Disabled Microsoft employee makes case for funding

Kirkland resident Laila Dibeh is proud of the 18 years she has worked in the mail room of Microsoft. But Dibeh, who has Down syndrome, wants others to have the opportunities that she has had since graduating from Lake Washington High School.

"(I told them) how much I enjoy working and how much I appreciate my paycheck," said Dibeh, who spoke at the 20th annual legislative forum on developmental disabilities for King County Nov. 23 in Tukwila, Wash. "I wanted to thank them for their services, guiding me and showing support."

Dibeh said that she was a little nervous speaking in front of people like King County Executive Dow Constantine.

But one face in the crowd, Sen. Eric Oemig, was familiar to the Dibeh family.

"He is our neighbor," said Laila's mother Elizabeth Dibeh. "She did a good job of presenting the need for help for the more vulnerable of our society. It is always good to see (the elected officials) in person. They can see what can happen if (people with disabilities) get the support they need."

The forum is co-sponsored by the King County Board for Developmental Disabilities and the King County Parent Coalition, which is a program of The Arc of King County. It is the largest gathering of King County’s developmental disabilities community, and provides an opportunity for families and people with developmental disabilities to express their opinions about issues that impact them. Approximately 600 people attended the forum this year, including 34 legislators. Rep. Roger Goodman, Sen. Rodney Tom, Rep. Ross Hunter and Rep. Deb Eddy are all from the Eastside and attended the forum.

This year's topics included: adequately addressing the needs of early intervention, establishing insurance parity and the best practices for school age children, building strong communities to address the needs of children and adults in crisis and the growing aging population in the disability. Dibeh spoke on the topic community services for high school graduates.

"She was very excited," said Elizabeth. "She did very well. She is higher functioning than most."

Dibeh also has hearing issues stemming from a severe bought of Chicken Pox when she was 13. But she also has high abilities in reading and loves to read in her free time.

Dibeh has worked since graduating from Juanita High School in 1988 at the age of 21. The three jobs she has held have helped her to develop her confidence. Dibeh started at Microsoft in 1992.

"It is something that is her life," said Elizabeth. "She thinks if she is sick for a day that Micrsoft will stop functioning."

The family used Puget Sound Personal Services to help get Dibeh her first two jobs but has received services from Arc.

"We have been very fortunate," said Elizabeth. "Arc does a great job to get job support for people with disabilities. They are a fantastic advocate."

The Arc of King County is the oldest local nonprofit organization serving children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. It was established in 1936 to help people with developmental disabilities including Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, cognitive disabilities. These, along other similar conditions which occur prior to the age of 18, are expected to last their entire life. The Arc promotes self-sufficiency and civil rights for people with disabilities through community partnerships, outreach, peer support and direct client support. Each year this organization serves thousands of individuals and their families.

Contact Kirkland Reporter Staff Writer Matt Phelps at mphelps@kirklandreporter.com or 425-822-9166 ext. 5052.

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