PORT ANGELES — Developmentally disabled workers and the employers who hire them were honored by Clallam County commissioners this week.
Commissioners Tuesday signed proclamations recognizing October as Disability Employment Awareness Month and employers of individuals with developmental disabilities.
“We stand with many, many communities, many counties, many states and the federal government in all saying this is important to us,” Clallam County Human Services Planner Tim Bruce said.
There are 47 people with developmental disabilities working in Clallam County, including three business owners, Bruce said.
“That number goes up and down, of course,” he added.
At one time, 65 percent of the county’s developmentally disabled workforce was employed. A labor force includes those who have a job and those who are seeking work.
“We could have rested on our laurels and tried to go for 70 percent, but we looked around and said there’s a whole lot of people out there that don’t even have this opportunity,” Bruce said.
“So we tried a different tack, and we’ve grown the number of individuals searching for employment by about 15 percent, and we’re going to continue doing that.
“So we don’t have quite as many employed percentage-wise, but we’re growing so that people that may not have had that opportunity will have that opportunity in the future.”
Board Chairman Mike Chapman read the two proclamations into the record.
Bruce listed the 31 employers of individuals with developmental disabilities.
“We recognize that we have employers that are willing to not stop at the first glance and to look at people and say, ‘You have talent, you have skills and you’re important to my business,’” Bruce said.
Bruce thanked the county’s partner agencies and key providers such as Pierce, Jones &Associates; Morningside; and Concerned Citizens.
Those providers, Bruce said, “get in the trenches and actually work with everyone to make sure that we have a successful inclusion at the job site.”
“We also partner with Peninsula Behavioral Health, First Step Family Support Center and Mosaic for various programs,” Bruce added.
“So this is a lot bigger thing than most people think. It really takes a village to make this happen.”
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsula dailynews.com.
