Every October, King County celebrates the many contributions made by people with disabilities, and how they strengthen our workforce, our communities, and our country.

With this in mind, the King County Executive and King County Council jointly honored their contributions by proclaiming October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

In the Oct. 5 virtually held King County Council meeting, Councilmember Dave Upthegrove and Councilmember Claudia Balducci shared reading of the proclamation, with each councilmember adding additional insights. The meeting can be viewed here.

“Every person deserves the opportunity to fulfil their potential, share their unique abilities, and fully participate in everything that our region has to offer,” King County Executive Dow Constantine said. “Disability Employment Awareness Month reminds us that we must continue to break down barriers to promote inclusion and expand opportunity for all people with disabilities.”

“Disability Employment Awareness Month encourages us all to acknowledge the barriers that continue to impact people with disabilities, and it challenges us to take action to create a more inclusive and supportive community and workplace,” said Councilmember Upthegrove. “Whether it be at work, at our child’s school or at a neighborhood barbeque, we can all foster an environment that celebrates everyone’s unique talents, rejects prejudice and discrimination and supports those living with disabilities.”

“People with disabilities contribute to our communities and our workplaces in innumerable ways,” said Council Chair Balducci. “October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Let’s take this opportunity to celebrate the ways in which all of our lives are enriched by the contributions of people with disabilities, like our colleagues at King County, while recommitting to removing barriers that still exist to their full participation.”

The proclamation highlights the commitment King County government has to advance people with disabilities and affirms the value and talent these individuals add to King County workplaces and communities.

The official proclamation can be viewed here, and in the image above.

To get involved in recognizing and celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month next year, please contact Christina Davidson at Christina.Davidson@kingcounty.gov.