The importance of disability inclusion at work
Disability inclusion at work is about more than hiring people with disabilities. An inclusive workplace values all employees for their strengths. It offers employees with disabilities, whether visible or invisible, an equal opportunity to fully contribute, perform, and grow. True inclusion is about embracing difference.
An inclusive workplace holds everyone to the same standards. But the focus is on outcomes, not on how outcomes are achieved. This means understanding and supporting the different ways that people think, process information, interact with others and achieve their goals.
A strong disability inclusion strategy helps build a more capable, resilient, and comprehensive workforce.
King County’s Disability Services programs work with people who have all types of disabilities to help individuals achieve their full career potential, while also providing support and training to managers and supervisors working with their employees with visible and invisible disabilities.
King County’s Supported Employment Program works with individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities to support them in reaching their full potential, achieving economic self-sufficiency and independent living.
Learn more about both here on the Disability Services employee intranet.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Supporting health through giving
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, encourage preventative care, and support organizations working to improve health outcomes and save lives. It is also an opportunity to recognize the important role nonprofits play in advancing research, expanding access to care, and providing support to individuals and families affected by breast cancer, cancer, and overall health matters.
Through employee giving, we can make a meaningful difference. Whether you choose to support cancer research, patient support services, or organizations promoting broader health and wellness, your contribution helps strengthen communities and improve lives.
We have highlighted a few Employee Giving Program (EGP) organizations that you can learn more about here.
To see the full list of organizations and discover more search online or review the 2026 Giving Guide of nonprofits by service category.
Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Members of King County Disability Services, Metro Transit Disability Services, and the King County Disability Equity Network (KCDEN) attended the Oct. 20, King County Council meeting to honor National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).
At the meeting, the Council proclaimed October 2026 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) in King County.
This proclamation celebrates the 81st anniversary of NDEAM. This is a time to honor the tremendous contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce, and recognize how much stronger organizations become when everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
For more information contact Disability Services by:
- Email at DisabilityService@kingcounty.gov, or phone at 206-263-9329, or by reaching out directly to the Disability Services Consultant assigned to your department/division.
- For Metro Transit employees, email TransitDisabilityServices@kingcounty.gov, call 206-477-8319, or reach out directly to the assigned Disability Services Specialist.
View the official proclamation here.
Pictured: Members of King County Disability Services, Metro Transit Disability Services, the King County Disability Equity Network, and the King County Council.
Recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about domestic violence, signs of abuse, and how we can stop it.
Domestic violence can take many forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, and financial abuse. It does not discriminate by age, gender, background, or profession. It can impact our coworkers, our neighbors, and our loved ones.
The statistics remind us why awareness matters:
- Nearly 3 in 10 women and 1 in 10 men have experienced domestic violence and reported it.
- On average, 24 people per minute in the United States are physically abused by an intimate partner – more than 12 million people each year.
- 1 in 4 women (24.3%) and 1 in 7 men (13.8%) aged 18 and older in the US have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
- Most cases go unreported, due to fear, shame, or lack of support.
These are not just numbers—they represent our neighbors, friends, coworkers, and community members.
As an organization, we are committed to fostering a workplace where every person feels safe, respected, and supported. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, confidential help is available. Read more.
Supervisor Spotlight: Highlighting those behind the scenes who keep us moving
Crossposted from Metro Matters
It takes a lot of people to keep a transit system running smoothly across 150 routes and over 300,000 boardings a day.
Bus drivers are the most visible part of any transit system, but there are people behind the scenes who are just as vital in the day-to-day operation of King County Metro.
Their responsibilities include training operators, planning the routes that run throughout the region, and literally being the “traffic controllers” who keep track of the buses on their daily runs.
We’d like to introduce you to the staff that help keep the wheels on the bus going “round and round” every day. Read more.
From intern to career service, a full-circle moment for Fanual Tilahun
Fanual Tilahun, Real Property Agent (RPA) II, recently joined the Facilities Management Division (FMD) as a full-time career service employee. However, his journey with the division started a year ago as a YearUp United intern. Tilahun produced impressive work over the course of his six-month internship and was given the opportunity to extend his time with FMD to complete some projects for the Real Estate Services (RES) Section. Towards the end of his extension, the RPA II opportunity presented itself and Tilahun decided to throw his hat into the ring.
As a born-and-raised Seattleite, helping his community is a big driver for Tilahun’s success in the workplace.
“Community service has always been important to me and one of the things I value about working in public service is knowing that the work I do has an impact beyond myself,” said Tilahun. Read more.
Knowing your role during winter weather and emergencies, Executive branch departments
Being prepared for an emergency helps us to keep one another safe and to continue providing essential services to the people of King County.
In the case of a significant disaster or emergency, county leaders must prioritize which functions and services will be provided, and which can be delayed or suspended. This prioritization informs King County’s employee emergency designations.
Executive branch departments are in the process of communicating employee emergency designations to their employees using three standard designations:
- First Responders: First Responders are employees who, in the early stages of an emergency incident, are responsible for the protection and preservation of life, property, evidence, the environment, and/or the restoration of order (e.g., Sheriff’s Deputies, Corrections Officers, Medic One paramedics, Search and Rescue personnel). These employees may have a direct role in emergency response and may also staff essential functions. These employees have the highest duty to report to work in emergency conditions.
- Mission Critical Employees: Mission Critical employees are those who provide for and maintain the essential functions of county services as described in the COOP Plan (e.g. Payroll Clerks). Mission Critical employees must be available to perform their duties as determined by their agency management. If unable to report to their usual County worksite, the employee must contact their supervisor to report their status, receive an assignment, and/or be directed to an alternate worksite location.
- Non-mission Critical in an Emergency Employees: These are employees who staff County functions or services that may be suspended in an emergency while essential functions are prioritized. It should not be presumed that non-mission critical employees will not be asked to report to work during an emergency, only that in the initial impact period, the functions they perform may not be required for emergency operations or business continuity of essential functions.
Employees, take the Commute Trip Reduction survey, open through Nov. 13
The Employee Transportation Program is distributing the Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) survey to employees at required worksites. This state mandated, commute focused survey contains both required and supplemental questions. The survey should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete (including supplemental questions).
Take the survey to also have a chance to win a $50 or $100 gift card! You must complete the supplemental questions to be eligible. If your worksite has over 100 employees, it is likely CTR required. Complete the survey on the ETP SharePoint page.
Accessible voting events, through Oct. 30
King County Elections is hosting in-person events across the county this election, where election staff will be available to help voters make their voices heard. Whether you need to get registered, get a replacement ballot, or just have questions, accessible voting events are open to all and are especially intended to support voters with disabilities or who need additional assistance.
You can learn more about accessible voting here. For more information about King County Elections visit kingcounty.gov/Elections.
Strengthening oversight: DCHS moves closer to completing audit recommendations
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections
Last year, the King County Auditor’s Office released a report showing the need for stronger financial oversight at the Department of Community & Human Services (DCHS). The report also detailed 10 recommendations for DCHS to implement to strengthen internal controls and stewardship of public dollars. Now, the department is making progress on the 10 recommendations, with nearly half completed.
“I’m proud of the progress DCHS has made. This is a testament to our commitment to being responsible stewards of public funds,” said Amber Green, DCHS Deputy Director. “DCHS is laying the groundwork for Better Government practices across the entire county.” Read more.
