Employment First
Estabilishing integrated, competitive employment as the first priority for Kansans with Disabilities
Background
Self-advocates with developmental disabilities encouraged the Kansas Department of Social & Rehabilitation Services (SRS) and Community Developmental Disability Organizations (CDDOs) to create an Employment First initative for people with developmental disabilities receiving day services in Kansas. As a result, a task team has been created that is charged with developing a comprehensive employment service delivery evaluation, identifying barriers and disincentrives for competitive employment and independence, and recommending changes. The work group investigated Employment First activities in other states and studied nationwide best practices for increasing integrated employment outcomes among people with developmental disabilities. While the focus of this particular group was on persons with developmental disabilities, the recommendations apply to individuals with all disabilities.
To learn more about Employment First and the agencies that support it, download the two-page Employment First flyer, HERE.
On April 15th and 16th, 2010 in Topeka, the Kansas Employment First Summit was held. Consumers, service providers and state-agency staff from all across the state gathered to learn about the initiatives and hear from national experts on the topic of integrated, competitive employment for people with disabilities. The Kansas Employment First Summit DVD's are now available. The DVDs may be borrowed from your regional Benefits Specialist or purchased for $5.00 per DVD from Gizmo Productions (contact Mary Ellen Wright at Maryellen.Wright@khpa.ks.gov to arrange for copies. Electronic versions of presentations and handouts, if provided by speakers are available for download HERE.