Communication, Staffing, and Support ☐ There is a state-supported centralized agency that distributes information, resources, integrated employment support and training for businesses that hire PwDs. ☐ The state has enables mechanisms and services which enable businesses to effectively include people with disabilities in their workforce. ☐ 3. The state is working to build and sustain the capacity of front-line staff across systems to successfully implement evidence-based effective practices in supporting and serving employers who hire individuals with disabilities as well as their employees with disabilities. ☐ 4. There are expectations on provider organizations to assure that they are transitioning from predominantly facility-based, segregated service models to service models focused on the provision of integrated employment supports and other home and community based services ☐ 5. The state has created mechanisms to enable people with disabilities, including veterans with disabilities, to navigate multiple service programs. ☐ 6. The state has a special focus on supporting Federal contractors under new mandates from Rule 503, including working closely with the United States Business Leadership Council, an organization devoted to supporting inclusive employers, as well as with the National Industry Liaison Group which represents Federal contractors. MAKE DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT PART OF THE STATE WORKFORCE STRATEGY From the NGA A Better Bottom Line Report: disability employment part of the state workforce “Make development strategy. For many states, the first step has been to prioritize as the first “employment option” when designing policies, programs, and investments to support the employment of people with disabilities. To date, more than 30 states have adopted Employment First strategies, which direct state policies and investments to prioritize employment for people with disabilities. Governors can make Employment First a priority by issuing an executive order or working with the state legislature to enact legislation to support it. Governors can also direct state agencies to align disability programs with workforce and economic development programs, track disability employment outcomes and make sure they are included with current workforce data collection, and focus on the business case when meeting with employers.”
Communication, Staffing, and Support ☐ There is a state-supported centralized agency that distributes information, resources, integrated employment support and training for businesses that hire PwDs. ☐ The state has enables mechanisms and services which enable businesses to effectively include people with disabilities in their workforce. 3. ☐ The state is working to build and sustain the capacity of front-line staff across systems to successfully implement evidence-based effective practices in supporting and serving employers who hire individuals with disabilities as well as their employees with disabilities. 4. ☐ There are expectations on provider organizations to assure that they are transitioning from predominantly facility-based, segregated service models to service models focused on the provision of integrated employment supports and other home and community based services 5. ☐ The state has created mechanisms to enable people with disabilities, including veterans with disabilities, to navigate multiple service programs. 6. ☐ The state has a special focus on supporting Federal contractors under new mandates from Rule 503, including working closely with the United States Business Leadership Council, an organization devoted to supporting inclusive employers, as well as with the National Industry Liaison Group which represents Federal contractors. MAKE DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT PART OF THE STATE WORKFORCE STRATEGY From the NGA A Better Bottom Line Report: “Make disability employment part of the state workforce development strategy. For many states, the first step has been to prioritize “employment as the first option” when designing policies, programs, and investments to support the employment of people with disabilities. To date, more than 30 states have adopted Employment First strategies, which direct state policies and investments to prioritize employment for people with disabilities. Governors can make Employment First a priority by issuing an executive order or working with the state legislature to enact legislation to support it. Governors can also direct state agencies to align disability programs with workforce and economic development programs, track disability employment outcomes and make sure they are included with current workforce data collection, and focus on the business case when meeting with employers.”