Remembering Cecile Lindquist

It is with great sadness that we say ‘goodbye’ and ‘thank you’ to a Haring Center hero, Cecile Lindquist, who passed away on April 10th, 2019.

Cecile was a visionary and fierce advocate for individuals with special needs. Among her many great accomplishments in the areas of special education and early intervention, Cecile helped author and lobby to pass Washington’s House Bill 90 (HB 90), “Education for All”. When passed in 1971, HB 90 became the first law in the nation to mandate public education for children with disabilities. This law changed the lives of children across Washington, and established the foundation for a federal education law – the law that would eventually become the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Cecile worked at the Haring Center’s Experimental Education Unit (EEU) in admissions and community relations for more than 30 years. Her impact is lasting, and Cecile will continue to serve as an example of true advocacy and public service.

We owe so much to Cecile, and send our deepest condolences to her family and those who loved her.