FACT
Nearly 620,000 working-age adults with disabilities live in Washington state.

FACT
A recent Harris Poll found that only 29 percent of people with disabilities in this age group work, despite that seven in ten of those unemployed want to work.

FACT
That's at least 308,140 people in our state who can and want to work,
yet they're one of the most overlooked segments of our workforce.

FACT
Nationwide, 54 million Americans with disabilities comprise the
largest minority in the country.

If this talent pool presents an untapped opportunity, consider the potential for your business.Studies show that employing these workers will:

*add a skilled variety of talent to your forces, from entry-level to the senior-level, with a higher rate of retention;

*expand marketing strategies, improve products and services and attract a multibillion-dollar consumer base. As public awareness grows, consumers are giving their loyalty to companies that commit to hiring and serving people with disabilities.

Washington Disability Resources

Washington State Human Rights Commission

National Disability Agencies and Organizations

Division of Disability Determination Services

National Organization on Disability (NOD)

Americans with Disabilities Act

National Business & Disability Council

Office of Disability Employment Policy

Job Accommodation Network

Seattle Community Network

King County Developmental Disabilities Division

O Washington State Business Leadership Network (WSBLN) The WSBLN is a network of employers who educate and support businesses to hire, retain, and improve customer service for people with disabilities.	The Washington State Business Leadership Network (WSBLN) is an extension of the nation-wide Business Leadership Network (USBLN) established in 1994 by the former President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities (PCEPD) , now coordinated through the Department of Labor's Office on Disability Employment Policy . There are active BLN Chapters in more than 32 States.
The 18th Annual Governor's Awards Program Nominations Deadline:  Friday Sept. 8, 2008, 5 pm PST Awards Presentation:  October 2008 Governor Christine Gregoire is invited to attend and present the awards.Download Nominations Packet Download Governor Cover Letter Nominations are now being accepted at: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/54924/18th-annual-governor-s-awards-program Herb Bartlett Celebrates Silver Anniversary At Physio Control Katherine Ganter/Redmond Reporter On Aug. 5, Herb Bartlett, one of the first developmentally disabled employees at Physio Control in Redmond, was presented with a Superman cake, a plaque and a diamond pin to celebrate his silver anniversary on the job. Read More...   Three Amazing Artists will bring Italy to you Learn More... Public Service Announcement against the movie "Tropic Thunder" To help communicate the importance of dignity and respect for people with intellectual disabilities, this announcement is from Will Schermerhorn of Blueberry Shoes Productions and members of The Arc of Northern Virginia
The Senate's ADA Amendments Act: Only Half Bad Learn More 'Tropic Thunder' Stirs Anger Funny or just offensive? Watch CBS News Video 8/11/06 WASHINGTON, DC — The largest cross-disability membership organization in the U.S. condemned all of the entities involved in creating, producing and marketing the movie “Tropic Thunder” Read More... 8/11/08 What 'Tropic Thunder' Thinks Is Funny - By Timothy Shriver - Read More... Deformed man, who works at a Redmond, WA Safeway store, to get surgery! 5/29/08 - Affiliate KOMO reports. Hear the rest of his story For Careers visit  www.safeway.com/careers July 7, 2008 Ta Yao’s Story: Translating Obstacles into Opportunity ~ By Anita Browning Read More... New ruling on Airports and ADA: Learn More Fox 5 Investigates: Disability Discrimination Watch the Video 8/13/08 NISH CEO - Speaks Out Against Tropic Thunder Read statement from NISH President and CEO, E. Robert Chamberlin. 8/12/08 LOS ANGELES - "Tropic Thunder " is pushing the envelope too far for groups representing the mentally disabled. Read More... INFORMATION NONDISCRIMINATION ACT: THE DISABILITY COMMUNITY AND BUSINESSES Read More.. July 14, 2008 Invisible Wounds By George C. Wilson CongressDaily Rep. Gene Taylor, D-Miss., already one of the GI's best friends in Congress, has launched himself on a new mission! Read More...

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