Last week, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee held a hearing on state leadership and innovation in disability employment.  There was a great deal of discussion about efforts around the Employment First initiatives currently being adopted in states.  According to APSE (formerly the Association for Persons in Supported Employment), employment in the general workforce is the first and preferred outcome in the provision of publicly funded services for all working age citizens with disabilities, regardless of level of disability (see below).

Too many school districts continue to recommend day habilitation or segregated services when students are transitioning out of IDEA services.

This week Susan Goodman, Director of Governmental Affairs, met with House and Senate committee members responsible for the reauthorization (renewal) of the Workforce Investment Act.  This law provides grants to states to provide employment services to people with disabilities.  Historically, people with significant disabilities have had great difficulty accessing these funds.  NDSC believes that our constituents deserve equal access to these funds and continue to work to make that a possibility.  

*Characteristics of Successful Implementation of Employment First

• There are measurable increases in employment of citizens with disabilities within the general workforce, earning minimum wage or higher with benefits.
• Greater opportunities exist for citizens with disabilities to pursue self-employment and the development of microenterprises.
• Employment is the first and preferred option when exploring goals and a life path for citizens with disabilities.
• Citizens with disabilities are employed within the general workforce, regardless of the severity of disability and assistance required.
• Young people with disabilities have work experiences that are typical of other teenagers and young adults.
• Employers universally value individuals with disabilities as an integral part of their workforce, and include people with disabilities within general recruitment and hiring efforts as standard practice.
• Individuals with disabilities have increased incomes, financial assets, and economic wealth.
• Citizens with disabilities have greater opportunities to advance in their careers, by taking full advantage of their individual strengths and talents.
• Funding is sufficient so that quality services and supports are available as needed for long-term employment success.
• A decision not to consider employment in the community for an individual is re-evaluated on a regular basis; the reasons and rationale for this decision are fully documented and addressed in service provision.