Resources Links
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Employment Agencies by County
- Adams County Agencies
- Asotin County Agencies
- Benton County Agencies
- Chelan County Agencies
- Clallam County Agencies
- Clark County Agencies
- Columbia County Agencies
- Cowlitz County Agencies
- Douglas County Agencies
- Ferry County Agencies
- Franklin County Agencies
- Garfield County Agencies
- Grant County Agencies
- Grays Harbor Agencies
- Island County Agencies
- Jefferson County Agencies
- King County Agencies
- Kitsap County Agencies
- Kittitas County Agencies
- Klickitat County Agencies
- Lewis County Agencies
- Lincoln County Agencies
- Mason County Agencies
- Okanogan County Agencies
- Pacific County Agencies
- Pend Oreille County Agencies
- Pierce County Agencies
- San Juan County Agencies
- Skagit County Agencies
- Skamania County Agencies
- Snohomish County Agencies
- Spokane County Agencies
- Stevens County Agencies
- Thurston County Agencies
- Wahkiakum County Agencies
- Walla Walla County Agencies
- Whatcom County Agencies
- Whitman County Agencies
- Yakima County Agencies
- General Information on Employment First
- Government Agencies
- Information on Disabilities
- National Organizations
- Other States Employment First
- Pacific Northwest Organizations
- Self-Determination
- Social Security, SSI, and Medicaid
- State of OR Employment First
- State of WA Employment First
Assistive Technology
Education & Law Resources
- Guardianship Document from the Oregon Department of Education
- Family Network - Disability and Resource Links Website
- Legal Services (Seattle) Website
- Puget Sound Educational Service District (Pierce and King Counties), 800 Oakesdale Ave SW Renton, WA 98057, (425) 917-7600, Website
Adams County Agencies
- Adams County Developmental Disabilities, Cindy Doyle, 120 E. Main, Ritzville, WA 99169, (509) 659-3306, Website
Asotin County Agencies
- Asotin County Developmental Disabilities, Cynthia Tierney, 549 5th St. Suite A, Clarkston, WA 99403, Website
- Affordable Colleges Online, Website
Benton County Agencies
- Benton County Developmental Disabilites, Mari Clark, 7102 W. Okanogan, Kennewick, WA 99336, (509) 737-3902, Website
- Goodwill Industries (of Columbia Inc.), 815 N. Kellogg St, Suite A, Kennewick, WA 99336, Phone: 1-(509)-735-0400, Website
Chelan County Agencies
- Chelan-Douglas County Developmental Disabilities, Carrie Moody, 23 S. Wenatchee Ave. #203, Wenatchee, WA 98801, (509)888-2377 Website
- Ambitions Community Support Services of Washington, Inc., 230 Grant Rd. Suite CB1, East Wenatchee, WA, 98802, (509) 667-2242, Website
- Goodwill Industries of Columbia, Inc., 830 N Mission, Wenatchee, WA 98801, (509)-735-0400 ext. 243, Website
- Mission Vista Vocational Services,
- Service Alternatives, Inc., 23 S. Wenatchee Ave., Suite 114, Wenatchee, WA 98801 (509) 630-6449, Website
Clallam County Agencies
- Clallam County Developmental Disabilities, Tim Bruce, 233 East Fourth St. Suite #14, Port Angeles, WA 98362-3015, (360) 417-2428, Website
- Concerned Citizens/Creating Connections, 945 South Forks Avenue, Forks, WA 98331, (360) 374-9340, Website
- Morningside, 113 S. Valley Street,
- Pierce, Jones & Associates LLC, 210 Center Park Way, Sequim, WA 98382, (360)-582-9965, Website
Clark County Agencies
- Clark County Developmental Disabilities, Mary Strehlow, Dept. of Community Services PO Box 5000 Vancouver, WA 98666, (360) 397-2130 Ex. 7825, Website
