Employment First (EF) has been an active national movement for over a decade. EF works for the development of policy and practice that makes integrated employment the number one priority for all individuals with disabilities. EF advocates for states to adopt formal laws and policies that result in a significant increase in the number of individuals with disabilities in integrated employment. Almost all 50 states are active in the EF movement with 34 states with formal, statewide policy action.
EF is not just a philosophy, it is results focused. EF strives to achieve the following priorities in every state:
- Measurable increases in employment within the general workforce, earning minimum wage or higher with benefits.
- Greater opportunities to pursue self-employment and the development of
microenterprises. - Employment as the first and preferred option when exploring goals and a life path.
- Employment within the general workforce, regardless of the severity of disability and
assistance required. - Work experiences that are typical of other teenagers and young adults.
- Employers actively recruiting, valuing, and including people with disabilities as an
integral part of their workforce. - Increased incomes, financial assets, and economic wealth.
- Greater opportunities to advance in careers, by recognizing and taking full advantage of
individual strengths and talents. - Sufficient funding so that quality services and supports are available as needed for longterm
employment success. - Re-evaluating, on a regular basis, people’s decisions not to work and providing
services for them to learn about integrated employment safely and with support.
We are already on the path to achieve these outcomes in many communities
throughout Wisconsin. Let’s keep the momentum going!