Crawling toward equality
By Dorian Esper-Taylor Disability Equity Specialist, Office of Equity and Social Justice and Jennifer Mechem, ADA/Civil Rights Section Manager, Office of Equity and Social Justice
Today marks the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) being signed into law on July 26, 1990.
One of the most influential civil rights marches was not a march, it was a crawl. Part of a series of demonstrations that included all forms of mobility, the Capitol Crawl on March 12, 1990, was a key moment in the path to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Collectively as a society, we view civil protest through the lens of ableism. Systemically and historically, demonstrations are often not accessible. But people with disabilities were leading a new civil rights movement and redefining what protest looked like. In 1977, they had organized the longest sit-in in U.S. history to push the government to sign the first disability civil rights law, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. In 1990, massive public protests to support passage of the ADA required collective unity and that no person be left behind. Over 1,000 people made their way to the Capitol on March 11, 2011, to demonstrate when the ADA was stalled in the House Committee on Public Works and Transportation.
Tired of being marginalized and pitied, the activists began these demonstrations with people chaining their wheelchairs together in the Capitol Rotunda. The most significant of these demonstrations happened the next day, on March 12, over a thousand people planned to demonstrate outside the White House. ADAPT (formerly known as American Disabled for Accessible Public Transit) wanted a demonstration that would not only display the struggles that people with mobility disabilities face, they wanted a demonstration that would shock people and defy the stereotypes of people with disabilities. They organized approximately 60 people to crawl up the Capitol steps to highlight the inaccessibility and the need for the ADA. Tossing their mobility aids aside, people crawled their way up towards the Capitol.
These demonstrations shattered stereotypes of people with disabilities, especially mobility disabilities, in every way. Instead of quiet and in the corner, there were loud demonstrations of civil disobedience. The news coverage of the Capitol Crawl brought national attention to the struggles of the 43 million Americans with disabilities. The New York Times showed a photograph of a man dragging himself and his chair up the steps, and the Los Angeles Times highlighted the more than hundred people arrested that week.
One of the people arrested was Cynthia Keelan, the mother of the youngest activist seen crawling up the steps. Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins was just eight years old. “Even though I was quite young, I realized that as one of the very few kids that got to be involved in this movement…it wasn’t just about myself, but it was about them as well.”
While the protests to pass the ADA continued for a week, the Capitol Hill protests were the most influential in changing public opinion and getting the votes to pass the law. At last, it was passed and the ADA was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on January 26, 1990.
Learn more about the Capitol Crawl
Crawling up steps to demand their rights | ShareAmerica.
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July 26 proclaimed Americans with Disabilities Act Day
By Dow Constantine, King County Executive
On the 32nd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), with our work to become a pro-equity and anti-racist government, we also recognize that disability is intersectional, and that the ADA remains a crucial tool in addressing the persistent discrimination experienced by persons with disabilities.
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What’s hotter than the weather? Water Taxi Summer!
The Water Taxi is a cool way to beat the heat. It’s operating on its summer sailing season, with seven-days-a-week service to and from West Seattle, including midday sailings, and Friday and Saturday night service. Don’t forget your dog or cat, or your bike!
Hop aboard for a 15-minute ride across Elliott Bay while enjoying panoramic views of the Seattle skyline, Mount Rainier, and the Olympics. You can walk to the Mariners game or the Sounders match. When riding from downtown to West Seattle, you can take a shuttle from the Seacrest Dock that will take you to the West Seattle Junction or along Alki to the Admiral District. Read more.
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No AC? Can’t open your windows? Here’s how to stay cool.
Cross-posted from Public Health Insider
When it’s hot outside, it can be miserable inside if you don’t have air conditioning or can’t open your windows. Public Health Insider has put together tips that can help when it feels like an oven in your home. Read more.
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Take care working outdoors during extreme heat
(Updated August 14, 2023)
Extremely hot weather is forecast to continue for the next few days in our region, with very high temperatures expected. Some of our work needs to be performed outdoors. Executive Branch departments should evaluate planned field work to determine if this work can be postponed to when temperatures are cooler, where possible. If work must be performed, departments should attempt to adapt schedules wherever possible so work can be performed in the morning. Please see the following advice and tips (this applies to Executive Branch employees. Employees in other branches of County government may receive additional guidance from their leaders). For complete Department of Labor and Industries requirements, please refer to WAC 296-62-095 Outdoor heat exposure.
For managers and supervisors
- If an employee normally performs field work outdoors for extended periods, please consider curtailing all non-critical outdoor work
- Consider adjusting employee work schedules, locations, or regularly assigned duties during extreme heat days if these are options
- If employees must work outdoors, please attempt to have work completed in the morning and avoid work in direct sunlight
- Ensure employees take frequent breaks in the shade or air-conditioned locations (for example, office space, library, community center, grocery store), and reduce drive times, if possible
- Encourage employees to frequently consume water or other acceptable beverages to ensure hydration
- Wherever possible, employees should avoid outdoor work in direct sunlight from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on extreme heat days.
For outdoor workers
- Talk to your supervisor about adjusting scheduling to avoid all non-critical outdoor work on the hottest days, or perform critical outdoors tasks in the morning only
- Take breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned space
- Stay hydrated. Have a beverage with you at all times, and sip or drink frequently. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
- Avoid sunburn. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating and wear protective clothing.
