50 new positions for Supported Employees

We’ve talked on our blog in the past about the City’s award-winning supported employment program. Today we’re excited to announce that our legislation to add 50 more supported employment positions to the City was passed by the City Council.

Mayor McGinn signing the bill as supported employees cheer him on

The City of Seattle has 60 employees with developmental disabilities (supported employees). We bundle small tasks and entry-level duties in various departments into full and part-time positions (real jobs!) for people with developmental disabilities.

Any employer can do this – job coaches are free of charge to any business who hires a supported employee. Supported employment is not only a way to include people who have traditionally been excluded from our workplaces; the program also benefits City-department budgets. We save taxpayer dollars by paying an affordable wage.

The program provides meaningful work for a population who is dedicated and eager to contribute their talents to the workplace. Our supported employment program is just one of the ways we’re working to create shared prosperity that is available to everyone in our community.

Photo by: April Thomas