MARYSVILLE—Ethan started attending Willow Place as an Everett School District transition student, where he needed one-to-one support while attending Willow Place. He became a full member in 2021 following graduation from high school—during a time when Willow Place was still following strict masking and spacing protocols due to the pandemic.
At first, Ethan was unfocused, reluctant to participate, and would often attempt to leave without support from a Willow Place staff person, which he needed for his personal safety. In the five-plus years since joining Willow Place, he has grown by leaps and bounds. He no longer wishes to leave and has developed a true sense of belonging. Today, he loves to help staff, greets everyone with a fist bump or high five, has developed lasting friendships, and looks forward to his plans at Willow Place each week.
Ethan has been an enthusiastic supporter of the new “Innovation Lab” activities at Willow Place made possible through a grant from DSHS’s Dan Thomson Memorial Account. Recently, he rode an adaptive bicycle—marking the first time he has ridden a bike in his life.
His experience reflects a broader transition challenge. For many individuals and families, the shift from school-based services to adult programs can feel overwhelming, especially when additional supports are needed to ensure safety, engagement, and connection. Ethan’s journey shows what is possible when the right supports are in place—creating not just participation, but engagement and belonging.
Across Snohomish County, families and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are navigating both limited employment and day programming opportunities that often do not have the financial resources to match the interests and complex needs of the next generation of people with IDD. Like Ethan, many are seeking day respite options that build on existing interests while supporting transferable life skill development, confidence, and community. Day respite centers also need to be flexible supporting their participants who are pursuing employment and provide essential respite for family caregivers who are often stretched thin.
This need shaped the development of the Innovation Lab at Willow Place & Roadshow.
Grounded in Mission, Built Through Partnership
The Innovation Lab at Willow Place is guided by the mission of Quilceda Community Services (QCS) to provide individualized, quality care and recreation in a safe, respectful, and positive environment that is meaningful to the person being served.
Rather than operating in isolation, the Innovation Lab and Roadshow is designed to work in partnership with schools, IDD service providers, families, and other community organizations, adding capacity and creating additional pathways for engagement during and after the high school transition. While inspired by the need for engaging recreational and learning opportunities for high school transition students, recent graduates, and new retirees, the Innovation Lab and Roadshow is open to all qualifying adults who have diverse abilities and support needs. (Unfortunately, due to its certification licensing, Willow Place is unable to provide assistance with personal care needs. However, those with high personal support needs are welcome to attend with a caregiver.)
“Our focus is on collaboration,” said Connie Smith. “We’re adding to the work already happening in schools and other community programs by offering hands‑on opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to explore assistive and adaptive tools while having fun at Willow Place and through community outings.”
Further, the Innovation Lab is paired with an Innovation Lab Roadshow, which brings hands‑on experiences and information directly into the community through:
- School transition fairs
- Events hosted by partner agencies that also provide support to the IDD community
- Community‑based outreach opportunities at fairs, farmer’s markets, and other community events
- Small group excursions to community activities and events. Ideas for future excursions include adaptive bowling, museums, hiking trails, gaming groups, and more.
Willow Place also offers periodic Saturday sessions designed for exploration and connection that are also open to non-Willow Place members for a daily participation fee. A sample Saturday session could include an immersive gaming session where participants practice social skills, a hands-on project using tools adapted for safety and dexterity challenges, lunch with social time, and afternoon adaptive basketball games inclusive of family members.
More Than Technology
While technology is a key component of the Innovation Lab, its scope is intentionally broad, incorporating a range of devices, tools, and hands‑on activities adapted to the diverse needs and interests of the I/DD community. A central goal of the Innovation Lab and Roadshow is to provide individuals with meaningful opportunities to explore and use assistive technology and equipment that best support their independence and daily lives.
Current and planned offerings include:
- Digital tools for gaming, fitness, cooking, and more combined with life-long learning
- Adaptive gardening
- Fitness and movement activities such as yoga, obstacle course games, Zumba, and adaptive bicycles and trikes. One of the recently purchased bikes purchased enables people with significant sight loss to ride a bike with support person assisting with steering and braking.
- A multi‑sports court currently in development will expand outdoor programming and host adaptive and inclusive sports, including basketball, pickleball, and other outdoor games designed to welcome participants of all abilities. Willow Place hopes to partner with other community organizations to host inclusive adaptive tournaments, bringing the local sports and I/DD communities together.
To extend participation beyond the Willow Place recreational center, a dedicated wheelchair accessible mini-van supports Innovation Lab excursions focused on recreational and cultural experiences throughout the region for life-long learning using adaptive equipment. (the mini van can transport up to two individuals in their wheelchairs at a time).
Upcoming activities and events are:
- Friday June 26, 2026, Strawberry Lanes in Marysville from 2pm to 4pm. Bowling where people with disabilities can try out bowling balls that have handles instead of finger holes, and other adaptive equipment.
- July 24, 2026, Innovation Lab & Roadshow Open House. Open House starts at 5pm and ends at 7pm at Willow Place Recreational Center: 9610 48th Drive NE, Marysville, WA. The IDD community, their family members, support providers, and other interested stakeholders are invited to explore Innovation Lab games, equipment, technology, and more.
The Innovation Lab at Willow Place and Road Show is funded, in part, by a grant from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services through the Dan Thompson Memorial Account, which invests in innovative programs that improve life outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Interested community members may learn more about the Innovation Lab, Roadshow, and Willow Place by contacting Connie Smith or Jayde Stewart, Willow Place Program Manager at 360-653-2324 or jayde.stewart@quilcedacs.org
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
