Breaking down barriers with Supported Employment: Janet Mejie
King County’s Supported Employment Program matches job seekers with developmental disabilities to jobs by identifying efficiencies and unmet needs throughout King County government. One of the new hires is Janet Mejie, who recently started working in Transit Safety & Training section. “It’s made us more efficient and more effective as a safety staff in general in the Safety office to have this type of backing and support from Janet,” said Michael Marks, Superintendent Transit Safety. Watch the short video below that highlights Janet in the Supported Employment Program and contact Christina Davidson to learn more about ways you… Read More
Helping employees get back to work
King County’s Return-to-Work (RTW) Program assists employees who have been injured or ill transition back into the workforce, a program that benefits both employees and the County. “This year I’m looking to place two employees with temporary medical restrictions in Renton with the Elections team during their upcoming busy election schedule,” said Jamie Christensen, Disability Services Consultant with King County’s Disability Services, Leaves and Supported Employment section in the Department of Human Resources. “If I can find employees for departments requesting transitional duty workers, then that’s interviews that departments don’t need to… Read More
Supported Employment Program recognized at Governor’s Employer Award Program
King County’s Supported Employment Program was nominated for the Employment and Disability Issue Governor Awards for 2018 Public Sector Employer of the Year. The awards ceremony was held at the Microsoft Conference Center on Wednesday, October 17. The program was recognized by the Washington State Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues & Employment (GCDE) for the efforts of public employers (federal, state, local government) and their efforts to recruit, hire and advance the employment of individuals with disabilities. Although King County did not win the award, (hats off to the City of Bellevue) this was a great opportunity to not only… Read More
Get to know 2018 Giving Drive nonprofits – Spotlight on organizations serving people with a disability
Each year King County employees help hundreds of nonprofit organizations do vital work in our community and around the world by donating through the Employee Giving Program, and this year’s Annual Giving Drive is now underway. As we recognize Disability Awareness Month this October, here are four participating nonprofits whose work helps people with disabilities in our community: The Arc of King County(9233) – Serving individuals and families with intellectual and developmental disabilities through case management, peer support, leadership training, and advocacy. Alpha Supported Living Service(9033) – Providing 24/7 support for people with developmental and… Read More
Disability Awareness Month two part Lunch and Learn, Oct. 18 and 24
The Department of Executive Services and Human Resources Division have cosponsored two interactive lunch and learn events that trace the rise of the Disability Rights Movement in the United States, Oct. 18 and 24. From the first stirrings after WWII, through the intersections of race, visibility of the disabled, and economics in activism, to the famous Capital Crawl, the classes will uncover the unexpected connections that led to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The event is first come first serve with seating available for up to 40 people. Please… Read More
Inclusive process results in more accountability and higher customer standards for Metro’s Access paratransit service
King County Metro’s American with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) Paratransit Program provides shared rides on Access Transportation for people whose disability(ies) prevent them from using fixed route bus or light rail service. Access Transportation provided nearly 1 million trips last year, serving about 10,000 customers. With the help of customers and advocates, King County Metro is scheduled to have a new contract to improve Access service beginning in August 2019. Metro first asked for contractor proposals last year; however, Access riders and other stakeholders communicated their disappointment that they were not… Read More
Disability Awareness Month: Transit Disability Services helps to provide resources for over 5,000 employees
Sometimes it just takes a little creativity and a few good resources to make it easier for an employee to do their job. For the past two decades, a small group of Transit Disability Services staff has been coming up with ideas to help Transit workgroups accommodate employees who have a medical condition, from bus drivers to office workers. A study by the Job Accommodation Network in partnership with the West Virginia University School of Social Work, found that the majority of workplace accommodations employees need are either free or low cost. For Transit… Read More
October is Disability Awareness Month in King County
Dear fellow King County employee, October is Disability Awareness Month in King County, a time to celebrate and recognize the many contributions of people with disabilities in our community and around the world. It’s also a time to raise awareness about challenges that people with disabilities face and look at what we can do to help them thrive and fulfill their potential. Everyone deserves a fair shot at success. We are all better off when everyone has an equitable opportunity to fully participate in our community and contribute their unique perspectives and… Read More
King County remembers Sue Ammeter
“Sue was strong, she was fierce, but she also didn’t direct attention to herself and her efforts,” said Karla Lynch, Employment and Community Access Program Manager with the Department of Community and Human Services. “When I think about her energy and her effort, it really was to improve the lives of all people with disabilities.” While at King County Sue Ammeter worked as a Disability Services Specialist. She understood how disabilities could impact people’s lives, as she was blind herself. Her impact in the areas of civil rights, disability accommodations, and employee… Read More
County Council Declares October Disability Awareness Month
When people have the opportunity to use their talents and contribute to society, everyone benefits. King County Executive Dow Constantine launched Disability Awareness Month in King County Monday, Oct. 1. and the Metropolitan King County Council has recognized citizens with temporary or permanent disabilities with its declaration of the month of October as Disability Awareness Month in King County. Signed into law in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act focuses on protecting the civil rights of citizens with disabilities continues to ensure that people, regardless of their disability, are an active part of… Read More
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