- Employers Overload, 700 SE Chkalov Dr. Ste 11, Vancouver, WA. 98683, (360) 253-9199, Website
- Goldman and Associates, Inc., 10000 NE 7th Ave. Suite 160, Vancouver, WA 98661, 98685-4541, (360) 735-8336 Website
- Innovative Services Northwest, 9414 NE Fourth Plain Blvd., Suite 101, Vancouver, WA 98662, 360-823-4216, Website
- Keys to Advancement, 12503 SE Mill Plain Boulevard, Suite 221, Vancouver, WA 98684, (360) 885-1010, Website
- Make Ends Meet, LLC4554 NW Barnes Road, Portland, OR 97210, Brenda Bertram 360-609-9722
- Washington Vocational Services, 111 SE Everett Mall Way, Bldg C, Suite 100, Everett, WA 98208, Janet Bruckshen 425-405-3401, Website
- Tangible Systems Inc., PO Box 820758, Vancouver, WA 98682-0017, 360-882-3448, Website
- Trillium Employment Services, 2800 E Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661, 360-567-3053, Website
Cowlitz County Agencies
- Cowlitz County Developmental Disabilities, Gena James, 1952 9th Ave. Longview, WA 98632-4045, (360) 414-5599, Website
- Another Option Inc, 2274 34th Avenue, Longview, WA 98632, (360) 575-1796, Website
- LifeWorks, 906 New York Street, Longview, WA 98632, (360) 577-9093, Website
- Tacoma Goodwill, 1030 15th Avenue STE 200, Longivew, WA 98632, (253)573-6500, Website
- SL Start & Associates, 207 N 4th Avenue, Kelso, WA 98626, (360) 577-5717, Website
Grant County Agencies
- Grant County Developmental Disabilities, Gail Goodwin, 1103 Lowry, Moses Lake, WA 98837, (509) 765-9239 Ex. 216, Website
- Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest, 789 North Central Drive, Moses Lake, Washington 98837, (509) 838-4246, Website
- Service Alternatives, Inc., 1065 West Broadway, Moses Lake, WA 98837, (509) 855-1905, Website
Grays Harbor Agencies
- Gray Harbor Developmental Disabilities, Dee-Dee Garman, 2109 Summer Avenue, Aberdeen, Wa 98520, (360) 500-4070
- Coastal Community Action Program (CCAP), 117 East Third Street, Aberdeen, Washington 98520, 360-533-5100, Website
- Morningside, 110 W Market, Aberdeen, WA 98520, (360)-533-8820, Website
- Timberland Opportunities/Connections (TOA), 400 West Curtis, Aberdeen, WA 98520, (360) 533-5823
Island County Agencies
- Island County Developmental Disabilities, Mike Etzell, PO Box 5000 Coupeville, WA 98239, (360) 678-7883, Website
- Service Alternatives, Inc., 520 East Whidbey Avenue, Suite 111, Oak Harbor, WA 98277, (360) 632-1943, Website
- Washington Vocational Services, 111 SE Everett Mall Way Bldg. C-Suite 100, Everett, WA 98208, (425) 977-4364, Website
- Sherwood Community Services, 402 91st Ave NE Lake Stevens, WA 98258, Nick Holz, 425-334-4071, Website
Jefferson County Agencies
- Jefferson County Developmental Disabilities, Anna McEnery, 615 Sheridan St. Port Townsend, WA 93868, (360) 385-9410, Website
- Concerned Citizens, 51 Chimacum Rd. (P.O. Box 506), Port Hadlock, WA 98339, (360) 379-1315, Website
- Skookum Educational Program, 385 Benedict Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368, (360) 385-4980, Website
King County Agencies
- King County Developmental Disabilities, Denise Rothleutner, 401 5th Ave Suite 520, Seattle, WA 98104, (206) 263-9007, Website
- AtWORK! 15155 Bel-Red Raod, Bellevue, WA 98007-4293, Website
- CARES of Washington, 4700 42nd Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116, (206) 938-1253, Website
