Josh Caple, from ElderHealth Northwest, Named to Seattle Commission for People with Disabilities
Friday, May 7
SEIU Healthcare 775NW member Josh Caple was formally appointed to the City of Seattle’s newly-created
Commission for People with Disabilities Thursday.
Caple is a case manager and lead staff for
ElderHealth Northwest’s adult day health program in Seattle. He applied to serve on the commission in March after his wife and a friend told him about the opportunity on the same day.
“I feel like people with disabilities are underrepresented and we need people who will speak up for them,” Caple said.
The Seattle City Council approved the appointment of 14 people to the commission, and a fifteenth member will be appointed later. Caple said he is the only commission member who works directly with people who have disabilities.
“I’m excited and a little nervous about getting started,” Caple said. “It’s a lot of responsibility and work to serve on a committee for a major city like Seattle.”
Caple has worked in the adult day health program for nearly four years, and has more than 10 years experience in social services. Last year, he was a member of the first union bargaining team to negotiate a contract with ElderHealth.
The Commission for People with Disabilities was established by the Seattle City Council in January. The commission is charged with:
- Informing city government officials about important issues for people with disabilities.
- Recommending policies, practices and legislation that involve people with disabilities.
- Encouraging understanding among people with various disabilities as well as between people with disabilities and the larger Seattle community.