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APSE's Executive Board Approves Statement on Employment First!

In an effort to ensure that the "Employment First" concept is utilized and applied in a consistent fashion, APSE's Executive Board approved APSE's Statement on Employment First on October 11, 2010. A link to the statement will be included to this post once it is available.

Here is the Statement in its entirety:

APSE STATEMENT ON EMPLOYMENT FIRST

Employment in the general workforce is the first and preferred outcome in the provision of publicly funded services for all working age citizens with disabilities, regardless of level of disability.

UNDERLYING PRINCIPLES
· The current low participation rate of citizens with disabilities in the workforce is unacceptable.

· Access to “real jobs with real wages” is essential if citizens with disabilities are to avoid lives of poverty, dependence, and isolation.

· It is presumed that all working age adults and youths with disabilities can work in jobs fully integrated within the general workforce, working side-by-side with co-workers without disabilities, earning minimum wage or higher.

· As with all other individuals, employees with disabilities require assistance and support to ensure job success and should have access to those supports necessary to succeed in the workplace.

· All citizens, regardless of disability, have the right to pursue the full range of available employment opportunities, and to earn a living wage in a job of their choosing, based on their talents, skills, and interests.

· Implementation of Employment First principles must be based on clear public policies and practices that ensure employment of citizens with disabilities within the general workforce is the priority for public funding and service delivery.

· Inclusion or exclusion of the specific term “Employment First” does not determine whether a public system or agency has adopted Employment First principles. Such a determination can only be made in examining whether the underlying policies, procedures and infrastructure are designed for and ultimately result in increased integrated employment in the general workforce for citizens with disabilities.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF EMPLOYMENT FIRST
· There are measurable increases in employment of citizens with disabilities within the general workforce, earning minimum wage or higher with benefits.

· Greater opportunities exist for citizens with disabilities to pursue self-employment and the development of microenterprises.

· Employment is the first and preferred option when exploring goals and a life path for citizens with disabilities.

· Citizens with disabilities are employed within the general workforce, regardless of the severity of disability and assistance required.

· Young people with disabilities have work experiences that are typical of other teenagers and young adults.

· Employers universally value individuals with disabilities as an integral part of their workforce, and include people with disabilities within general recruitment and hiring efforts as standard practice.

· Individuals with disabilities have increased incomes, financial assets, and economic wealth.

· Citizens with disabilities have greater opportunities to advance in their careers, by taking full advantage of their individual strengths and talents.

· Funding is sufficient so that quality services and supports are available as needed for long-term employment success.

· A decision not to consider employment in the community for an individual is re-evaluated on a regular basis; the reasons and rationale for this decision are fully documented and addressed in service provision.

Loren's Story

Loren is a 20 year old, 2010 High School Graduate from Lincoln High in Shinnston. While in High School, Loren volunteered at McDonald's, Shop N Save, Pet Supply Plus, and the Shinnston Public Library. Up to this point she has never experienced paid employment. Loren is currently participating in the Discovery process to obtain paid employment in the community.

Loren's interests are working with fashion and interacting with the public. She has expressed an interest in the local theatre, Cinemark. She completed a tour of the facility and was able to start a movie during her tour of the projection room.

Through the Discovery process and making new contacts in the community, Loren has been offered her first opportunity of paid employment at Kohl's. She will begin her work schedule on Black Friday. Loren will continue to pursue other employment opportunities in her interest groups to secure employment that will enhance her strengths.

Job Squad and Ohio's Assets and Neighbors Initiative

Job Squad is partnering with many accomplished organizations and individuals on The Ohio Assets and Neighbors Initiative. The Initiative was created by the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission as part of its effort to refocus on Ohioans with the most significant disabilities using Customized Employment and Economic Development Approaches. Self-Employment (microenterprise) is a major emphasis.

Some of the partners: Griffin-Hammis Associates, Corey Smith of Via of the Lehigh Valley, Steve Savage, Patty Cassidy, Roger Shelley, Grant Revell of VCU, Jack Peeler, Don Lavin...

Check out the Powerpoint below for an overview of the project

Assets and Neighbors Initiative

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