Hello! My name is Vic Vong, I come from an Teochew-Hakka Chinese family that came to the US as refugees from Vietnam. Outside of work, I like to consume social justice memes, visit parks, and smell flowers.

Growing up in Seattle, I saw various impacts of redlining, a discriminatory practice that prevented people of color from living in environments free from environmental hazards. Especially after studying the history of Seattle communities, I was moved to contribute to efforts addressing environmental racism, ableism, and language discrimination. I previously worked at community-based organizations like API Chaya and policy advocacy organizations like the Greenlining Institute. During the pandemic, I saw a digital divide and how crucial it was for survivors of violence to have access to online resources in accessible and relevant formats. I saw the innovative and powerful approaches that communities took to take care of each other, centering racial justice and disability justice.  I thank my ancestors and the people who have advocated for a better future for us today and hope to continue my part.

As the Digital Communications Accessibility Coordinator, I will be working to ensure that our websites are accessible to the people of Washington, including disabled folks and folks with limited-English proficiency. It’s important that our Communications content works with assistive technology such as screen readers. Importantly, regardless of whether an individual has access to the newest devices or software, we will create a welcoming environment minimizing barriers to engagement. I strive to listen with empathy and humility to listen to others’ lived experiences. I am a lifelong learner and strive to identify new solutions for challenges and create ways forward to meet folks’ needs. When things are designed with accessibility in mind, the possibilities are limitless.

I commit to creating Accessibility Plans that center disability and racial justice. We will test our websites for ease of use by Washington residents! In my engagement in the public, it is important that people feel informed, engaged, and consulted with in a transparent process where their user experience is prioritized. I will know if I am successful if the information and message is conveyed to users and encourages them to interact because their experience is inherently valuable. As a non-Black and non-Indigenous person, I seek to acknowledge, credit, and honor Black and Indigenous community priorities.

My vision is one where people have a sense of their own power. I envision a place where everyone has access to shaping their life, where they can make choices that are meaningful to them. I dream of a place where people have their access needs met! I dream of physical and digital places where people are welcomed and think, “Oh, this was really designed for someone like me in mind”. I dream of a place where someone thinks, “Wow, all of me is seen and welcomed here." I dream of a place where people reclaim their right to joy and purpose. I dream of a place where those historically excluded and exploited have their insights acknowledged as innovators and knowledge-makers. Not left behind, but leading the way for us all.