When people have the support they need to connect and contribute to their community, we are all better off. This is a key part of the Supported Employment program, that matches qualified job candidates with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) to employment opportunities within King County.  

The Supported Employment program at the City of Seattle officially launched in 1998 and has employed nearly 100  people since then. This program ensures that all supported employees receive job coaching  to assist with the application process, onboarding, training, retention and ongoing career growth. By doing so, the program enriches the workforce, and connects people in the program with a career path that meets their goals.  

We will be sharing the stories of five different employees with the program in a series highlighting this program and its impact.   

Kendall Lum has worked for Seattle Department of Transportation since 2016, focusing on data entry, document scanning, and customer service. His role has evolved significantly, especially after COVID 19, when the shift from manual filing to electronic systems demanded new skills. He has grown in his ability to work with computers, notably his proficiency with Excel. Kendall exuberates great pride for working at the City of Seattle, which is reflected in his neat business casual attire he wears to work each day.  

With support from a job coach, Kendall continues to succeed in his role, finding structure and satisfaction in his work.  

“I like having a job because it gives me the opportunity to work on different projects and collaborate with others,” he said.  

His colleagues praise his reliability and attention to detail, qualities that have helped him thrive in an ever-evolving work environment.  

Outside of work, Kendall expresses his creativity through art, especially acrylic and oil pet portraits. He also enjoys playing basketball and experimenting with different art techniques, showing that his adaptability and openness to learning extend far beyond the office. He appreciates the support he gets from his job coach and coworkers—it makes navigating tasks easier. Kendall is grateful for the collaboration and guidance that have helped him grow both personally and professionally. 

At the 35th annual Developmental Disabilities and Delays Legislative Forum Nov. 21, one of the legislative priorities touched on the importance of programs like Supported Employment.

Employment and Inclusion: Protect opportunities for employment and meaningful inclusion in the community through increasing provider payments to strengthen staffing that would help avoid delays or interruptions in service access.

Read more about the priorities here.