices and plants move to the current South Park location.
