In October, King County celebrates the contributions made by people with disabilities, and how disabilities, both visible and non-apparent, enhance our workforce, our communities, and our country.

On Oct. 8, King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci honored the contributions of individuals with disabilities by proclaiming October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). A job is so much more than a paycheck. It enables a person to contribute to their community, fulfill their potential, and build meaningful connections with those around them.

King County’s Supported Employment Program has been creating significant employment opportunities for those with developmental disabilities for more than 34 years. In building this program, we live our value of respecting all people for their unique contributions. Individuals in this program work in all areas of our government, from our water and land resources environmental lab, to our courthouses, to our metro bases.

This month, and throughout the year, the Supported Employment Program and the Department of Human Resources (DHR) Disability Services will continue to collaborate with all county departments and offices to creatively explore ways to be as inclusive as possible by creating unique roles for individuals with disabilities, and providing workplace tools and accommodations that support their success in the workforce.

View the official proclamation here.

Learn more about National Disability Employment Awareness Month here on the Department of Labor website. If you are interested in working through the creative and rewarding process of creating a supported employment role in your workgroup, or just want to learn more about the program in general, please reach out to Supported Employment Program Manager Lauren Orichio at LOrichio@kingcounty.gov.