County recognizes value of work for disabled

October 22, 2012

Summary

October proclaimed Disability Employment Awareness Month

Story

The Metropolitan King County Council and the King County Executive today jointly declared October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in King County.

The proclamation recognizes local and national efforts to provide accommodations that allow those with physical, developmental and other disabilities to utilize their skills and talents and contribute to their workplaces and communities.

King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert and Executive Dow Constantine the county’s Employee Assistance Program that provides equipment, services and accommodations that allow employees with temporary or permanent disabilities to perform their work and serve the public. They also encouraged employers, schools and other community organizations to recognize the occasion and promote the message that “A Strong Workforce is an Inclusive Workforce” throughout the year.

“King County has long been a leader in hiring people with disabilities, and we want to encourage other employers to reach out and to help more people find meaningful, productive jobs,” said Executive Constantine.

“People with disabilities have many skills and resources to contribute to society, if they are given the opportunity,” said Councilmember Lambert, who shared her own experiences earlier this year with being in a wheelchair and on crutches while recovering from a broken kneecap. “This month is a good time to highlight again and recognize the value that everyone can contribute to the workplace, no matter what skills and abilities each individual may have.”

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Proclamation

WHEREAS, the month of October has been designated by the United States Congress as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, recognizing that people with disabilities have diverse talents and skills and abundant energy to contribute; and

WHEREAS, workplaces that welcome the talents of all people, including people with disabilities, are a critical part of our efforts to build an inclusive community and strong economy; and

WHEREAS, in this spirit, King County is recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October to raise awareness about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of people with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, national disability employment efforts date back to 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week," which has since been expanded to encompass all disabilities; and

WHEREAS, King County’s Employee Assistance Program offers confidential, free services to assist employees experiencing long-term or temporary disabilities with accommodations that allow them to perform their work and serve the public; and

WHEREAS, activities and outreach efforts during this month will reinforce the value and talent that people with disabilities add to our workplaces and communities and affirm King County’s commitment to an inclusive community;

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Metropolitan King County Council and King County Executive, do hereby proclaim October 2012 as

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

and we urge employers, schools and other community organizations in King County to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities, and to promote its important message that "A Strong Workforce is an Inclusive Workforce" throughout the year.



Members of the King County Council present a proclamation of October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in King County to staff of the King County Disability Services Group and manager Tim Drangsholt.