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

Let’s talk about sex and Disability: JD Otsuka’s 'Pillow Talk' opens the conversation

Let’s talk about sex and Disability: JD Otsuka’s ‘Pillow Talk’ opens the conversation

People are often uncomfortable talking about sexuality, especially in how it relates to disability. JD Otsuka’s play “Pillow Talk” challenges …

Written by Us: The Disabled Playwrights Workshop Reclaims the Narrative

Written by Us: The Disabled Playwrights Workshop Reclaims the Narrative

Bailey Patterson has a background in almost every side of theater. That means she’s seen firsthand how disability is often …

Dr. Nicholas Wright Staff Photo

Wishing Dr. Wright well at Gonzaga University

During his time at HDI, Director of Underserved Populations Dr. Nicholas Wright has enjoyed the opportunity to help bring underrepresented …