- Centerforce, 5204 Solberg Drive SW, Lakewood, WA 98499, (253) 584-1001, Website
- Cliffside Vocational, 5501 4th Ave. S, STE 207, Seattle, WA 98108, (206) 763-2426
- Community Psychiatric Clinic, 4319 Stone Way N, Seattle, WA 98103, (206) 461-3614, Website
- Community Integration Program at Shoreline Community College, Room 5100B, 16101 Greenwood Ave North, Seattle, WA 98133, (206) 546-5823, Website
- Community Trades and Careers, P.O.Box 7368, Shoreline, WA 98122, (206) 542-8605
- EADS Day Services, 12831 NE 21st Place, Bellevue, WA 98005, (425) 250-7039, Website
- ENSO, 16300 Christensen Rd. , STE #340, Seattle, WA 98188, 206-829-2001, Website
- Highline Community College, 2400 S. 240th, Des Maines, WA 98198, (206) 878-3710 x3349, Website
- Job Connection at Washington State Employment Security, 2531 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144, (206) 721-6056
- Lighthouse for the Blind, 2501 South Plum Street, Seattle, WA 98144, (206) 322-4200, Website
- Mobile Crew Services, 202 South Mead Street, Seattle, WA 98108, (206) 762-2112
- Mainstay at Seattle Central Community College, 1701 Broadway, 2NP 101, Seattle, WA 98122, (206) 587-3813, Website
- Northwest Center, 7272 W. Marginal Way S, P.O. Box 80827, Seattle, WA 98108, (206) 285-9140, Website
- Northwest Vocational Services at Seattle Mental Health, 1600 E. Olive Street, Seattle, WA 98122, 324-2400, Website
- PROVAIL, 12550 Aurora Ave N., Seattle, WA 98133-8036, (206)-826-1053, Website
- Puget Sound Personnel, 50-116th Avenue SE, Suite 211, Bellevue, WA 98004, (425) 562-1231 or 1-800-294-7970, Website
- Rehabco, 13751 Lake City Way NE #122, Seattle, WA 98125, (206) 361-0075, Website
- Rios Employment and Consulting Services, Inc., PO Box 7404, Bonney Lake, WA 98390, (253) 891-8463, Website
- Service Alternatives, Inc., 1833 N 105th St., Suite 101, Seattle, WA 98133, (206) 478-4894, Website
- SKCAC Industries, 19737 Russell Road S., Kent, WA 98032-1117, 253-395-1240, Website
- Sound Employment Services, 709 NE Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98105, (206) 634-3459
- Trillium Employment Services, 201 Auburn Way N. Suite B Auburn, WA 98002, (253) 735-1553, Website
- Turner Associates, P.O. Box 15352, Seattle, WA 98115, (206) 524-5751
- University of Washington Employment Training Program, CHDD Box 357920, Seattle, WA 98195, (206) 543-6387, Website
- Vadis, 16000 Christensen Road, Suite 240, Tukwila, WA. 98188 (OR) 10700 Meridian Ave. North Suite 501 Seattle, WA 98133, (206) 243-8806, Website
- Washington Vocational Service, 22316 70th Ave W St. #D, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043, (425) 774-3338, Website
- Work Opportunities, 6515 202nd St SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036, (425) 778-2156, Website
Kitsap County Agencies
- Kitsap County Developmental Disabilities, Kelly Oneal & Kirsten Murray 614 Division St MS 23, Port Orchard, WA 98366, Kelly's Number: (360) 337-4624 & Kirsten's Number: (360)-337- 4622 Website
- Able Opportunities, P.O. Box 468, Hansville, WA 98340
- Cares of Washington, 1700 SE Mile Hill Rd., Port Orchard, WA 98366, (360) 443-8607, Website
- Communitas, 920 Park Street, Bremerton, WA 98337, (360) 377-7231, Website
- Easter Seals, 1740 Riddell Road, Suite 315, Bremerton, WA 98310, (360) 373-2502, Website
- Employment Support Project, 1300 Sylvan Way, Floor 2, Bremerton, WA, 98310, (360) 337-4760, Website
