Reasonable Accommodations in King County Superior Court
This story is part of our series celebrating Disability Awareness Month. Access to justice for all persons is a fundamental right; however, for individuals with a sensory, mental or physical disability, this access can be filled with challenges. Implemented in 2007, Washington State General Court Rule 33 (GR 33) was designed to assure that persons with disabilities have equal and meaningful access to the judicial system. GR 33 requires courts to provide prompt response to requests for accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Washington State Law Against Discrimination… Read More
Improved services for customers with disabilities
Crosssposted from Metro Matters Metro’s new Access Paratransit operator, MV Transportation, brings a renewed customer service focus to the service, with offerings on the horizon including app-based scheduling, expanded multilingual support, higher on-time performance, and tighter pick-up and drop-off windows. But first, when Metro’s new contract with MV begins October 26, operations will focus on creating a seamless transition for customers and helping them know the resources available to them, should they need extra assistance. Access, Metro’s American Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit program, is for people whose disabilities prevent them from using Metro’s… Read More
Meaningful program creates workplace efficiencies and opportunities for employees
King County’s Supported Employment Program matches job seekers with developmental disabilities to available jobs by identifying efficiencies and unmet needs throughout King County departments. The program allows each department to review its standard work practices utilizing Lean principles. A job coach is also available to help supported employees thrive in the workplace. Christina Davidson, Supported Employment Program Manager shares how meaningful this can be in several ways. “When creating opportunities to be more inclusive with our hiring we are also creating efficiencies and cost savings in departments,” she said. “It’s pretty cool to get… Read More
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
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
2019 Annual Giving Drive: Spotlight on nonprofits supporting people with disabilities
King County’s Annual Giving Drive Program started Monday, Oct. 7, and almost 1,200 nonprofits are taking part this year. Throughout this year’s drive, we’ll feature four nonprofits in different categories. In honor of Disability Awareness Month, we’ve highlighted four nonprofits that support people with disabilities that you can donate to. Art with Heart (9220) 316 Broadway Ste. 316 Seattle, WA 98122 –The foundation helps children in trauma and or/adversity find peace, by spreading the healing power of creative expression through art and humanities. Athletes for Kids (9774) 3020 Issaquah Pine Lake Rd #254, Sammamish, WA 98075 – A… 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
Overcoming a life changing injury with strength, dignity and a committed team
October is Disability Awareness Month in King County. We will be featuring stories that highlight the experiences and contributions of employees experiencing disabilities to our King County community throughout the next few weeks. In early December 2017, King County employee Todd Johnson experienced a tragic accident. A truck driver with the then Roads Division in the former Department of Transportation (DOT) for 21 years, Todd was working with a backhoe digger when his right hand got caught in the machine. After a coworker rushed him to the hospital, Todd underwent multiple surgeries… 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
From Supported Employment Participant to Behavioral Health Division Employee
King County is celebrating National Recovery Month this September by helping to raise awareness, support, and recovery resources for people with mental health and substance use conditions and their families, friends and co-workers who support them. One program that provides behavioral health supports is the Behavioral Health Supported Employment Program. This program assists people who have experienced chronic mental health and/or substance use conditions to gain and maintain competitive, integrated employment throughout our region. The program provides job search assistance and ongoing support after job placement through an evidence-based, integrated team approach with… Read More
Employee News 