Washington Vocational Services Celebrates Inclusive Employment Achievements During National Disability Employment Awareness Month
November 05, 2024
As National Disability Employment Awareness Month (October) (NDEAM) drew a close, Washington Vocational Services (WVS) joins communities across the nation in recognizing the invaluable contributions of employees with disabilities and the organizations that champion their success.
This year’s celebration is especially significant for WVS, which was honored as the Small Nonprofit Employer of the Year in Washington’s prestigious Governor’s Employer Awards for its commitment to supportive employment, promoting inclusion, and creating pathways for individuals with disabilities to thrive in the workforce. Serving Snohomish, King, Skagit, Whatcom, and Island counties, WVS’s collaboration with award-winning partners such as ProStar Insurance and its dedicated Direct Support Professional, Renae Voth, underscores the depth of its commitment to inclusion across the region.
The Governor’s Employer Awards, an annual recognition organized by the Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment, celebrates employers and professionals who demonstrate excellence in creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities. This honor highlights WVS and its partners’ success in fostering inclusive workplaces and showcases the impact of such efforts on the state’s workforce and communities.
Highlighting WVS Achievements and Stories of Impact
Receiving the Small Nonprofit Employer of the Year award is a testament to the inclusive culture and dedication WVS fosters. Since its founding, WVS has been committed to breaking down employment barriers, offering tailored training, job placement, and continuous support to employees with disabilities. Jill Mayer, a long-standing employee and WVS team member, shared, “WVS is an awesome company to work for. The people are so nice, and I’ve learned many new skills here. I would give them 10 stars!” Jill’s eleven-year journey with WVS underscores the organization’s hands-on approach to nurturing talent and providing meaningful work.
As Nan and Larry Brimmer, parents of WVS employee Deena, stated in their nomination letter, “WVS has made our daughter feel appreciated and supported. Deena is not only part of the team but also values her work and colleagues as part of her social circle.” The impact WVS has had on families speaks to its holistic approach, making it more than just a workplace but a true community for individuals with disabilities.
Earlier this year, WVS received the highest possible three-year accreditation from CARF International for its excellence in community-focused services. Only 3% of agencies receive this accreditation with zero recommendations for improvement, underscoring WVS’s exceptional alignment with CARF’s rigorous standards across hundreds of benchmarks. CARF highlighted WVS’s staff as “competent, visionary, flexible, creative, and passionate, truly changing lives,” demonstrating the organization’s dedication to high standards, integrity, and service quality in supporting people with disabilities.
Voices from Award-Winning Supporters of Inclusive Employment
Alongside WVS, other employers in Washington state who partner with WVS have been recognized for their leadership in creating inclusive workplaces. Renae Voth, awarded Direct Support Professional of the Year and a proud member of the WVS team, shared her dedication: “I feel privileged to assist customers and employers with successful job matches. It’s inspiring to be part of such transformative work, helping individuals with disabilities grow their professional skills and find pride in their work. Every day, I see the power of inclusion and its profound impact on lives.”
ProStar Insurance in Bothell, awarded Small Private Employer of the Year and a committed WVS partner, also embodies the spirit of NDEAM. “Our company believes that a diverse and inclusive workforce isn’t just good business; it’s the right thing to do,” said Jeff Moors, ProStar Insurance’s Director. “Hiring individuals with disabilities has brought new perspectives and a sense of unity to our team. We’re proud to support inclusive hiring and hope to inspire other businesses to do the same.”
Recognizing the Ongoing Need for Advocacy and Inclusion
As WVS Executive Director Janet Bruckshen emphasizes, “While October is an important time to spotlight disability employment, our work is far from over. We continue year-round to advocate for inclusive hiring practices, ensuring people with disabilities have access to the same opportunities as everyone else. The commitment to awareness, advocacy, and action must be ongoing. We believe when customers see themselves represented in our workforce, they feel a deeper connection to our brand, and we consistently witness how diversity within our team enhances creativity, innovation, and just makes good business sense.”
Studies confirm the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities, not just in enhancing workplace diversity but also in fostering innovation and strengthening business resilience. According to a study by Accenture, companies committed to disability inclusion report 25% higher revenue and 30% higher profit margins. Additionally, accommodations for employees with disabilities are often minimal in cost but lead to stronger employee retention and satisfaction.
A Vision for the Future
WVS takes pride in supporting employers statewide in recruiting top talent and is honored to work with several organizations committed to inclusive hiring practices. The following WVS partners were also recognized by the Governor during the award ceremony on October 18th:
The celebration of NDEAM may conclude with October, but the mission endures. WVS, ProStar Insurance, and supportive professionals like Renae Voth are leading the way, proving that inclusive employment isn’t a one-month endeavor; it’s a lasting commitment. WVS invites community leaders, electeds, businesses and individuals alike to join in this effort to build a future where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, thrive, and be valued.
About Washington Vocational Services (WVS):
Founded with a mission to support individuals with disabilities in achieving meaningful employment, Washington Vocational Services (WVS) provides customized job placement, training, and ongoing support across Snohomish, King, Skagit, Whatcom, and Island counties. With a focus on community integration and accessibility, WVS partners with local businesses and organizations to create inclusive workplaces that value diverse talent. Accredited by CARF International, WVS is committed to delivering services aligned with the highest standards of quality and integrity. Learn more at www.wvs.org.
For more information on Washington Vocational Services and their inclusive employment programs, please contact Laura Cox at lcox@wvs.org.