- Holly Ridge Center, 5002 Kitsap Way, Suite 200, Bremerton, WA 98312, (360) 479-9023, Website
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Peninsula Services, 7500 Werner Road, Bremerton, WA 98312, (360) 373-1446, Website
- Skookum, 4525 Auto Center Way, Bremerton, WA 98312, (360)-475-0756, ext. 124, Website
-
Trillium Employment Services, 3501 NW Lowell St Suite 202 Silverdale, WA 98383, (360) 698-6659, Website
- Vadis, 3100 Bucklin Hill Road, Suite 220, Silverdale, WA 98383, (360)-516-6484, Website
Kittitas County Agencies
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Kittitas County Developmental Disabilities Program Coordinator, Amy Kocher, (509)-962-7029, Website
Klickitat County Agencies
- Klickitat County Developmental Disabilities, Barbara Klinger, PO Box 159 White Salmon, WA 98672, (503) 493-1558, Website
Lewis County Agencies
- Lewis County Developmental Disabilities, Meja Handlen, 360 NW North. MS HSD05, Chehalis, WA 98532, (360) 740-1284, Website
- Morningside, 605 W. Main Street, Suite 4, Centralia, WA 98531, (360)807-2100, Website
- Reliable Enterprises, 203 W. Reynolds Ave, Centralia, WA 98531-3313, (360) 736-9558, Website
- Work Opportunities, 122 Sears Road, Chehalis, WA 98532, (360) 748-9921, Website
Lincoln County Agencies
- Lincoln County Developmental Disabilities, Cathy Christian, 707 13th Street Davenport, WA 98122, (509) 725-1086, Website
Okanogan County Agencies
- Okanogan Behavioral HealthCare, Shannon Mendoza, 1007 Koala Ave, Omak, WA 98841, (509) 826-8497, Website
Pacific County Agencies
- Pacific County Developmental Disabilities, Katie Lindstorm, PO Box 26, South Bend, WA 98586, (360) 875-9343, Website
- Coast Rehabilitation Inc, (503) 861-3372
- Costal Community Action Program, 117 East Third Street, Aberdeen, WA 98520, (360)-533-8134, Website
- Pacific County Public Health and Human Services , (360)-875-9343, Website
Pend Oreille County Agencies
- Pend Oreille County Developmental Disabilities, Annabelle Payne, 105 S. Garden Avenue, Newport, WA 99156, (509) 447-5651, Website
Pierce County Agencies
- Pierce County Developmental Disabilities, Brad Benoit, 1305 Tacoma Ave. S. Suite 104 Tacoma, WA 98402, (253) 798-6108, Website
- CAPA, 12001 Pacific Avenue South, Suite 201, Tacoma, WA, 98444, (253) 536-2339, Website
- Cares of Washington, 1501 Pacific Ave, Suite B-01, Tacoma, WA 98402, (206) 938-1253, Website
- Centerforce, 5204 Solberg Drive SW, Lakewood, WA 98499, (253) 584-1001 x207, Website
- ENSO, 6315 S 19th St., Suite #25, Tacoma, WA 98466, (253)-682-0987, Website
- ENRICH/Good Samaritan Outreach Services, 312- 4th St SE, Suite B, Puyallup, WA 98372, (253) 682-0987, Website
- Goodwill Industries, 714 South 27th Street, Tacoma, WA 98409, (253) 272-5166, Website
- L'Arche Tahoma Hope Community, 12303 36th Ave E, Tacoma, WA 98446, (253) 535-3178, Website
- Morningside, 3906 S 74th St, Suite 201, Tacoma WA 98405, (360) 943-0512, Website
- PC2 (Pierce County Coalition For Developmental Disabilities), 3716 Pacific Ave, Suite A, Tacoma WA, 1-877-335-4657, Website
- Rios Employment and Consulting Services, P.O. Box 7404, Bonney Lake, WA 98390, (253) 922-6906 Website
- SAW, PO Box 65133, Tacoma WA 98464, (253) 571-8665, Website
- SL Start, 8815 S Tacoma Way, Suite 200, Lakewood WA 98499, (253) 584-2170, Website
- Tahoma Associates, 1545 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, WA 98402, (253) 627-7980, Website
