To celebrate Disability Pride month, the King County Disability Equity Network (KCDEN) gathered reflections from employees living with hidden and visible disabilities about how their disabilities are an asset in the workplace, and how those attributes allow them to effectively serve King County residents.

In part two of a multi-part series, KCDEN is sharing these first-person experiences to highlight the contributions of employees with disabilities. Because disability status is often stigmatized, the thoughts are shared anonymously and have been edited for brevity and clarity.

“My disability is an asset at work because I am a quick thinker, creative in solutions, and able to juggle multiple projects or ideas at once. I wish people knew that not all disabilities are visible or easily understood. I am inspired by the way working from home helped create a future where I can work full time and be happy and fulfilled in life.” – An employee from Public Health

“My disability is an asset at work because it makes me more thoughtful and empathetic. Since I know what it’s like to live in a world designed with barriers, it makes me want to better understand and solve for the barriers that impact others that I don’t see. I wish people knew that living with a disability can be its own full-time job. Having a good accommodation in place can mean the difference in whether I can also be actively involved in my community. I’m inspired by the way the next generation is really helping me challenge all of my internalized ableism.”- An employee from the Department of Natural Resources and Parks

Every day, King County employees with disabilities provide critical services to our community. As we strive to achieve our vision to make King County a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient region where every individual and community is safe, connected, housed, healthy, and empowered to succeed, the important contributions of our employees with disabilities does not go unnoticed. To learn more about KCDEN visit the Employee Resource Groups webpage, or reach out to us at DisabilityEquity@kingcounty.gov.