Disability Awareness Month: Ableism and ally-ship in the workplace
For people with disabilities, navigating a society constructed by and for people considered to have “typical” abilities can be a constant battle, and one that further entrenches the discrimination they face.
According to the 2010 census, nearly 1 in 5 Americans experience disability. Some people’s disabilities are visible to others and include physical disabilities such as blindness, deafness, prosthetic limbs, or wheelchair usage. Other people’s disabilities may be less visible or not visually apparent at all, such as behavioral health conditions (depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress), Traumatic Brain Injuries, developmental and intellectual disabilities, migraines, or cancer.
Despite the wide variety of disabilities and the high percentage of Americans with disabilities, disability discrimination remains widespread and entrenched. This is partly due to what is called “ableism.”
What is ableism?
Ableism refers not just to the discrimination experienced by people with disabilities, but also the reinforcement of past and current practices and constructs that were created by and for individuals perceived as “typically” abled.
Examples of ableism in the workplace include using language that perpetuates stereotypes, assuming that a job applicant with a disability may be less qualified for the position they have applied for, designing buildings without ramps, bathrooms, or adequate space for wheelchair users, questioning why an employee with mental health conditions may need extended time off work.
Many people are working hard to reduce ableism approaches and move King County toward a more disability-inclusive environment both in physical and attitudinal approaches within King County. Visit this Balanced You blog post to learn how you can support this work by breaking down ableism and becoming an ally alongside people with disabilities.
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Working to end domestic violence
Whitney Abrams, Chief People Officer, King County Executive Office
Dear employees,
This month, we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month in King County to raise awareness about the signs of abuse and how we can stop it.
On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States – more than 10 million people each year – according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. There is also concern that these numbers will jump as a result of social distancing and quarantine during COVID-19.
King County is committed to stopping domestic violence in our community and at work. The County’s updated Domestic Violence in the Workplace policy encourages employees who have experienced domestic violence or those at risk of experiencing domestic violence to talk to their supervisor, a Human Resources representative, or the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to get the assistance they need. As trained and credentialed counselors, the EAP providers know that each domestic violence situation is different and that the individual facts should be considered to best assist an employee.
In addition, our Leave for Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault or Stalking policy provides leave to employees experiencing domestic violence to address safety concerns, receive legal advice, attend legal proceedings, or receive counseling or other healthcare treatment. It also provides leave for employees to assist family members who are experiencing domestic violence with the same.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your supervisor, a Human Resources representative, or the Employee Assistance Program.
Sincerely,
Whitney Abrams
Chief People Officer
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Pet of the Week: Annie
Hi! My name is Annie and I am available for adoption. My personality color is GREEN. I am an adaptable dog who loves to go with the flow! I am outgoing and carefree, and I just can’t wait to find my forever home! I am a very smart dog! At the shelter I am practicing how to “sit”, “stay”, “come”, “down” and “shake”. I am an affectionate lovebug who would be thrilled to cuddle up with you at home! I am full of energy and I love to play! I tend to calm down more when the people around me stay calm. I do best when I have lots of exercise and something to keep my mind busy. My caregivers have noticed that I seem to do well with other dogs. When meeting dogs in a new home, I would do best with a slow introduction.
Read more and view all available pets at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Have you or someone you know adopted a pet from RASKC? Let us know. We’d love to tell your story.
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October is a three-payday month
Most King County employees get paid on a biweekly basis, every-other-Thursday, resulting in 26 pay periods per year. You usually receive two paychecks per month, but Oct. 29 will be your third payday of the month.
The net dollar amount of these “third” paychecks may be larger because not all deductions are taken out. For example, Deferred Compensation, supplemental insurance premiums, Benefit Access Fees, and Employee Giving donations are not deducted from these checks.
For more information about your paycheck, go to Payroll or speak with your department Payroll representative or timekeeper.
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Which fare is right for you? King County and Sound Transit offer new subsidized annual pass for riders in greatest need
Crossposted from Metro Matters
Discounted passes allow more people to ride transit, even if they would otherwise face financial barriers. Some customers have their transit passes covered by their work or school, while others qualify for reduced fares due to their age, disability, or income level.
You may qualify for a discounted transit pass if you are:
- Age 19-64? Check with your employer or school to see if they help with transit costs, or purchase a monthly pass
- Age 6-18? You may qualify for an Youth ORCA card
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Training Spotlight for October 22
- QuickBooks Level 2 through North Seattle College – Online – This class is $85 and takes place over two sessions on Oct. 29 and Nov. 5 from 4-6 p.m. Register here.
- Race: The Power of an Illusion – Online – This training is provided by an external consultant, and will use the three-part video series “Race: The Power of an Illusion” to explore the construct of race, how it has been used to channel benefits to those viewed as white, and why racial inequities persist. This training takes place on Oct. 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $150.00 and space is limited. Register here.