- Trillium Employment Services, 400 S Meridian 1B, Puyallup WA 98371, (253) 627-7980, Website
- VADIS, 1701 Elm Street, Sumner, WA 98390, (253) 863-5173, Website
- Washington PAVE, 6316 South 12th Street, Tacoma, WA 98465, (253) 565-2266, Website
San Juan County Agencies
- San Juan County Developmental Disabilities, Barbara LaBrash, PO Box 1146, Eastsound, WA 98245-1146, (360) 370-0595, Website
- Washington Vocational Services, Peggy Frisk, 111 SE Everett Mall Way Bldg C Suite 100, Everett, WA 98208, 425-774-3338 ext. 213, Website
Skagit County Agencies
- Skagit County Developmental Disabilities, Kristen Ekstran, 700 S. Second Street #301, Mount Vernon, WA 98273, (360) 416-1509, Website
- Chinook Enterprises, 2026 La Venture, Mount Vernon, WA 98273, (360) 428-0140, Website
- Service Alternatives, 210 N. Oak Street, Burlington, WA 98233, (360)-941-9693, Website
- Washington Vocational Services, 503 E. Fairhaven, Burlington, WA 98233, (360) 419-0910, Website
Snohomish County Agencies
- Snohomish County Developmental Disabilities, Tamra Bradford, 3000 Rockefeller Ave, M/S 305, Everett, WA 98201, (425) 388-7208, Website
- AtWork!, 1935 - 152nd Place NE, Bellevue, WA 98007, 425-864-0703, Lisa Latchford, Website
- Community Trades and Careers, Division of Sunrise Services, 811 Madison, Everett, WA 98203, (425) 353-7521, Website (click on "employment")
- Diversified, 13008 Beverly Park Road, Mukilteo, WA 98275, (425) 355-1253, Website
- PROVAIL, 12550 Aurora Ave N., Seattle, WA 98133-8036, (206)-826-1053, Website
- Service Alternatives, Inc., 909 SE Everett Mall Way, Suite C345, Everett, WA, 98208, (425) 710-0107, Website
- Sherwood Community Services, Career Connection, 402 91st Avenue NE, Everett, WA 98205, (425) 334-4071, Website
- Shoreline Community College, Community Integration Program, Room 5100B, 16101 Greenwood Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98133, (206) 546-5823, Website
- Special Care Agency, PO Box 1026, Carnation, WA 98014, 425-333-4114, Sally Coomer
- STEPS Vocational Services, 1818 Grove Street, Suite A, Marysville, WA 98270, (360) 653-1899
- Vadis, 10700 Meridian Ave. North Suite 501, Seattle, WA 98133, (206)-243-8806 Website
- Village Community Services, 3210 Smokey Point Drive, Ste 200, Arlington, WA 98223,(360) 653-7752, Website
- Washington Vocational Services, 111 SE Everett Mall Way, Bldg C-100, Everett, WA 98208, 425-774-3338, Bretta Williams, Website
- Work Opportunities, 6515 202nd Street SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036, (425) 778-2156, Website
Spokane County Agencies
- Spokane County Developmental Disabilities, Brian Nichols, 312 W. 8th, Spokane, WA 99204, (509) 477-2029, Website
- Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave., Spokane, WA 99202, (509) 328-6326, Website
- Artisans, 200 E. 2nd Avenue, Spokane, WA 99202, (509) 325-4489, Website
- ENSO (Envisioning Solutions), 508 W. 6th Ave, Suite #400 Spokane, WA 99204, (509) 329-6010, Website
- Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest, 130 E. 3rd Avenue, Spokane, WA 99202, (509) 838-4246, Website
- Northwest Center, 1101 N Fancher Road, Spokane Valley, WA 99212, (509)928-1588, Website
- Pace Services, 3305 W Fort George Wright Drive, Spokane, WA 99224, (509) 279-6033, Website
- Plan To Work, Community-Minded Enterprises, 25 W. Main Avenue, Suite 310, Spokane WA. 99201, (509)-209-2602/1-(866)-497-9443, Website
