🌱 About Us

At Northwest Disability Support, we believe that disability is a natural part of the human experience—and that every child, family, and individual deserves to grow in a community where they are seen, supported, and celebrated.

We are a nonprofit organization based in Oregon, dedicated to creating and nurturing a loving and inclusive society for all people experiencing disability. Our work centers on connection, creativity, and the belief that when families, self-advocates, and professionals grow together, everyone thrives.

🌿 Our Journey

Just like an acorn holds the potential of a mighty tree, we support families from their first steps to full bloom—offering encouragement, education, and empowerment along the way. We walk beside caregivers of young children, uplift youth and adults with disabilities, and foster inclusive partnerships across communities.

From Backpacks of Belonging for new kindergartners to Buddy Fest NW, our community celebration of disability pride and connection, everything we do is part of a shared journey toward equity, expression, and joy.

Northwest Disability Support is the evolution of decades of work under the Northwest Down Syndrome Association and ABI Community—organizations grounded in the belief that every person, of every ability, belongs.

🌼 What We Believe

  • Disability is natural. It does not discriminate. It enriches and diversifies our world.

  • Families are powerful. Decisions should be made with families, not for them.

  • Inclusion is a right. We all belong, in schools, workplaces, neighborhoods—and in leadership.

  • Self-advocates lead. We listen to and amplify the voices of people with disabilities.

  • Growth takes care. We create space for curiosity, cultural responsiveness, risk, and transformation.

🌻 Our Vision

We imagine a future rooted in belonging, where children of all abilities grow strong in supportive communities, where caregivers are equipped and empowered, and where society celebrates disability as a vital part of our shared humanity.

🌲 Join Us

Together, we are planting seeds of inclusion, weaving dreams into action, and growing a future where everyone is free to thrive.

Portraits of Our Community

Self-advocates and parents share about their lives experiencing Down syndrome.

Our Board of Directors

Molly Hulett, President, lives in Oregon City and is the parent to two children, one of whom experiences Down syndrome. Molly is a former ABI’s Kindergarten Inclusion Cohort graduate and is an inclusion coach at Clackamas ESD.

Mindy Parker, Secretary, is a native Oregonian who was connected to the NWDSA/ABI community in 2010 after her youngest daughter received a postnatal identification of Trisomy 21. Mindy has played various roles within this community: Parent & Advocate, Volunteer, Birth to Five Coordinator, #BuddyFestNW Contributor, Web & Event Support, and now Board Director. She looks forward to contributing to the organization's future direction and continued pursuit of an inclusive civil society.

Beth Madison, Treasurer, is a retired secondary public school principal and works as a substitute teacher in Oregon and Washington. She enjoys life as a mobile nomad but carves time to work on projects about which she is passionate. Also working with Bike First! as the finance manager, Beth serves as an advocate for inclusion. She joined the NWDS Board of Directors in 2022 as the treasurer.

Meredith Villines, Member at Large, is a longtime early educator, inclusion advocate, and neurodivergent parent of a neurodivergent child. Meredith has been a part of the NWDS community since moving to Portland in 2007, participating in events and promoting parent involvement and empowerment to advance access to advance belonging in communities and schools. She believes in the power of community to build social change. Meredith brings to the board creativity, innovation, and a strong belief in possibility. Meredith's superpower is an unwavering belief that through partnership and collaboration a future where everyone belongs, is accepted, celebrated and supported is possible. 

Giuseppe Lipari, Member at Large, is a creative director at a local strategy and marketing firm and an artist. He is an advocate and ally serving on multiple DEI committees. He joined the NW Disability Support Advisory Board in 2008 and the Board of Directors in 2010.

Yoisy Sarao, Member at Large, has been part of our community and offering support since the birth of her first child in 2017. She is motivated to continue offering support to families and to continue creating community for the futures of our kids with disabilities. She offers leadership and skills in Spanish that help unite our Hispanic families, and has understanding of the difficulties faced by these families.

Regan Steinart, Member at Large, is a nurse and mom to a son with Down syndrome. She and her wife adopted their son through matched adoption. She has experience working in the adults with disabilities world and is now learning to navigate schools and resources for kids with disabilities. She is excited to share her knowledge and give back to fellow families navigating this special journey.

Northwest Disability Support is always interested in volunteers! Please share your interest with us here.