By Simon Boas, Herald Writer

“AUBURN — Before a wing rib manufactured by the machines at Arlington’s AMT makes it to the Boeing Co. to be installed in a 737, it must first travel across the street to the human hands at Skills Inc.” click here to read more

Everyone had a great time at the Skills Inc. “Bowling with Bounds.” We missed Rich Marriott, but the KING 5 Team was out in force to support our event and cheer our host Dennis Bounds. And we welcomed some new faces this year, including: Jesse Jones, Gary Chittum, and Tracy Taylor. A big shout out to Ian Furness (afternoon host) @ Sports Radio 950 KJR for stepping in and doing a fabulous job emceeing and for pumping our event on the air!

We raised $11,350. These proceeds benefit our Outreach and Vocational Services Programs.  Thanks to all of our donors, volunteers, participants, and sponsors for your commitment to supporting our mission to train, employ and serve persons with disabilities.

Our next event: The Skills Inc. 5th Annual Golf Tournament at Druids Glen Golf Course, September 24.

Ruttledge served as the Director of the Washington Department of Social and Health Service, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation since 2005. She was responsible for leading Washington’s vocational rehabilitation program – working annually with over 23,000 individuals with significant disabilities to achieve their vocational goals. Previously, Ruttledge served in leadership positions at the Oregon Department of Human Services, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services for more than 25 years. Ruttledge received the Washington Governor’s Award for Leadership in Management in 2007.

As a person born with a disability, Ruttledge received assistance from the vocational rehabilitation program and graduated from the Northern Michigan University with a B.A. in Education.

The CEA is a new advocacy organization with a membership comprised of Employment Service Providers interested in promoting employment for persons with disabilities. This organization was founded to combat the disproportionally high unemployment rate among persons with disabilities; only 22% of persons with disabilities are employed compared with 71% of those without disabilities. The CEA’s main focus is to transform the workplace thereby eliminating the widespread misconceptions and stereotypes that stand in the way of employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. The CEA aims to accomplish their mission through two main initiatives: transforming the service delivery system and transforming service providers.

Skills Inc. looks forward to improving our employment practices while having a positive impact in our community.