For everyone
- Check on at-risk friends, family, and neighbors
- If you’re outdoors, take breaks in the shade or in air-conditioned buildings. Avoid direct contact with the sun
- Avoid exercising or strenuous activity in direct sunlight from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. when the heat is most intense.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more
- NEVER leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open! It only takes a few minutes for severe medical problems and even death to occur
- Watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Seek medical care immediately if you know someone who experiences symptoms. Follow up with your supervisor if you seek medical treatment
- Certain health conditions and medications make people more sensitive to heat. Check with your doctor about whether you are at greater risk.
Signs of heat exhaustion
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness
- Cold, pale, and clammy skin
- Weak pulse
- Fainting
- Vomiting.
Signs of heat stroke
- High body temperature (103° F or higher)
- Hot, dry skin
- Rapid and strong pulse
- Possible unconsciousness.
For our furry friends
- Limit exercise on hot days. Exercise in the early morning or evening hours
- Walk your pet in the grass if possible, to avoid hot surfaces burning their paws
- If your pet is outside, make sure they have access to shade and plenty of cool water.
Get more information at kingcounty.gov/BeatTheHeat. For more pet safety tips, read this article from the American Red Cross.
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Flexible Spending Account mid-year check
We’re past the halfway point of 2022, and for Flexible Spending Account (FSA) participants, it’s a good time to check your FSA balances and take steps to make sure you spend all your remaining funds before the end of the year. Here’s some additional reminders:
Health Care FSAs
- Use Health Care FSA funds to purchase summer-related items such as sunscreen, medical cold packs, and prescription sunglasses.
- Schedule any necessary back-to-school check-ups and sports physicals if you have children.
- Many over-the-counter items are FSA-eligible, such as aspirin, cold medicine, antacids, and feminine care. See the complete list of Health Care FSA Eligible & Ineligible Expenses. You can also shop online at the FSA Store.
- This year, you can roll over up to $550 of unused funds into next year. Any other remaining funds in your account are forfeited. Next year, the rollover amount increases to $570.
Day Care FSAs
- Use your Day Care FSA to pay for day care or dependent care expenses for your child under age 13, disabled spouse, or dependent parent so you can work or attend school full-time.
- Day Care FSA funds can also be used to pay eligible family members to watch your children.
- Online or virtual day cares and camps are not eligible for reimbursement, according to IRS regulations. See the complete list of Day Care FSA Eligible & Ineligible Expenses.
- If you do not use all your Day Care FSA funds within the plan year (Jan. 1—Dec. 31, 2022), any remaining funds will be forfeited.
For additional information, go to Flexible Spending Accounts. If you have questions about your FSA benefits, contact Navia Benefit Solutions at 425-452-3500 or email Navia Benefit Solutions.
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Chauntelle Hellner takes the wheel at Fleet
Cross-posted from Executive Services Express
Chauntelle Hellner, who has served as Deputy Director of the Business Resource Center (BRC) for the past five years, is the new Director at Fleet Services, replacing the retiring Jennifer Lindwall.
“This is a big opportunity and I’m really excited,” said Hellner, who began her new position on June 21. Read more.
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Help our buildings “beat the heat”
Forecasters are calling for warmer than normal temperatures across King County over the next week to 10 days.
In order to maintain cooler temperatures in your work spaces, please close your shades and blinds. This helps reduce the heat load and strain on the county’s cooling equipment.
The acceptable range for King County building temperatures is 70 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit. If there are problems with temperatures in your work area, please contact the FMD Customer Care Services Team at customercareservices.fmd@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-9400.
For additional information and recommendations to beat the summer heat, see this blog post from the Department of Executive Services.
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New location for downtown ballot drop box and volunteer to be a Ballot Drop Box Closer on August 2
By Julie Wise, Director, King County Elections
It is time for another Primary election! Last week, King County Elections mailed out ballots to our 1.4 million registered voters. If you haven’t seen your ballot arrive in your mailbox yet, give our team a call at 206-296-VOTE (8683). We are here to help!
Election Day is August 2, and you can return your ballot by mail or to one of our 76 secure drop box locations across the County. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day – no stamp needed! And ballots returned by drop box must be deposited by 8 p.m. sharp on August 2. Ballots cannot be accepted through interoffice mail.
For those who work in the downtown Seattle area, please note that the ballot drop box that was located at the Administration Building has been moved to the corner of 2nd Ave S. and S. King Street, in front of the Kingdome Deli. This move has long been in the works as a location that provides Pioneer Square with more direct access to a ballot drop box, as well as being close to a variety of transit options. You can find all 76 drop box locations here.
Volunteers needed
Speaking of drop boxes, I hope you’ll consider joining us on Election Day as a Ballot Drop Box Volunteer! Volunteers are paired with Elections staff to provide last-minute assistance to our voters out at drop boxes, ensure boxes are closed promptly at 8 p.m., and hand out I Voted stickers to happy voters. No experience necessary – we’ll provide all the training you need! Learn more and sign up today.
For reliable and easy-to-share information about elections, follow King County Elections on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. And if you need any help getting registered to vote or casting your ballot, call us at 206-296-VOTE (8683).
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Change to motor pool vehicles at Goat Hill and King Street garages
Due to upcoming maintenance at Goat Hill Garage, a handful of Fleet Motor Pool Dispatch vehicles for employee use have been moved to the King Street Center Garage.
When you reserve a vehicle in the INVERS system, you can choose the downtown garage (Goat Hill or King Street) where you’d like to pick up a vehicle. INVERS will indicate if there are no vehicles available at your preferred garage for the time you requested.
If this happens, you can change your request to the other downtown garage and/or change the time period for your reservation. King County employees also have access to Fleet vehicles parked at other County facilities via the INVERS system.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact Fleet Services at motorpool.dispatch@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-3880.
Employee News 