Please visit our King County Eventbrite page website for more opportunities. For more information, contact the Learning and Development Team at KCTraining@kingcounty.gov or visit Learning and Development at www.kingcounty.gov/learning.
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Onsite employee flu clinics now closed
Balanced You thanks King County employees for a successful 2020 flu clinic season. Together, we were able to distribute 1,200 flu shots to onsite employees across King County this year. Onsite flu clinics have now ended. If you or your family members have not received your flu shots, please visit this blogpost for information on how to do so.
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Announcing the 2020 Online Nonprofit Expo Series
Crossposted from KC Employee Giving
The 2020 Nonprofit Expo Series will kick off on Thursday, Oct. 22. Join the Employee Giving Program via Zoom from 11 a.m. to noon every Thursday through Nov. 20 to learn about nonprofits engaged in the work you care about. Each week will feature organizations working in the following key service areas:
- Oct. 22, from 11 a.m. to noon: Social and Economic Justice
- Oct. 29, from 11 a.m. to noon: Animals
- Nov. 5, from 11 a.m. to noon: Frontline COVID-19 Assistance
- Nov. 12, from 11 a.m. to noon: Serving Children during the COVI-19 pandemic
- Nov. 19, from 11 a.m. to noon: Housing and Employment
Each Expo will feature four nonprofits, giving you the opportunity to learn about the abundance of amazing services provided in our community. Presentations will be followed by a brief opportunity for Q&A. Follow this Zoom link to join the meeting. And don’t forget to make your pledge through PeopleSoft by Nov. 20.
For more information visit www.kingcounty.gov/giving.
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Join us: The Annual Giving Drive is happening now
Dear friends,
Earlier this month, we kicked off our Employee Giving Program Annual Giving Drive — the most fun time of the year!
Now through Nov. 20, we can make a difference by supporting the causes that are most important to us.
This is year is different. While we may be physically apart, we are still together through this important work.
As you know, we are in a critical moment – locally and globally. Across our region, nonprofits are simultaneously facing a drop in funding while working on the front lines responding to the global pandemic, racism as a public health crisis, and climate change.
On a personal note, we recognize that life right now feels overwhelming. We are all doing the best we can with what we have, and the Employee Giving Program can be a simple way to take action. Every small act adds up in our collective impact as a community.
I invite you to watch a short video with a hopeful message for this year’s Annual Giving Drive:
During the Annual Giving Drive, employees may:
- Market and communicate about specific causes and participating Employee Giving Program nonprofits.
- Sign-up online in PeopleSoft Employee Self-Service for payroll donations for the coming year.
- Give using Time Donation.
- Invite nonprofit speakers.
- Hold fundraisers and put on special events.
- And more!
How can you participate?
You can help in many ways:
Join us this year to turn up the good!
Care. Connect. Act.
Gratefully,
Junelle Kroontje
Employee Giving Program Manager
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Recognizing 2020 Disability Awareness Month
Click to view the full proclamation.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law in 1990 by former U.S. President George H. W. Bush. Every October we celebrate the many contributions that people with disabilities make to our community and workforce here at King County.
To honor these contributions, on Oct. 13, 2020, the King County Council officially proclaimed October 2020 as Disability Awareness Month.
In a meeting held virtually to allow for safety and social distancing measures, the King County Council welcomed King County councilmembers and members of the public to join in the official proclamation of Disability Awareness Month. This recognizes the continued efforts to break down barriers so that people of all abilities can share their unique abilities, perspectives and talents. The meeting and proclamation can be viewed here on Facebook.
“Disability Awareness Month is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities, recognize the many barriers that still exist, and recommit ourselves to breaking down those barriers to make our community more inclusive. All of us have varying degrees of ability, and these can change dramatically throughout our lives. We all benefit when we include and learn from people of every level and kind of ability,” said King County Council Chair Claudia Balducci.
“I’m proud of the way our King County Disability Services and Supported Employment programs help King County employees with disabilities contribute to the success of our government and thus help us all to thrive. Everyone deserves to be able to contribute their unique abilities and talents and the opportunity to fully participate in the life of King County.”
Pictured: 2020 marks the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
King County celebrates these efforts and continues working to provide everyone equal access to employment, transportation, housing, education, health care, recreation, and community life. This proclamation recognizes the hard work by activists with disabilities and their advocates to break down barriers so that people of all abilities can share their unique abilities, perspectives and talents.
View the official proclamation here, and in the image above.
To get involved in recognizing and celebrating Disability Awareness Month next year, please contact Christina Davidson at Christina.davidson@kingcounty.gov.
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