Employment for people with disabilities

The Council of State Governments, in collaboration with ODEP’s State Exchange on Employment & Disability, published a report designed to inform policymakers on “state as a model employer” policies and practices to recruit, hire and retain workers with disabilities. The report explores strategies states can use to promote diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility principles within the public-sector workforce.

The U.S. Department of Labor is seeking input on ideas for ensuring equity in employment policies and programs for people with disabilities from historically underserved communities. Your feedback will be used to identify solutions for overcoming barriers to employment for people with disabilities from diverse backgrounds, communities, and identities. It will also inform future programs and funding opportunities that equitably deliver employment services and supports to all.

This report explores the limited availability of supported employment despite the research demonstrating its success. It then presents strategies utilized by states when they expanded supported employment under settlement agreements; practical perspectives from employers, providers, and service users; and valuable lessons learned over the past decade. The paper concludes with a series of recommendations for ensuring that supported employment is widely available.