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Skagit County proclaims October National Disability Employment Awareness Month; highlights supported employment gains
Summary
County commissioners on Oct. 6 proclaimed October 2025 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month and recognized local supported employment agencies and long‑tenured employees with disabilities; the county reported over 100 supported employees earned $941,143 in 2024.
Skagit County commissioners unanimously proclaimed October 2025 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month during an Oct. 6 session that included remarks from Jess Nelson, the county's developmental disabilities program coordinator.
Nelson framed the month around the U.S. theme "Celebrating Value and Talent" and described supported employment services that match people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to competitive jobs with ongoing on‑the‑job coaching. "Supported employment has shifted this outdated model by creating paid, competitive job opportunities... in typical community settings where individuals work alongside their peers without disabilities," Nelson said.
Nelson provided county statistics: "In Skagit County, we have over 100 people, adults, working in businesses all over the county that have developmental disabilities, and these hard workers earned $941,143 last year." She also named three local supported‑employment agencies present at the meeting — Chinook Enterprises, Sherwood Community Services and Work Opportunities — and listed multiple long‑tenured employees who have been on the job for more than a decade, including one employee with 33 years at Grocery Outlet.
Commissioner Browning moved to adopt the proclamation and Commissioner Wiesen seconded; commissioners voted aye and the proclamation passed. The proclamation urges local employers and organizations to expand inclusive hiring practices and support ongoing opportunities year‑round.
Why it matters: Supported employment helps people with disabilities achieve economic independence while providing dependable labor and community benefits to employers; recognizing the work calls attention to hiring practices and supports for inclusive workplaces.
Next steps: The county encouraged employers to consider inclusive hiring, job shadows, mock interviews and other partnerships with supported employment agencies.
