King County Council recognizes 2019 Disability Awareness Month
On Oct. 16, 2019, the Metropolitan King County Council proclaimed October as Disability Awareness Month in King County, celebrating the many contributions that people with disabilities make to our community and workforce. The proclamation is a reminder of our continued efforts to break down barriers so that people of all abilities can share their unique abilities, perspectives and talents. Signed into law in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in… Read More
ESJ Opportunity Fund now accepting applications, deadline Nov. 22
The Office of Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) is now accepting applications for the Equity and Social Justice Opportunity Fund. The Opportunity Fund is a competitive process that provides resources to King County employees to develop and implement projects that work to advance equity, social justice and King County’s mission to lead with racial justice in support of the ESJ Strategic Plan. Read more in the overview here and download the application here. Applications are due by or before November 22, 2019. For questions contact Tynishia Walker at TWalker@kingcounty.gov or at 206-263-0534.
2019 Annual Giving Drive: Spotlight on nonprofits supporting the Latinx community
King County’s Annual Giving Drive Program started October 7, and almost 1,200 nonprofits are taking part this year. Throughout this year’s drive, we’ll be featuring four nonprofits in different categories. To honor Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month at King County, we’ve highlighted four nonprofits that support and advance the rights of our Latinx and Hispanic Community. Casa Latina (9307) 317 17th Ave S. Seattle, WA 98144 – Empowers Latinx/Hispanic immigrants through employment, education, and community organizing – toward full participation of the Latinx/Hispanic community in the economy and democracy of the U.S. Soccer Without Borders Seattle (9968) 600… Read More
Revamped dock at Pier 50 offers new accessibility features
It took two years for a full rebuild, but as of August 2019, the new passenger-only ferry dock at Pier 50 has reopened, to include Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements for those with mobility issues. Travelers taking regional ferry service to West Seattle, Vashon, Bremerton and Kingston can now wait under a fully-covered dock with inside seating. A tactile path and tactile signs also guide the way forward to the boat and a new ADA assistance station. The new dock even includes an elevator that will connect to a new pedestrian bridge… Read More
Transition Fairs provide connection and opportunity for youth with developmental disabilities
The King County School-to-Work Program provides students with developmental disabilities the resources to plan a bright future after high school. The program is currently planning its 13th annual Transition Resource Fairs: two one-day conferences attended by families, teachers, local agencies, and potential employers intended to help students with developmental disabilities find employment before leaving their high school programs. Several years ago, Microsoft approached the School-to-Work Program to be a partner in hosting and coordinating the Transition Resource Fairs. This partnership has helped it become one of the most informative and resourceful events for students with disabilities… Read More
Young attorneys make a difference through Prosecutor’s internship program
The King County’s Prosecuting Attorney’s Office recently mentored and trained a group of nine young, ambitious second-year law students, giving them firsthand experience into the work of a prosecuting attorney. The intense, 13-week Rule 9 Internship Program gives law students the opportunity to practice the law under supervision by handling real cases. “We have an extremely diverse class and half are people of color, which is remarkable,” said Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Leah Taguba, who oversees the program. “It is through diversity of background and thought that people of color bring to prosecution that help… Read More
Celebrating Disability Awareness Month in King County
Dear fellow King County employee, Each October, we celebrate Disability Awareness Month in King County and recognize the many contributions that people with disabilities make to our community. Disability Awareness Month also reminds us that we must continue to break down barriers so that people with disabilities can share their unique abilities, perspectives, and talents. That is what is at the heart of our True North: Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. Each day we inch closer to this goal by doing what we can to break… Read More
Circle Keeper Process Training dates now available, Oct. and Nov.
The National Compadres Network in partnership with King County’s Office of Equity and Social Justice presents Circle Keeper Process Training. This two day training is offered Oct. 22-23 and Nov. 5-6 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.Participants must be present for both days to receive certification and curricula. For more information and to apply click here. If you have any questions about the training or the application please contact Tynishia Walker at twalker@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-0534
Executive proclamation and celebration kick off Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month
King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed the month beginning September 15 “Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month” in King County. “Latino and Latina residents have been a consistent, vital influence in the history of King County, and we name our commemoration “Latinx” Heritage Month to be more inclusive of the experiences and identities of our communities,” Executive Constantine said in the Proclamation. Additionally, Sound Transit’s Latinx in Transportation (LIT) Employee Resource Group, King County Metro and the Seattle Department of Transportation held a multi-agency Latinx Heritage Month kick-off celebration on September 19, 2019. View more photos below and… Read More
Sept. 15 – Oct. 15, 2019 King County celebrates Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month
National Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month officially starts on Sept. 15 and ends Oct. 15. This month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the long and important presence and contributions of Hispanic and Latino and Latina (Latinx) Americans. In the spirit of shared learning, increased understanding, building community, and advancing pro-equity values at Metro, all King County employees are invited to participate in these events, below. For more information about each event, view this flyer. Cross Agency Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month Celebration: Thursday, Sept. 19, noon to 1 p.m., Union Station, Ruth Fisher Board… Read More
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