For media inquiries or to schedule an interview, please contact WVS Spokesperson, Josh Estes at (425) 622-8256 or email at josh@pnwrstrategies.com. The attached photo is approved for use. (Caption: WVS team members and partners recognized by the Governor during the award ceremony on October 18th)
This year’s celebration is especially significant for WVS, which was honored as the Small Nonprofit Employer of the Year in Washington’s prestigious Governor’s Employer Awards for its commitment to supportive employment, promoting inclusion, and creating pathways for individuals with disabilities to thrive in the workforce. Serving Snohomish, King, Skagit, Whatcom, and Island counties, WVS’s collaboration with award-winning partners such as ProStar Insurance and its dedicated Direct Support Professional, Renae Voth, underscores the depth of its commitment to inclusion across the region.
The Governor’s Employer Awards, an annual recognition organized by the Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment, celebrates employers and professionals who demonstrate excellence in creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities. This honor highlights WVS and its partners’ success in fostering inclusive workplaces and showcases the impact of such efforts on the state’s workforce and communities.
Highlighting WVS Achievements and Stories of Impact
Receiving the Small Nonprofit Employer of the Year award is a testament to the inclusive culture and dedication WVS fosters. Since its founding, WVS has been committed to breaking down employment barriers, offering tailored training, job placement, and continuous support to employees with disabilities. Jill Mayer, a long-standing employee and WVS team member, shared, “WVS is an awesome company to work for. The people are so nice, and I’ve learned many new skills here. I would give them 10 stars!” Jill’s eleven-year journey with WVS underscores the organization’s hands-on approach to nurturing talent and providing meaningful work.
As Nan and Larry Brimmer, parents of WVS employee Deena, stated in their nomination letter, “WVS has made our daughter feel appreciated and supported. Deena is not only part of the team but also values her work and colleagues as part of her social circle.” The impact WVS has had on families speaks to its holistic approach, making it more than just a workplace but a true community for individuals with disabilities.
Earlier this year, WVS received the highest possible three-year accreditation from CARF International for its excellence in community-focused services. Only 3% of agencies receive this accreditation with zero recommendations for improvement, underscoring WVS’s exceptional alignment with CARF’s rigorous standards across hundreds of benchmarks. CARF highlighted WVS’s staff as “competent, visionary, flexible, creative, and passionate, truly changing lives,” demonstrating the organization’s dedication to high standards, integrity, and service quality in supporting people with disabilities.
Voices from Award-Winning Supporters of Inclusive Employment
Alongside WVS, other employers in Washington state who partner with WVS have been recognized for their leadership in creating inclusive workplaces. Renae Voth, awarded Direct Support Professional of the Year and a proud member of the WVS team, shared her dedication: “I feel privileged to assist customers and employers with successful job matches. It’s inspiring to be part of such transformative work, helping individuals with disabilities grow their professional skills and find pride in their work. Every day, I see the power of inclusion and its profound impact on lives.”
ProStar Insurance in Bothell, awarded Small Private Employer of the Year and a committed WVS partner, also embodies the spirit of NDEAM. “Our company believes that a diverse and inclusive workforce isn’t just good business; it’s the right thing to do,” said Jeff Moors, ProStar Insurance’s Director. “Hiring individuals with disabilities has brought new perspectives and a sense of unity to our team. We’re proud to support inclusive hiring and hope to inspire other businesses to do the same.”
Recognizing the Ongoing Need for Advocacy and Inclusion
As WVS Executive Director Janet Bruckshen emphasizes, “While October is an important time to spotlight disability employment, our work is far from over. We continue year-round to advocate for inclusive hiring practices, ensuring people with disabilities have access to the same opportunities as everyone else. The commitment to awareness, advocacy, and action must be ongoing. We believe when customers see themselves represented in our workforce, they feel a deeper connection to our brand, and we consistently witness how diversity within our team enhances creativity, innovation, and just makes good business sense.”
Studies confirm the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities, not just in enhancing workplace diversity but also in fostering innovation and strengthening business resilience. According to a study by Accenture, companies committed to disability inclusion report 25% higher revenue and 30% higher profit margins. Additionally, accommodations for employees with disabilities are often minimal in cost but lead to stronger employee retention and satisfaction.
A Vision for the Future
WVS takes pride in supporting employers statewide in recruiting top talent and is honored to work with several organizations committed to inclusive hiring practices. The following WVS partners were also recognized by the Governor during the award ceremony on October 18th:
- Rehab Without Walls, Lynnwood
- Safeway, Mount Vernon
- Skagit Gleaners, Mount Vernon
- Lowe’s Store #0061, Arlington
- PCC Community Market, Bothell
- Bellingham Grocery Outlet, Bellingham
The celebration of NDEAM may conclude with October, but the mission endures. WVS, ProStar Insurance, and supportive professionals like Renae Voth are leading the way, proving that inclusive employment isn’t a one-month endeavor; it’s a lasting commitment. WVS invites community leaders, electeds, businesses and individuals alike to join in this effort to build a future where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, thrive, and be valued.
About Washington Vocational Services (WVS):
Founded with a mission to support individuals with disabilities in achieving meaningful employment, Washington Vocational Services (WVS) provides customized job placement, training, and ongoing support across Snohomish, King, Skagit, Whatcom, and Island counties. With a focus on community integration and accessibility, WVS partners with local businesses and organizations to create inclusive workplaces that value diverse talent. Accredited by CARF International, WVS is committed to delivering services aligned with the highest standards of quality and integrity. Learn more at www.wvs.org.
For more information on Washington Vocational Services and their inclusive employment programs, please contact Laura Cox at lcox@wvs.org.
For media inquiries or to schedule an interview, please contact WVS Spokesperson, Josh Estes at (425) 622-8256 or email at josh@pnwrstrategies.com. The attached photo is approved for use. (Caption: WVS team members and partners recognized by the Governor during the award ceremony on October 18th)
