Disability Employment Awareness Month: King County Parks’ supported employees are ‘the heart and soul of our division’
Parks employee RJT can always be spotted at the Jim Ellis Memorial Regional Park’s Preston Athletic Fields with a smile on his face and a song ready to belt.
RJT, who has worked for King County for 33 years, has been a staple at the play fields in the eastside community. He can often be heard singing loudly while leaf blowing and cleaning the pavement. RJT’s favorite tasks are push mowing the lawns and cleaning the community center. He’s also responsible for trash and recycle collection, cleaning the restrooms, and seasonal work like clearing invasive blackberry bushes.
“I care about the plants and trees and flowers in our parks and facilities for the public,” RJT said. “And a clean safe playground for the kids.”
RJT’s dedication as caretaker of the beloved park is well-recognized by the community. Youth soccer players all know him by name. The kids appreciate his commitment so much, they gifted RJT a photo of themselves and signed their names with thank-yous.
RJT is one of 15 supported employees that work at King County’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks. King County’s supported employment program employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Employees in the program are supported by a job coach and often enjoy long careers at King County.
The program helps fulfill business needs while providing employment and benefits to individuals with disabilities, as people with disabilities face higher unemployment rates. The program is an important reflection of King County’s values and commitment to disability justice.
Garret Williams is another Parks supported employee who works at Petrovitsky Park.
A King County employee for nine years, Garret’s role includes mowing and weeding, litter pick-up and restroom maintenance. His favorite task is prepping the baseball fields and trail maintenance.
As a Parks employee, Garret is an environmental steward who helps keep the outdoors clean, safe, and accessible for all. Garret is also an active park user, and enjoys playing baseball, while RJT is very active in the Special Olympics, playing a myriad of sports including soccer and softball. As sports players themselves, they know the value of keeping King County’s beloved parks and playfields well maintained.
When asked why it’s important for him to do his job well, Garret said, “So people can enjoy the parks for years to come.”
“King County Parks has been creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities through this program for more than 35 years,” said Lauren Orichio, King County’s Supported Employment Program Manager. “These positions provide employees the opportunity to contribute to their communities, to fulfill their potential, and to build connections with those around them.”
Shaun Smith works at Five Mile Park and enjoys connecting to nature and spending most of the workday outdoors, surrounded by trees, trails and green spaces. He has worked at King County for six years and said his role offers a sense of calm and fulfillment.
Gary Brown, a Parks District Maintenance Coordinator and RJT’s supervisor, has been involved with the supported employment program for more than 30 years.
“Our SEP team members are truly the heart and soul of our division,” Brown said. “Their dedication is second to none, and they bring their passion to our parks and trails on a daily basis. They strengthen and enhance each and every team they are a part of. Their unique backgrounds add culture and much needed diversity to our organization. They bring humor and humility to us all, making our communities stronger and more connected.”