39. NEW! Employment First Kentucky

By executive order of the Governor, “It is the policy of the Commonwealth of Kentucky that competitive integrated employment in the community shall be considered the first and primary option for persons with disabilities of working age who desire to become employed.” This policy is intended to increase meaningful opportunities for competitive integrated employment for citizens with disabilities seeking employment, regardless of their level of disability.

Participants will learn more about employment first policy in Kentucky and the nation, as well as HDI and partner efforts related to supported and customized employment. As Kentucky’s employment first policy includes all persons with disabilities, including students and persons with significant disabilities of working age who desire to become employed, discussion will also include how this policy should inform the development and implementation of program plans and services for both adults and youth with disabilities.

Johnny W. Collett, Katie Wolf Whaley, Kathy Sheppard-Jones