In honor of Disability Awareness Month, King County employees joined a virtual conversation that featured employees with disabilities who shared their personal experiences of disability disclosure, perspective from a supervisor’s understanding, alongside a Disability Service representative who shared resources available to support employees with disabilities and the process of navigating accommodations.
Watch the recording here:
Meet the Panelists
Carol Gordon (she/her), Disability Services Consultant, Department of Human Resources
Carol has been a Disability Services Consultant with King County Human Resources Division for 13 years. She is a veteran rehabilitation counselor with a master’s degree from Drake University & is nationally board certified. Prior to joining King County, she worked in the field of disability management for Burlington Northern Railroad, for the Machinist’s Union at Boeing, and in private rehabilitation. In her current role she supports multiple departments advising them in disability management, disability law, and return to work issues. She arranges reasonable accommodations for King County employees who are ill or injured so they can remain at or return to work. She also manages the Reassignment Program for those employees who are unable to continue doing their jobs due to permanent limitations. Carol also helps employees who are unable to continue working navigate the various benefits they may need to apply for if they are taking leave or exiting employment.
Bill Wilbert (he/his), Environmental Preprograms Managing Supervisor, DNRP, Wastewater Treatment Division
Apart from 4 four years with the US Navy, Bill has lived and enjoyed the nature and beauty that is abundant in Washington State. With an economic major from the UW, he has been actively engaged in the delivery of projects that provide needed infrastructure for our communities.
Bill has 21 years working for King County, the last 13 have been as the coach of the 11-member team responsible for the delivery of property rights and regulatory approvals needed for capital projects.
Over the last decade, Bill’s team has experienced opportunities in how to provide accommodations that ensures employees are supported, confidentiality is front and center, business needs are met, and the goal of delighting the customer is maintained. As a supervisor and leader of a highly functional team, Bill has seen how supporting accommodations can strengthen performance, engagement, and the teams’ goal of work-life balance.
Hien Dung (she/her), Water Quality Program Project Manager IV, King County Wastewater
Hien has gone through some major health challenges during her time at King County. The King County Disability office, in coordination with the Wastewater Division’s HR office, her supervisor, and Division Leadership have been able to provide a path for her to thrive during challenging times.
Stephen Hooper (he/his), Orca Pass Sales Representative, Metro Transit
Stephen has worked for years as a Metro Transit Operator until a sudden medical event interrupted his career. Unable to maintain his state operator’s license, Stephen entered the Reassignment Program and found a new position as an Orca Pass Sales Representative. An outgoing and high-energy employee, he was determined to continue supporting his passion, public transportation.
Panel moderated by Karla Clark, Employee Health Specialist for Balanced You
Learn how to become an ally for people with disabilities on the Balanced You blog.
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