Every Person. Every Talent. Every Opportunity.
Employment First is a policy to ensure every individual of working age has an opportunity to seek employment. Agencies are directed to provide a person-centered planning process for every individual of working age to identify their desired employment goal and their place on the path to community employment.
Employment First founding statute states that all individuals shall be presumed capable of community employment. "Presumption of employability" means that agencies start with the presumption that all people can work if provided with appropriate supports. Resources, like time and money, should be invested to determine how, not if, a person can be successful in community employment.
Employment First really takes action at the local level. Transforming local practices is key to moving forward.
DODD has contracted with HIGH IMPACT Mission-based Consulting (Allan I. Bergman and Lisa Mills, Ph.D.) to develop recommendations for a funding system redesign that supports an increase in integrated employment.
People with disabilities should have an opportunity to make an informed choice about employment: a chance to explore community jobs, connect with peers who are employed, plan for a career that meets their interests and skills, understand the impact of income on benefits; and the many benefits of working in the community.
Employees with disabilities bring unique skills, perspectives, and work ethics to the workplace that bring unique experiences and understanding that transform a workplace and enhance products and services. As part of your team, employees with disabilities help build your business and can lead your company into the future.
Check back often for training, information and tools currently being developed about career planning, Discovery, customized employment, assistive technology and benefits planning.
Being employed in the community has an impact on a person's ability to define their own life. This video shares the story of how community employment is meaningful to Diana's life. Employment First is more than work, it is about changing lives.
Watch the video
HOME > Resources > Provider Support > Provider Support Trainings > The Role of Rehab Engineering and the Assistive Technology Centers in Supporting Employment
The Role of Rehab Engineering and the Assistive Technology Center in Supporting Employment Webinar-October 27, 2014
