Published November 3 2017
After launching a program that provides employment for people with disabilities, the City of Bellevue has been nominated for a Governor's Employer Award.
The City of Seattle, with more than a 100 supported employees, won Employer of the Year. The City of Bellevue, which has six people with disabilities on staff, was among 28 other public, private and nonprofit organizations recognized at an award ceremony in Redmond on Tuesday, Oct. 31.
Bellevue hired its first supported employee in October 2016. Joe Tang's duties in the Transportation Department include mail preparation and delivery, data entry, clerical assistance and maintaining kitchens and conference rooms. The additional supported employees also handle clerical and other duties.
Bellevue launched its Supported Employment program in partnership with Puget Sound Personnel, whose mission is to help people with disabilities lead self-directed lives by providing the training and support needed to build rewarding careers.
A recommendation in the city's Diversity Advantage plan called on the city to collaborate with local partner organizations on programs that benefit individuals who face barriers to employment.
The Supported Employment program is administered by Bellevue's Human Resources Department, and includes a task force that worked with Puget Sound Personnel to establish and promote the program.