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 three 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 it allows me to relate to the people I’m providing services for, understand where they’re coming from, and gives me special insight into how to best support them. I wish people knew that when I have to take protected medical leave, it’s not a vacation. Sometimes symptom management has to become your full-time job so you can get back to your baseline, back to work, and continue to provide services to the community.” – An employee from the Department of Community and Human Services

“My disability is an asset at work because it gives me empathy for the people I serve. I wish people knew that many disabilities are hidden and many living with those disabilities fear retaliation if their disability were discovered. One thing King County could do to advance disability equity is to create independent representatives who support individuals as they navigate the reasonable accommodation process.” – An employee from Metro

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.