Yesterday, Mayor McGinn announced that legislation to add 50 more supported employment positions to the City was passed by the City Council. The City of Seattle has 60 employees with developmental disabilities (supported employees). The City bundles small tasks and entry-level duties in various departments into full and part-time positions for people with developmental disabilities.

Any employer can do this – job coaches are free of charge to any business who hires a supported employee. Supported employment is not only a way to include people who have traditionally been excluded from our workplaces; the program also benefits City-department budgets by saving tax dollars by paying an affordable wage.

The program provides meaningful work for a population who is dedicated and eager to contribute their talents to the workplace. The supported employment program is just one way the City is working to create shared prosperity that is available to everyone in our community.

For more on this program, visit the Mayor’s blog.