The Washington State Senate has adopted a resolution celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Northwest Center, which was founded on March 1, 1965, by four mothers—Janet Taggart, Cecile Lindquist, Evelyn Chapman, and Katie Dolan—to provide education and support for children with disabilities. This initiative marked a significant turning point in the fight for disability rights, as these mothers played a crucial role in advocating for legislation that would ensure public education for all children, regardless of their disabilities. Their efforts led to the passage of Washington's HB90, "Education for All," in 1971, making it the first state to offer special education services, and later contributed to the national Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in 1975.

The resolution recognizes the Northwest Center as a pioneer in promoting inclusion, acceptance, employment, advocacy, and anti-ableism for individuals with disabilities over the past six decades. It highlights the organization's foundational role in transforming educational opportunities and societal perceptions of disability, underscoring the ongoing commitment to support individuals with disabilities and their families in Washington State.