- Skils' Kin, 4004 East Boone, Spokane, WA 99202, (509) 326-6760, Website
- SL Start and Associates, Inc., 5709 W. Sunset Hwy., Ste. 100; Spokane WA. 99224, (509) 328-2740, Website
Stevens County Agencies
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Stevens County Developmental Disabilities, Lorie Sandaine, 165 E. Hawthorne Ave. Colville, WA 99114, (509)-685-0680, Website
Thurston County Agencies
- Thurston County Developmental Disabilities, Kim Jensen, 412 Lilly Rd. NE, Olympia, WA 98506-5132, (360) 867-2518, Website
- Exceptional Foresters Inc., 2009 W. Railroad Ave., P. O. Box 669, Shelton, WA 98584-7812, (360)426-0077, Website
- Career Quest, LLP, 2026 Olympic Highway North #106, Shelton, WA 98584, (360) 427-7300, Website
- Community Resources, 208 West Bay Drive, Olympia, WA 98502, (360) 943-6257, Website
- Morningside, 2611 14th Avenue NW, Olympia, WA 98502, (360) 943-0512, Website
- Vadis, 3025 Limited Lane NW, Suite 105, Olympia, WA 98502, 360-701-7177, Website
Wahkiakum County Agencies
- Wahkiakum County Developmental Disabilities, Chris Holmes, 42 Elochoman Valley Road, Cathlamet, WA 98612, (360) 795-8630, Website
Walla Walla County Agencies
- Walla Walla County Developmental Disabilities, Teri Hough, PO Box 1595 Walla Walla, WA 99362, (509) 524-2920, Website
- Employment Specialist Goodwill Industries OTC-Walla Walla, Paul Franzmann, 217 E. Alder St. Downtown Walla Walla, 99362, Phone: 509-525-5992
Whatcom County Agencies
- Whatcom County Developmental Disabilities, Jessica Lee, 509 Girard St., Bellingham, WA 98225, (360) 778-6047 Website
- Advancement Northwest, 1313 E. Maple St., Suite 201, PMB 564, Bellingham, WA 98225, (360) 685-4241, Website
- Cascade Connections, 1611 North State Street, Bellingham, WA 98225, (360) 647-9087, Website
- Kulshan Supported Employment, 310 Iowa St, Bellingham, WA 98225, (360) 676-9010, Website
- Service Alternatives, 1313 East Maple St., Suite 304, Bellingham, WA 98225, (360) 820-8393, Website
- Work Opportunities, 424 W. Bakerview #105-281 Bellingham, WA 98226, (360) 306-3957, Website
Whitman County Agencies
Yakima County Agencies
- Yakima County Developmental Disabilities, Angela Colin, 1210 Ahtanum Ridge Drive Union Gap, WA 98903, (509) 574-1549, Website
- Deaf Access WA, P.O. Box 30, Yakima, WA 98907, Phone: (509)-452-9823, Website
- Entrust, P.O. Box 9727, 1510 S. 36th Avenue, Yakima, WA 98909-0727, Phone: (509)-834-1220, Website
- Goodwill Industries (of Yakima Valley), 714 S. 27th Street Tacoma, WA 98409, Phone: (253)-272-5166, Website
- JOBS, Etc., Inc., 4001 Summitview St. 5-135, Yakima, WA 98909, Phone: (509)-972-8774
- Peopleworks, P.O. Box 8251 Yakima, WA 98909, Phone: (509)-654-5144
- Service Alternatives, Inc., 2812 Terrace Heights Drive, Suite 9, Yakima, WA 98901, Phone: (509)-654-5144, Website
- S.L. Start and Associates, 25 West Nora Avenue, Spokane, WA 99205, Phone: (253)-344-0147, Website
- Yakima Specialties, 1819 West "J" Street, Yakima, WA 98902, Phone: (509)-453-0386, Website
General Information on Employment First
APSE PUBLICATIONS:
- APSE Employment First Statement: Statement outlining principles of Employment First - Website
- APSE Employment First White Paper: "Establishing a National Employment First Agenda" paper from APSE - Website
- APSE Connections-Employment First: Article from JTPR APSE Connections advocating a national Employment First agenda.
