What is Employment First?
Employment First is a state-level approach to disability services. It means that employment is considered the option of choice for citizens with disabilities, rather than placement in a sheltered workshop, a day habilitation program, or another segregated or non-inclusive setting.
Facts and Resources
Employment First State Resource List (Spring 2019)APSE Factsheet on Employment First
States with an Employment First policy offer employment services to people with disabilities, and only look at other options in the event that the person or their guardian does not wish integrated employment to happen.
Who is Working
ICI StateData: The National Report on Employment Services and Outcomes
Success Stories
There are many people with disabilities working in the community. Through the use of innovative, front-line employment support practices, these individuals are earning money, forming networks, and contributing to their communities. Learn about individual success stories from the Real People, Real Jobs project managed by our partners at ThinkWork.
Employment First Activity in Member States
This list is not exhaustive. Please download the resource list for details and additional links.
Alabama
Arizona
Colorado
- CO legislation: Employment First Bill, SB 16-077 (June 2016)
- CO legislation: Senate Bill 18-145, signed on May 18, 201
- Employment First Advisory Partnership
- Policy on Integrated Employment
Delaware
- DE Employment First Legislation
- Statement from Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services on Employment First
District of Columbia
Georgia
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
New Mexico
New York
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
- OR Legislation: Senate Bill 22, Employment First legislation, effective April 2013
- Employment First Initiative Website
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Dakota
- July 2013 statement from Governor of South Dakota, declaring goal of making South Dakota an Employment First state
- January 2014 South Dakota Employment Works Taskforce Report
Texas
Utah
- 2011 Legislation (passed): HB 240, enacted in March 2011
- 2012 Legislation (passed): HB 240, enacted in March 2012, as a companion to 2011 legislation
- Utah Employment First website
Virginia
Washington State
- WA State Policy: Washington Division of Developmental Disabilities Working Age Adult Policy
- Publication from the Institute for Community Inclusion providing an overview of the development of Washington’s Working-Age Adult Policy
Wisconsin
(You may submit new policies and updates to selnhub@communityinclusion.org.)
