What does DO-IT’s Eastern Washington Office Do?

In 1997, DO-IT expanded its reach throughout Washington State by establishing an office in Spokane. The dedicated staff in this office provide support to students, parents, and stakeholders in the region. They organize networking events for students and are available for meetings with DO-IT participants, parents, educators, and other stakeholders, both in-person and online.

The staff foster partnerships and collaborations with community organizations, as well as local and state agencies, to enhance the participation of students with disabilities in rigorous academic programs and career paths. These relationships enable the team to share program information, recruit participants, and provide resources and training to high school faculty, staff, students, and their parents on various topics, including inclusion, transition issues, academic and career skill development, and self-advocacy.

By actively participating in statewide organizations such as the Washington Science Teachers Association (WSTA) and the Washington Association of Postsecondary Education and Disability (WAPED), the staff from both DO-IT offices can engage in professional development opportunities. They offer concurrent sessions, pre-conference workshops, poster presentations, and full-day training sessions tailored to meet the needs of the members of each organization. Furthermore, staff members belong to national organizations and attend national conferences, where they share insights, promote DO-IT initiatives, and report on research findings.

If you know of any individuals or groups in Eastern Washington interested in learning more about DO-IT programs and activities, please reach out to Lyla Crawford at lylac@uw.edu.