Employer Leadership Forum 2011, Seattle, WA
Submitted by Cathy Sacco, Senior Program Manager at W.i.S.e.
APSE’s annual Employer Leadership forum (ELF) breakfast was held in Seattle, WA as part of the 2011 National APSE conference. The forum event was sponsored by King County in Seattle, WA, with over 120 in attendance. King County Executive , Dow Constantine, was the event keynote and spoke to the audience about his experience and support of best practices in hiring people with developmental disabilities as valuable employees in the workplace. “Our economy depends on the ability of everyone to contribute, and we should remove barriers that limit the ability of some to fulfill their potential. When all can participate, we can have true competition that leads to excellence,” said Dow Constantine.
Tom Gaulke –EnTrust C.E.O. , from Yakima, WA was the event moderator. Dr. Terese Law from Seattle, WA was the King County Employer Guest Presenter speaking on behalf of the two employees she has hired in her Internal Medicine Private Practice located in Seattle, WA. An Employer Panel spoke of their experiences and recommendations to other employers. The panel consisted of Brian Kingsbury, Regional Manager, Safeway Corp., Dr. Terese Law, Dr. Kip Herren- Superintendent for Auburn Schools & Rotarian, Matt Storey – President of Direct Interactions in Seattle, WA, and Laura Woods- Director of Human Resources from Spokane Teachers Credit Union, Spokane, WA.
The majority of the attendees were employers from the State of WA and nationally represented companies. In addition, several local government and disability employment agencies sponsored tables and invited current or prospective employers to the breakfast. Senator Tom Fain from the 47th District of Auburn, WA was quoted as saying “I can see sometime in the near future where businesses understand the value of hiring people with developmental disabilities and that it is not a charity hire. It is not something that they do just for PR or for the value of sharing that great work in the community, but rather a good business decision in and of itself, by reaching out and bringing someone into their organization who provides value for them, their customers and for the community.”
As part of the event, all business leaders, employers and employment agencies joined in a lively dialogue regarding the enrichment of our workplaces, our communities and the expansion of opportunities for individuals with disabilities for employment. Conversations, connections and collaboration discussions extended throughout the rest of the day with a commitment by all to spread information and education through individual businesses, organizations, national efforts and social media avenues.
This event was made possible by the APSE ELF Committee members: Chris Davies-Kaposia, Cathy Sacco- W.i.S.e, Monica McDaniel-W.i.S.e. , Teresa Miele- Vermont APSE and Jaimie Laitinen- W.i.S.e.
