Port Wins Governor's Award for Disability Employer of the Year

The Port of Seattle has been named "Government Employer of the Year" by Washington Governor Gary Locke's Committee on Disability Issues and Employment.

The award is in recognition of the Port's Supported Employment Program, which was started in 1998 to offer developmentally disabled employees the opportunity to become productive workers, and to enable the developmentally disabled to successfully contribute to their workplace and their community.

The Port currently employs five workers in the Supported Employment Program. Most of the jobs are clerical support jobs, including mail delivery, invoice processing, and other work. Supported employees receive the same benefits as other Port employees, and participate in regular performance reviews, evaluations and planning programs designed to compensate employees for outstanding work.

"Supported Employment Program employees perform important tasks every day," said Port Executive Director Mic Dinsmore. "It is encouraging to see a program work this well for both the employee and the employer."

The Port provides support on an individual basis to assist in emphasizing a person's capabilities and matches disabled individuals with jobs that are suited to their interests and strengths.

The award also acknowledges the Port's partnership with disabilities agencies, such as the Washington State Department for Services to the Blind, and the Do-It Program at the University of Washington, through which the Port has provided internships and mentoring to high school students with disabilities.

Marjorie Hillson is the program manager, and Daniel Feetham is the program coordinator.