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 for details and additional links.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Alabama
Arizona
Delaware- DE Employment First Legislation
- Statement from Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services on Employment First
Georgia
Hawaii
Illinois
Louisiana
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Missouri
New Mexico
New York
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
- OR Legislation: Senate Bill 22, Employment First legislation, effective April 2013
- Employment First Initiative Website
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
