Employment of people with significant disabilities remains and important goal and a concern of TASH and the entire disability community. Some progress is evident. More than 40 states have Employment First Policy or Legislation. States across the country are participating in national projects to improve employment outcomes. At the same there are concerns that the pace for increasing integrated employment outcomes is slow and greater investment is needed at the state and national levels.
In 2016, the ACICEID issue its Final Report focused on Building Capacity to deliver competitive integrated employment (CIE) outcomes nationwide and about the use of sub-minimum wages.
https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/pdf/ACICIEID_Final_Report_9-8-16.pdfSince the 2016 report was issued, meetings continue at the federal level in several departments of the government. States have taken notice of the report’s recommendations that can be adopted at the state level. In 2017 there was a Bi-partisan, Bi-cameral Congressional Briefing, and a Senate Hearing about CIE and the Committees Recommendation.
The purpose of this session is to revisit the Recommendations of the Committee and discuss progress that is emerging about CIE outcomes and to discuss concerns and needs for improving outcomes.
Members of the Committee that will participate in this Panel discussion include:
David Mank, Professor Emeritus, Indiana University (moderator)
Valerie (Vicki) Brooke, Project Director, RRTC on Employer Practices, Virginia Commonwealth University
Cesilee Coulson, Executive Director, Washington Initiative for Supported Employment (WISE)
Oswald "Oz" Mondejar, Senior Vice President for Partners Continuing Care, Spaulding Rehabilitation Network
Ruby Moore, Executive Director, Georgia Advocacy Office
