Developmental Support and K-12 Education

Connect to programs and resources that help your child grow to their full potential.

Developmental Support for Children with Disabilities

Below are programs and resources for developing the physical, mental, and emotional skills of children and teens with disabilities.  

Orientation and Mobility Training

Orientation and mobility (O&M) training is learning how to safely move through your environment if you are blind or have low vision.  

• Orientation and mobility training and support

  Learn more about O&M training for babies to teens, how to work with an O&M specialist, and what you can do at home to promote O&M skills in your child.

Services for Children with Disabilities from Birth to Age Three

The first three years of your child’s life are critical years for their learning and development. Connect to programs that offer early intervention services at no cost for infants and toddlers with disabilities and support and guidance for their families.

• Washington State School for the Blind Birth to 3 Program

  This program provides specialized services for infants and children living in Washington State who are blind or have low vision.

• Birth to Three Developmental Center

  This is a private non-profit child development program that works with infants, toddlers, and families living in South King and Pierce Counties. Children who have at least a 25% delay in one or more developmental areas qualify for services.

• How to access services for children from birth to 3 in Washington

  Learn how to sign up for early intervention services through the Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) program.

• ESIT Statewide Directory

  Find an ESIT provider agency near you.

Education Through High School

Find reading materials in accessible formats and schools for children with disabilities. 

Books and Reading 

Kids of all abilities can cultivate a love of reading through programs that provide books in accessible formats. 

• Bookshare

  Students have free access to the largest library of textbooks, bestsellers, children's books, and more for individuals with reading barriers. Customize your reading experience with eBooks in audio, audio and highlighted text, braille, large font, and other formats.

• National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled

  A free program for people of all ages who have a disability that prevents them from reading regular print. Download talking books or request recording cartridges by mail that can be played on a player, also provided free of charge.

• BARD

  Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) is a web-based service that provides access to thousands of special-format books, magazines, and music scores. You can download materials in the form of compressed audio or formatted braille.

Schools for Children with Disabilities

Find quality education programs with supportive environments designed to help students who have disabilities or neurodivergence thrive. 

• Washington State School for the Blind

  Enroll in comprehensive education programs for 6th through 12th graders who are blind or have low vision. On campus housing is available to provide students with an environment where they can gain confidence and independence.

• Montessori for children with disabilities and neurodivergence

  Montessori schools offer a nurturing educational environment in multi-age classrooms where students can learn at their own pace.

Accessibility Guidelines for Educators 

The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) offers resources for educators to provide inclusive, accessible, and quality instruction for K–12 students with disabilities. 

• Guidelines for Statewide Accountability Assessments (PDF)
• Guidelines on Tools, Support, and Accommodations for State Assessments (PDF) 
• Special Education Program Improvement Team 
• Early Learning Resources for children from birth through third grade 
• Inclusionary Practices Professional Development Project