STATE OF WASHINGTON

GOVERNOR’S COMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ISSUES AND EMPLOYMENT

Employment Security Department | P.O. Box 9046 | MS: 6000 | Olympia, Washington | 98507-9046

Olympia (360) 890-3778  | Fax (844) 935-3531 | Spokane (509) 482-3854

 

June 4, 2020

Dear Colleague,

The Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment (GCDE) is celebrating its 28th year of hosting the Governor’s Employer Awards Program. Governors in Washington State have a long history of recognizing best practices positively shaping employment opportunities for workers with disabilities.

The Awards Program shines a spotlight on businesses and agencies recognizing their efforts to recruit, hire, retain and advance the employment of those with disabilities. During these challenging times, many employers have championed to maintain meaningful and integrated employment opportunities. Recognizing these businesses and organizations with a nomination, will further incentivize continued improvement of an integrated workforce.

We need your assistance to make this year’s awards program another outstanding success. Our request is for you to submit a nomination. Utilize your personal experiences and collaborate with human resources, managers and line staff to develop a comprehensive nomination to promote their deserving recognition. Encourage your nominee to tell their story, highlighting their strategies to recruit, hire, retain and advance workers with disabilities. Sharing their stories and providing the up-close and personal touch makes for a stronger nomination.

GCDE is soliciting nominations in five (5) award categories;

1.   Public, Private and Non-Profit Employers - small, medium and large categories and governmental entities (Federal, State, County, City or municipality); those who generate revenues from the services and products they provide or are registered with the state and maintain 501(c)(3) certification;

2.   Youth Employer - employers supporting youth with disabilities through employment preparation and job skills training;

3.   Governor’s Trophy in Memory of Carolyn Blair Brown - a lifetime achievement award presented to an individual with a disability in Washington State;

4. Direct Support Professional Award - an outstanding career professional, with three (3) years of experience providing long-term supported employment services to individuals with intellectual, developmental and/or psychological disabilities as a Job Developer or Job Coach; and

5. Toby Olson Lifetime Impact Award - this is the inaugural year we are accepting nominations for this prestigious award. This award recognizes an individual who has made a lifetime commitment to addressing the inequities people with disabilities face in their community and at the state and national levels and can demonstrate specific, direct actions dramatically changing the lives of those in the disability community. More information is included in this nomination packet.