Auburn Reporter

Auburn residents are well represented when it comes to job support and training for people with disabilities.

The City of Auburn and state Sen. Joe Fain, R-Auburn, were recognized by the Community Employment Alliance at the group's annual meeting in Snoqualmie on Oct. 7.

The alliance is a statewide, nonprofit group working to create more successful job opportunities for people with disabilities.

Auburn was recognized as a 2015 Outstanding Employer. The award goes to businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organizations who are role models by making exceptional efforts to employ people with disabilities.

"This fits into our goals of diversity, inclusivity and awareness at the City of Auburn," said Mayor Nancy Backus. "It makes perfect sense that we hire people of all abilities in our city to make sure the job gets done."

The City has partnered with Trillium employment services for eight years, and Backus encourages other cities and organizations to consider utilizing a supported employment program.

"It's a win-win for everyone, all you need to do is give them a chance," she said.

Fain was recognized as one of this year's Outstanding Legislators, his second year in a row. The award goes to legislators who have made exceptional efforts to support employment for people with disabilities. During the 2015 session, Fain protected funding for the VIP Act, which funds employment services for 1,000 people with developmental disabilities.

"People with disabilities take great pride working in their community," Fain said. "Providing the tools for both job seekers with disabilities and employers so they're prepared to work together is critical. Auburn is also incredibly fortunate to have our city government setting an example for other employers in the city. Every company in our community should reach out to organizations like Trillium to discover how they can benefit through hiring a worker with a disability."