Employee News - July 23, 2020

King County Employees sent this bulletin at 07/23/2020 01:30 PM PDT

A service of the King County Department of Human Resources

Governor Inslee COVID-19 press conference today at 2:30 p.m.

Governor Jay Inslee will hold a press conference to provide an update on the state's ongoing response to COVID-19 today, Thursday, July 23, at 2:30 p.m. The governor will accompanied by Washington Secretary of Health John Wiesman.

You can watch the livestream here at 2:30 p.m. today.

Celebrating 30 years of the ADA

This year marks the thirtieth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law in 1990 by former U.S. President George H. W. Bush. Here at King County we’ve worked to provide everyone equal access to employment, transportation, housing, education, health care, recreation, and community life.

On July 26, 2020, we celebrate 30 years of progress in access and inclusion, and renew our commitment to making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. For more information about the ADA and how to get involved in King County’s efforts to celebrate and support it, contact DisabilityServices@kingcounty.gov.

How to keep your cool when working

It’s finally feeling like summer! A wave of days over 80 degrees, perhaps into the 90s, are in the forecast next week. But things are different this year with COVID-19. Going to a movie theater, a mall, or the library to cool off after work aren’t possible for most of us in King County in this phase of the state’s Safe Start reopening plan. Remember to let safety be your guide. Check with your supervisor or manager for specific information or directions related to your job.

Tips from Public Health specific to COVID and heat:

COVID-19 risk adds an additional concern during hot weather. Unlike the flu, hot weather does not decrease the transmission of COVID-19.

Cities will not be able to set up cooling centers this summer with the increase in COVID-19 spread.

Balanced You financial resource for King County employees facing layoff

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken an unprecedented toll on our economy, resulting in layoffs across many industries and organizations, including local governments. In the event you are facing layoff, or are concerned about potential lay-off, Balanced You has developed the following list of financial wellness resources to support you during this difficult time. Visit the Balanced You blog for more information.

Throughout this pandemic, Balanced You has been inspired by each of you and is grateful to everyone at King County. If you are facing lay-off, please remember these decisions are not a reflection of your work. The skills you brought to King County made us what we are and will be an asset for future employers. If Balanced You can be of assistance to you throughout this process, reach out any time at balancedyou@kingcounty.gov.

Public Health supports decisions by schools to begin school year with online learning

Crossposted from Public Health Insider

Public Health – Seattle & King County supports school districts across King County that have made the tough decision to begin the school year with online learning.

The current level of COVID-19 transmission in King County is of serious concern. The increase in COVID-19 cases is continuing with an average of 157 cases per day over the last week, up from 36 cases per day reported in early June. This is the highest volume of cases reported since early April. Read more.

Metro celebrates the Americans with Disabilities Act's 30th Anniversary

King County Metro celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Proudly committed to mobility innovations, our entire Metro bus fleet is ADA accessible. Allowing our riders with disabilities to travel with independence ensures all of us are moving forward, together.

ADA 30th Anniversary Celebration in Washington State, July 27

Join together in celebrating 30 years of progress for all. A program celebrating the 30-year Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be hosted by TVW, the Washington Public Affairs Network on Monday, July 27 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. The program will be accessible and will include:

Presentations by Governor Inslees and Lt. Governor Habib
Speaking presentations by advocates and community leaders
Musical entertainment
Historical video footage
Interactive panel discussion

Visit TVW to watch the celebration at www.tvw.org.

Television programming that celebrates the Americans with Disabilities Act, July 26 and 27

The American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) is turning 30 on Sunday, July 26, 2020. The ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas, including employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications and access to state and local government programs’ and services.

In honor of this groundbreaking legislation, King County, the City of Seattle and the Northwest ADA Center have put together a three-hour block of television programming that highlights individual stories about disability, ways to support accessibility, and challenges that remain for individuals with a disability in our community.

Please join us on the Seattle Channel on Sunday, July 26 from 2 – 5 p.m. and King County TV on Monday, July 27 from 5 – 8 p.m. All programming will be accessible. For the list of programs, view this flyer. Read more.

Future of Work podcast hosted by PEAT

The Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT) posted a new episode of its Future of Work podcast series on "The Role of Universal Design in Workplace Inclusion and Accessibility."

In the episode, Brook McCall, Director of the Tech Access Initiative at the United Spinal Association, discusses workplace technology challenges for mobility disabilities.

Listen to the PEAT podcast here, and learn more about PEAT at their website.

Individual Placement and Support webinar, July 29

The Employment First Community of Practice will present a webinar on "The Americans with Disabilities Act and Individual Placement and Support: Improving the Working Lives of People with Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders."

This webinar will be held Wednesday, July 29 from 11 a.m - 1 p.m. Register here.

This webinar will discuss how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to individuals in recovery from substance use disorders in three phases of employment: pre-offer, post-offer, and work. They will use scenarios to discuss and illustrate the application of the ADA. It will also highlight Individual Placement and Support (IPS). This evidence-based supported employment model assists individuals with serious mental illness and substance use disorders to find and maintain employment.