Provides informal peer counseling, information and referral, monthly meetings for local members and adaptive sports programs.

Support Services offered at Northwest Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America

Provides informal peer counseling, referrals to community resources and coordinates wheelchair sporting events.

Programs that provide opportunities for people of all ages to learn, become competitive in and enjoy the organized recreational activity, sport or game of their choice. These programs may be offered by local clubs devoted to a particular activity or sport; may provide individual or team coaching assistance or instruction, access to equipment and facilities, and uniforms, if necessary; and may sponsor or make arrangements for athletes to participate in amateur competitions, usually at the local, regional or state level, and provide officials for games. These events are generally for the enjoyment of the athletes and are not at a high enough competitive level to be considered spectator sports.

Recreational Activities/Sports

Programs whose members are veterans who have joined together on a voluntary basis to promote mutual interests. Activities may include advocacy for the preservation and expansion of earned privileges and benefits, testimony before Congress on issues affecting veterans, awards and other measures for promoting appreciation of and recognition for veterans and their accomplishments, community service programs, and social activities for members. Some organizations may provide active support for the democratic principles of religious and political freedom; offer benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, credit cards and financial planning services for members; or maintain special burial funds to help indigent veterans and their families.

Veteran Membership Organizations

Organizations whose members are individuals who work in the disability field and have affiliated for the purpose of promoting mutual interests, participating in education and training conferences, interacting with other professionals and taking advantage of other opportunities for personal and professional development. Many disability associations also include individuals with disabilities and their families in their membership. Disability associations may also advocate for the rights of people with disabilities and their caregivers; promote legislation that funds research and services for this population; and provide information for members and the general public. Included are associations that focus on a specific disability such as autism or brain injuries; and those that address a broad range of disability issues.

Disability Associations

Programs that offer individual therapeutic sessions which are facilitated or guided by an individual who is the same age as the client (an age-peer) or who has experienced and resolved the same type of problem as the client.

Peer Counseling

Provides information and referral to statewide resources for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. 
Will refer blind or visually impaired people across the state to one of 16 local chapters for support and networking. 
Offers a free newsletter, "Newsline," four times a year in accessible formats including large print.

Information and Support offered at Washington Council of the Blind

Provides information and referral to statewide resources as well as local agency chapters for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Local chapter groups across the state meet regularly for support and networking.

Mutual support groups whose members are people who have a disability, illness or other health condition, their families and friends. The groups meet in-person, by telephone or via the Internet; and provide an opportunity for participants to share information, resources, practical tips for daily living and encouragement about issues related to the disability or health problem.

Health/Disability Related Support Groups

Programs that maintain information about community resources that are appropriate for a specific target group or human services sector (for example, youth programs or addiction services) and which link individuals who are in need of specialized services with appropriate resources and/or which provide information about community agencies and organizations that offer specialized services.

Specialized Information and Referral

Programs that link individuals who have a particular type of illness with others having the same illness for the purpose of information sharing and support. Included are networking programs that make a portal or other technology available that encourages people living with mental health conditions, disabilities, physical illnesses or other problems to tell their stories about the challenges they are facing and the steps they have taken to cope with their situation. Sharing one's story can help in the person's own recovery but can also be an inspiration and source of encouragement for others in a similar situation.