Submitted by San Juan County.

During the Oct. 7 meeting, the County Council issued a proclamation recognizing October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The proclamation celebrates the valuable contributions of individuals with disabilities who strengthen our workforce and our communities. The County also celebrates local workplaces that welcome the talents of all people, including those with disabilities, in an effort to build an inclusive community and a strong economy.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and in honor of the milestone, San Juan County is highlighting local resources and success stories for residents and businesses who are fostering meaningful employment opportunities.

A handful of local businesses, including the Lopez Island Library, OPALCO, Island Market and more, are committed to providing islanders with disabilities the opportunity to engage in meaningful work. Read more about the individuals and their employers in last week’s paper: https://www.sanjuanjournal.com/life/connection-and-opportunity-for-disabled-adults-in-the-workplace/.

Local resources

San Juan County contracts with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Developmental Disabilities Administration to provide supported employment services to eligible adults with developmental disabilities ages 21 and up. San Juan County also contracts with Sherwood Community Services to provide individual employment services for residents.

Limited local funding may also be available for children ages 0-3 who qualify for services through the DSHS Developmental Disabilities Administration. Please contact the County’s Early Support for Infants and Toddlers program coordinator at 360-370-0588 for more information.

San Juan County Health and Community Services utilizes an open, continuous qualifications process for contracting for Employment and Community Inclusion services for persons with developmental disabilities. If you are interested in being a qualified employment and day program provider, please contact Jami Mitchell, human services manager, at jamim@sanjuancountywa.gov or 360-376-7926 for a Request for Proposal packet. Completed packets will be reviewed in January of each year.

San Juan County encourages all residents to learn about National Disability Employment Awareness Month and patronize businesses that support inclusive employment in an effort to make our islands a vibrant and welcoming space for all.