In King County, we celebrate National Disability Awareness Month in October to honor the many positive contributions that people with disabilities bring to the workplace. This is a time to educate ourselves and each other about the issues that our valued coworkers still face. We need to bring this much-needed awareness to our workplace—ever-striving for progress by breaking down barriers, so that we may foster a more inclusive workforce that allows people to share their talents, be successful at work and thrive in their community.
A Message from the Executive
In a message from King County Executive Dow Constantine on KCEmployees.com, we can read about how celebrating Disability Awareness Month contributes to our True North goals in King County as well as read about some of the programs that we offer to make King County more accessible.
- Our Disability Services Program supports King County’s employees with disabilities with accommodations and resources that help them return to work.
- Our Supported Employment Program helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities find rewarding careers with King County and contribute their talents and skills. We are grateful for our DCHS coworkers—the perspective and the spirit they bring to work is unmatched!
- Our DCHS Developmental Disabilities and Early Childhood Supports Division (DDECSD) provides employment support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout King County.
- Our BHRD Behavioral Health Supported Employment Program helps people in the community with mental health and substance-use conditions achieve their recovery and employment goals.
- METRO provides more comfortable and specialized access to public transit to help people with disabilities get where they need to go.
- King County Elections provides Accessible Voting Centers with audio or large print ballots and other assistive devices so everyone can have their say in our democratic process.
- Superior Court provides accommodations to people in the community so they can fully and equally participate in court activities.
The Department of Community and Human Services is Determined to Support King County Families
“To assist King County residents of all ages and cultures who have developmental disabilities to achieve full, active, integrated and productive participation in community life.” That is the mission of the DCHS Developmental Disabilities and Early Childhood Supports Division (DDECSD). To achieve this, our division assists people with disabilities and their families in areas like:
- Birth-to-Three supports
- Community access opportunities
- Community support programs
- Employment services
- Family resource coordination
- Housing services
- In-home behavior support services
This work is guided by the Board for Developmental Disabilities—a 15-member citizen advisory board comprised of family advocates, self-advocates, professionals and interested persons that provide oversight of community services for children with developmental delays, adults with developmental disabilities and their families. The board develops plans for developmental disability services, advises on funding priorities, and advocates for increases in funding and improvements in services.
30th Annual King County Legislative Forum for Developmental Disabilities
The Board for Developmental Disabilities, along with Open Doors for Multicultural Families and The Arc of King County, hosts an evening of story sharing designed to help elected leaders understand the work done in our region. King County Executive Dow Constantine will be giving the opening remarks, then opening the floor for the featured speakers—community members who are people with developmental disabilities or their family. The evening provides legislators an opportunity to see the impact of state investments on people’s lives and learn about promising legislative recommendations.
This is a free event where you can meet your elected leaders, having time to mix and talk with legislators and other fellow constituents after the scheduled program.
Date and Time
Mon, November 25, 2019
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM PST
Location
DoubleTree Suites
16500 Southcenter Parkway
Seattle, WA 98188
More to come!
October is a busy month for the Developmental Disabilities and Early Childhood Support division. Visit Cultivating Connections soon for upcoming Disability Awareness Month celebrations and activities. The following topics are coming soon:
- Metropolitan King County Council will issue a proclamation honoring Disability Awareness Month
- DDECSD talks about their Resource Fairs and other employment resources
To learn more history about National Disability Awareness Month, visit the Americans with Disabilities Act Timeline: https://www.dol.gov/featured/ada/timeline/alternative
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