The Governor's Committee on Disability Issues and Employment
Recent Accomplishments
Policy and program development:
The GCDE is nationally recognized and sought out for its expertise in the broad spectrum of issues affecting people with disabilities. Policies and programs it has developed and implemented have been cited as best practices by such federal agencies as the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission, Department of Labor, Department of Education, Department of Justice and Social Security Administration. It has helped to shape national policy in such areas as the Americans with Disabilities Act, Employment, Transportation and Barrier Free Design. It has won more than $10 million in competitive federal funds to serve people with disabilities in Washington State.
Legislation:
The GCDE has developed and won passage of more than 30 state laws improving the lives of people with disabilities in civil rights, education, health care, employment, transportation, and housing.
Port Townsend post office:
The community outreach committee brought together federal, state and local officials and concerned citizens facilitating a breakthrough in the long standing impasse on access for people with disabilities in this historic building.
Citizen volunteers:
The GCDE members contribute more than 8,000 hours of their time each year to improving opportunities for people with disabilities.
