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 (February 2022)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 above for details and additional links.
Alabama
- AL Legislation (proposed): The Alabama Employment First Initiative Act
- Alabama Employment First website
Arizona
Connecticut
- Connecticut Employment First Policy
- Connecticut Policy Regarding Employment as a Priority
- Connecticut DDS Employment First Overview
Delaware
- Delaware Employment First Legislation
- Delaware DDS Employment First Statement
- Delaware Employment First Oversight Commission Website
Georgia
- GA Employment First Legislation (passed)
- Georgia Legislature Report
- Georgia DD Council Employment First Website
- Georgia Employment First Council Website
- Employment First Georgia Website
Hawaii
- Hawaii Employment First Legislation (proposed)
- Hawaii Governor’s Proclamation
- Hawaii DDS Statement on Employment First
Indiana
Louisiana
Maryland
Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Employment First Policy
- Massachusetts Employment Blueprint
- Massachusetts Employment First Website
Michigan
- Michigan Employment First Executive Order
- Michigan Report on Employment First Systems Transformation
- Michigan DD Council Statement
- Employment Works! Policy
Minnesota
- Minnesota Employment First Policy
- Minnesota Employment First Summit Reports
- Minnesota DHS Information on Employment First
Missouri
- Missouri DDD Employment First Policy
- Missouri Legislation (proposed)
- Missouri DDD Employment Website
New Jersey
- New Jersey DHS Employment First Policy
- New Jersey Governor's Declaration
- New Jersey DDD Employment First Information
- New Jersey DD Council Statement
New Mexico
New York
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
- Oregon Employment First Legislation
- Oregon DDS Employment Policy
- Oregon DHS Employment First Website
- Oregon Employment First Initiative Website
Rhode Island
- Rhode Island BHDDH Employment First Policy
- RI Employment First website
- Rhode Island 1115 Waiver Group Report
South Dakota
Texas
- TX Legislation (passed)
- Texas Employment First Taskforce Report
- Texas DD Council Statement on Employment First
- Texas HHS Employment First Website
Utah
Virginia
- Virginia DBHDS Employment First Policy
- Virginia Employment First Legislation (passed)
- Virginia DBHDS Strategic Plan for Employment First
- Virginia Commonwealth University Information on Employment First
