What is Employment First?
Employment First means real jobs with real wages and benefits for people with disabilities.
On March 20, 2016, Governor Tom Wolf signed Executive Order 2016-03 – Establishing “Employment First” Policy and Increasing Competitive Integrated Employment for Pennsylvanians with a Disability. This Executive Order laid the foundation for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to change policy and become a model state for creating an environment where competitive integrated employment is the first consideration and preferred outcome for workers with a disability. The Executive Order provides guidance to all executive branch agencies under the Governor’s jurisdiction.
The PA Department of Human Services Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), through months of research and various stakeholder input, developed the Everyday Lives: Values in Action document that outlines the guiding principles of ODP and the service system since its inception. Increasing Employment is a key principle identified in this document as employment “is the centerpiece of adulthood and must be available for every person.” The Everyday Lives: Values in Action recommendations are reviewed annually for accomplishments, strategies, and performance data.
The Capital Area Employment 1st Coalition
The Capital Area Employment 1st Coalition is collaboration of individuals from the local counties, service providers, employers, and community stakeholders who believe in several overarching principles related to employment for all individuals, including individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. They are committed to sharing the knowledge and resources that will make every individual a success story. The core beliefs and values of the group include:
- Everyone can work and there is a real job for everyone. A real job is one with real wages and benefits, side-by-side with co-workers without disabilities.
- Not working should be the exception. All individuals, schools, families, and businesses must raise their expectations.
- People will be hired because of their ability not because they have a disability.
- Everyone has something to contribute.
- Having a real job and earning wages helps people have a lifestyle with value, choice and empowerment.
- Real jobs should be the first priority and preferred outcome for people with disabilities.
- Employment is a win/win for everybody!
*With acknowledgement to Oregon Employment First
Raising Expectations
Every individual, regardless of disability, can be employed
Community Collaboration
Bringing together a variety of community members, including individuals and families, to identify strategies and explore opportunities for individuals to gain and maintain competitive integrative employment.
Business Collaboration
Reaching out to local businesses and employers to create relationships and opportunities that benefit both the business’s and the individual’s needs.
For more information, contact your local county’s MH/ID representative:
Dauphin County: Rachael Clifton- 717.780.7042
Cumberland/Perry Counties: Mark Evans – 717.240.6320