National Employment First Foundations
The national Employment First movement and on-going momentum are backed by disability federal law,
public policy and court rulings. You can be a part of the advocacy going forward!
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
Law designed to help job seekers, including those with disabilities, to succeed in the labor market.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability.
Olmstead Ruling
Supreme Court decision that unjustified segregation of people with disabilities constitutes an ADA discriminatory violation.
Final Settings Rule
Requirement for Medicaid-funded Home and Community Based Services to be provided in integrated, community settings by 2022.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
IDEA requires transition planning for students receiving special education services to prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living.
Guiding Legislation – Colorado
Colorado joined the Employment First movement in 2016. There are 35 states in the nation with Employment First efforts.
Senate Bill 16-077
Colorado’s Employment First legislation creating the Advisory Partnership.
Senate Bill 18-145
Implemented Employment First provider competencies, Discovery funding, and data collection.
2019 Budget Appropriation
The Colorado Legislature approved funding to initiate the state’s Office of Employment First.
More About SB16-077 in Colorado
SB16-077 established the Employment First Advisory Partnership (EFAP) and required that community stakeholders, along with five state departments, engage with the EFAP: Education, Higher Education, Human Services, Labor and Employment, and Healthcare Policy and Financing. The EFAP was directed to develop a strategic plan to expand competitive integrated employment (CIE) outcomes for people with disabilities through Employment First policies and practices.The plan was submitted in 2018 and the EFAP continues to meet for on-going plan monitoring. Consider attending an EFAP meeting to share your perspectives. Learn more here.
Employment First (EF) Plan Recommendations
The EFAP submitted its strategic plan to the Colorado General Assembly in November 2017 with specific recommendations to implement Employment First in Colorado.
- Produce data measuring Colorado compliance with Olmstead
- Implement:
- departmental EF policies and practices
- evidence-based training for service providers
- communication plans targeting employers, educators, people with disabilities and families
- Create an Office of Employment First to implement EF policies and practices
- Develop appropriate funding structures to increase employment service capacity
- Design and coordinate best-practice pilot projects
- Become a “model employer” for Colorado citizens with disabilities