Employment First Kentucky

Employment First is the philosophy that everyone, including people with significant disabilities, can work in integrated employment. In Kentucky, competitive and integrated employment in the community is the first and primary option for persons with disabilities of working age who have communicated a desire to become employed. Kentucky became an Employment First state on May 15, 2018. HDI is the administrative home for Employment First in Kentucky. Executive director, Kathy Sheppard-Jones, is the lead administrator for Employment First. Katie Wolf Whaley co-chairs Kentucky’s Employment First Council.

Project Director:

Project Website: https://kcc.ky.gov/Vocational-Rehabilitation/boards-and-councils/Employment-First/Pages/default.aspx

 

Latest Updates

Photos of Burberry Award recipients Caleb Rader and Allison Borden

Borden and Rader receive 2025 Burberry Award

It’s unusual for two people to win HDI’s prestigious Burberry Award, but this year, two people deserved the honor. The …

Play It by Ear: Allison Fradkin’s 'Heard Mentality' Tunes into Disability with Wordplay and Wit

Play It by Ear: Allison Fradkin’s ‘Heard Mentality’ Tunes into Disability with Wordplay and Wit

Allison Fradkin wants people to laugh when they see her play Heard Mentality, but she also wants people to understand …

Rooted & Rising: Supporting Mental Health in Rural Kentucky

Rooted & Rising: Supporting Mental Health in Rural Kentucky

Mental wellness is an important part of living a healthy, meaningful life. Experiencing good mental health helps people handle stress, …