by Dow Constantine, King County Executive

Each October, King County celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month and the many contributions that people with disabilities make to our community. 

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation,” and it highlights the importance of people with disabilities to a diverse, inclusive, and thriving American workforce. Every person must have the opportunity to fulfill their potential and fully participate in everything that our region has to offer.  Every person must have the opportunity to share their unique abilities. That’s how we will all succeed. 

However, we still have a long way to go to create true equity in employment for everyone. Just 37% of people with disabilities aged 16 to 64 are employed compared to 75% of those without disabilities. These statistics unfortunately have not changed much since the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990. We are making progress though, particularly in this region. The disability employment rate in Washington State is 40%; in King County it is 46%, much higher than the national average, though still far lower than it needs to be.   

At King County, we continue to do take actions to reduce the barriers that people with disabilities face when seeking employment and in all areas of their lives. The County offers many programs and services that support people with disabilities and build a more inclusive workforce and community, from specialized access to public transit to Accessible Voting Centers with audio or large print ballots and other assistive devices. I encourage you to look at all the services you provide to see if there is a way to make them more accessible and more equitable. 

In our own workforce, our Supported Employment Program is helping employees with developmental and intellectual disabilities find and maintain employment opportunities in King County government. Our Disability Services Program helps employees with disabilities access accommodations and resources so they can continue their important work for our community, sometimes in new or adjusted roles.

Our newest Employee Affinity group, King County Disability Equity Network (KCDEN), launched in January 2022. The group serves employees and the broader disability community by providing fellowship, support, and co-creation of equitable policies and programs. Meetings are the second Tuesday of every month. For more information, contact disabilityequity@kingcounty.gov or visit King County’s Affinity Groups webpage. 

By working together and seeking out opportunities to ensure access and equity for all, we can further break down barriers and truly make this community one where every person can thrive. 

Benefits Open Enrollment is Nov. 1-15, and it’s important that you review and update your personal information in PeopleSoft to ensure you receive announcements.

You can also update your emergency contact information, receive important updates, and select the email address where you prefer to receive information.

Got to ess.kingcounty.gov and select Personal Details to make sure all items are up to date. For login help, call the IT Service Center at 206-263-4357.

King County’s Annual Giving Drive (AGD) kicks off next week, and it’s your opportunity to support the causes and nonprofits that are important to you.

This year, the AGD runs from Oct. 3 to Nov. 18. During the drive, King County employees may:

• Market and communicate about specific causes and participating Employee Giving nonprofits
• Sign-up online in self-service for payroll donations for the coming year
• Give using Time Donation
• Invite in nonprofit speakers
• Hold fundraisers and put on special events
• and more!

Look for more information on the many ways you can participate coming soon, and learn more on the Annual Giving Drive website.

Administrative Professionals are a large part of King County government’s workforce and valuable contributors to the success of every department. They support and provide direct services to internal customers and the public.

Submissions for recognition for the third quarter are due by Sept. 30. To show your appreciation and recognize an Administrative Professional that you’ve worked with, click here.

King County is transitioning all employee workstations to the new Windows 11 operating system. Designed to enhance productivity, Windows 11 offers a brighter, more user-friendly interface engineered to help you get more done. All business software will function the same, but the new start menu and desktop layout keeps your frequently used applications front and center.

KCIT will roll out Windows 11 through 2024 as laptops are replaced, repaired, or issued to new employees. Please do not upgrade your workstation yourself. Read more about Windows 11.

Cybersecurity Training is an important safeguard that protects King County systems, and the number of employees who complete training each year impacts our insurance rates.

When your training is assigned, you will receive an email from kc-knowbe4@kingcounty.gov with a direct link to your required training modules. If you can’t find the email, check your Junk folder or login with your work email here.

All employees must complete annual Cybersecurity Training by Dec. 31, 2022 unless your agency has specified a different deadline. Thank you for doing your part to protect King County! Read more.