[At] GCDE, the Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues & Employment, our goal is to help people with disabilities have equal opportunities in life, work, and their communities. 90% of our members have disabilities and bring authentic voices and experiences to our work. We help guide the government, support inclusive employment, and educate communities.
Our goal is simple: A fair Washington where people with disabilities are included and have the chance to succeed.
Accessible Communities Subcommittee:
Purpose: support counties in improving accessibility
Goals:
- Award funds to counties for accessibility projects
- Host all county meeting
- Assist counties to establish accessible community advisory councils, especially in under resourced areas
Meets: the first Wednesday of every month at 4:30-5:30pm
Staff: Elaine Stefanowicz
Chair: Steve Lewis
Community Outreach Subcommittee:
Purpose: conduct outreach events to facilitate, encourage and celebrate local disability communities especially in rural and underserved communities.
Goals:
- Select a project for 2026 (training series, 1-pager, listening session, resource template/guide)
- Identify partners to participate in the work
- Get new people involved
Meets: The second Monday of every month from 4:00-5:00pm
Staff: Emily Spears
Chair: Dave Carl
Coordinating Committee:
Purpose: provide leadership support to GCDE (subcommittee chairs, vice-chairs, staff, 3 member representatives)
Goals:
- Plan general membership meetings
- Act as a conduit for information between subcommittees and leadership
- Develop strategic communications plan for consistency and effectiveness that aligns subcommittees
- Formalize a training series to train and empower both our members and the disability community on how we can share our voice in these times
Meets: On a Friday every other month from 10am-12pm.
Staff: Emily Spears
Chair: Yvonne Bussler-White
Employment Workgroup:
Purpose: Support quality employment for people with disabilities
Goals:
- Educate businesses about Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD)
- Advocate for and communicate about career ladders for people with disabilities that include pathways to leadership positions
Meets: The fourth Thursday of every month from 9:00-9:45am
Staff: Emily Spears
Chair: Brit Nuckles
GCDE General Membership Meetings:
Purpose: Convene the full GCDE membership for quarterly reports and updates.
Goals:
- Provide timely information to members regarding GCDE and partner projects.
Meets: The third Friday in February, May, August & November (TBD)
Staff: Emily Spears
Chair: Yvonne Bussler-White
Membership Subcommittee:
Purpose: ensure GCDE has highly qualified representatives of the disability community
Goals:
- Recruit members from across Washington with diversity of age, income, disability type, race/ethnicity
- Screen candidates and make recommendations for appointment to the Governor’s office
- Provide onboarding orientation and mentorship to new members
Meets: Ad-hoc through the summer and fall. Must be a GCDE member for 1-year prior to serving.
Staff: Elaine Stefanowicz
Chair: Dave Carl
Legislative Subcommittee:
Purpose: work alongside leadership to identify priorities and mobilize GCDE members to personal action
Goals:
- Establish legislative priorities for 2027 legislative session
- Provide advocacy training and support for GCDE members
Meets: The third Friday of every month from 9:00-10:00am.
Staff: Elaine Stefanowicz
Chair: Patti Dailey-Shives
Youth Empowerment Subcommittee:
Purpose: Engage youth with disabilities
Goals:
- Engage with partners including LYAC and CILs
- Identify ways to partner to engage disabled youth
Meets: The first Friday of every month from 10-11am.
Staff: Elaine Stefanowicz
Chair: Kristin DiBiase