Mission
The Governor's Committee on Disability Issues & Employment provides state level advocacy and leadership with the disability community to obtain equity in economic opportunity and community inclusion.
Vision
An equitable Washington where people with disabilities experience full inclusion, full participation and economic vibrancy.
What we do
We promote equality, opportunity, independence and full participation in life for people with disabilities. Our members represent a wide range of constituent groups, geographical perspectives, ethnic origins and cultural heritage. Together, we:
- Advise the governor, legislature and state agencies on policies that affect people with disabilities.
- Monitor legislation to assure equal opportunity and access for employment, education, healthcare and public services.
- Promote understanding of the needs and potential of people with disabilities, offering information and awareness training to the public.
- Recognize employers who demonstrate leadership in employing people with disabilities.
- Provide training and technical assistance to the business community to promote employment opportunities and awareness of disability issues.
- Conduct our activities in barrier-free environments and use appropriate auxiliary aids and services to ensure effective communication.
How we can help you
Get a list of our recommended resources, find out more about our work and learn how you can join us in our efforts to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.
Contact any of our staff or members at 360-890-3778 or gcde@esd.wa.gov to get started.
- Elizabeth Gordon, executive director
- Elaine Stefanowicz, program coordinator
- Emily Heike, program specialist
- Vacant, program specialist
Resources
We act as a resource for the public in addressing disability-related issues. Here is a list of helpful and informative disability-related websites we recommend.
- ABLE Savings Plan
- Arc of Washington State
- Autism Society of WA
- Brain Injury Alliance of WA
- Department of Services for the Blind
- Developmental Disabilities Council
- Developmental Disabilities Administration
- Disability Inclusion Network
- Disability Rights Washington
- Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
- Easter Seals
- Family Voices of Washington
- Federal employment of people with disabilities
- Hearing Loss Association of WA
- Job Accommodation Network
- Learning Disabilities Association of WA
- Multiple Sclerosis Society
- National Youth Leadership Forum
- Northwest Paralyzed Veterans of America
- Parent Help 123
- PAVE
- People First of WA
- Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities
- SAIL
- Social Security benefits for people with disabilities
- State approved interpreters
- WA Sensory Disabilities Services
- WA State Association of the Deaf
- Washington Assistive Technology Act program
- Washington State Human Rights Commission
- Washington State Pathways to Employment
- NWAF
- WISE
Please do not contact us soliciting the addition of further resources.