The King County Disability Affinity Group hosted an official kick-off and held its first informational session on October 25.  

The launch of this new affinity group (aka employee resource group) is an important piece in furthering the County’s commitment to disability equity, and reaching our True North, “Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive.” 

The Disability Affinity Group aims to serve the disability community through fellowship, by providing support, and in the co-creation of equitable policies, practices, and approaches – all in service to the disability community, including King County employees. The affinity group is supported by the Office of Equity and Social Justice (OESJ) and the Department of Community & Human Resources (DCHS).  

“We look forward to working in partnership with the OESJ and the rest of the County to inform the County’s efforts to effectively serve persons with disabilities in King County, and to recognize and honor the intersectionality of race and disability in our work,” said the Disability Affinity Group Co-Chairs, Karla Lynch and Lili Stansberry.  

“On behalf of the County Executive and myself, I want to say a sincere thank you to all the members of this inaugural group, including our two co-chairs and all who will bring their lived experience, skills commitment and knowledge to this important effort,” said Anita Whitfield, Director of the Office of Equity and Social Justice, and King County’s Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer. 

The launch of this new affinity group continues the County’s efforts to effectively serve and co-create with the disability community. Working with disability community advocates, OESJ developed and the King County Council unanimously passed the County’s first Disability Equity Action Plan last month. This plan highlights more than legal compliance; it centers the County’s commitment to disability equity as a key component to meeting the County’s True North. According to Anita, disability equity will also be an important part of the next iteration of King County’s Equity & Social Justice strategic plan. 

For more information about the Disability Affinity Group, email disabilityequity@kingcounty.gov.  

If you are interested in learning more about the County’s various Affinity Groups and how you can plug in to them, visit King County Affinity Groups.