- APSE Employment First Website Section - Website
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Article
- Employment First: A Beginning Not an End: August 2011 Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities journal article summarizing the principles of Employment First - Website
NTAR Leadership Center Blog
- Blog post on Employment First by Wendy Parent, Kansas University - Website
ODEP-USDOL
- Employment First Leadership Mentor Program: Information on state’s participating in ODEP’s Employment First Leadership Mentor Program - Website
-
Employment First Memo: January 2009 memo from the US Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy stressing importance of Employment First.
SELN Employment First Publication: “Q & A’s on State Employment First Policies”
-
Publication from the State Employment Leadership Network (SELN) providing an overview of First, and specific efforts in Colorado, Florida, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Washington State, Georgia, Minnesota, and Indiana - Website
Government Agencies
- Arc Governmental Affairs Office Website
- Health and Human Services Office on Disability (Federal) Website
- Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (Washington State) Website
- The IFS Waiver is Enrolling Now - HERE
- Social Security Administration (Federal) Website
- Social Security (Seattle Region) Website
- Washington State Developmental Disabilities Administration Website
- Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Website
- Washington State Legislature Home Page Website
Information on Disabilities
- Arc of WA State, Website
- Website (Communication Works!) Fostering Deaf and Hearing Relations
- Website (Library Resources) - Library Resources for Families with Children with Special Health Care Needs
- Network of Care, Networks of Care for California, Website
- Washington Assistive Technology Alliance, Website
- Website (Women with Disabilities) - National Women's Health Information Center
National Organizations
- APSE, Our vision is that people with disabilities share in the richness of human expereince: a rewarding career, a safe and comfortable home, fulfilling personal relationships, choices and opportunities, and the same rights, civic responsibilities and opportunities desired by all citizens in their community. Employment is a cornerstone of opportunity. People with disabilities belong in the workplace. Website
- The Arc advocates for the rights and full participation of all children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Together with our network of members and affiliated chapters, we improve systems of supports and services; connect families; inspire communities and influence public policy. Website
- Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) is a national organization dedicated to advocacy, public policy, and the education and training of community rehabilitation personnel to enhance employment outcomes of persons with disabilities. Website
- CARF International, CARF is an independent, nonprofit organization promoting the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of persons served. CARF reviews and grants accreditation services nationally and internationally on request of a facility or program. Website
- Institute for Community Inclusion, including the National Center on Workforce and Disability/Adult, The Institute for Community Inclusion promotes the inclusion of people with disabilities in their communities through training, consultation, clinical and employment services, and research. The National Center on Workforce and Disability/Adult provides training, technical assistance, policy analysis, and information to improve access for all the workforce development system. Website
- IOS Press is the publisher of the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation. In addition to JVR, IOS Press publishes many more journal titles in the field as well as the Assistive Technology Research book series. Founded in 1987, IOS Press publishes some 75 international journals and 80-100 books per year. Website
- The National Center on Secondary Education and Transition coordinates national resources, offers technical assistance, and disseminates information related to secondary education and transition for youth with disabilities in order to create opportunities for youth to achieve successful futures. Website
- National Organization on Disability The mission of the National Organization on Disability (N.O.D.) is to expand the participation and contribution of America?s 54 million men, women and children with disabilities in all aspects of life. By raising disability awareness through programs and information, together we can work toward closing the participation gaps. Website
- National Technical Assistance Center for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders with Disabilities was established in 2001 and funded by the rehabilitation Services Administration, U.S. Department of Education. Its purpose is to increase employment opportunities for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders with Disabilities nationwide. Website
- NSTTAC is a national technical assistance and dissemination center funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs. Website
- The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is a catalyst for systems change to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities in the American workforce. ODEP provides national leadership through disability related employment policy and practice. Our vision is of a world in which people with disabilities have unlimited employment opportunities. Website
- TASH is an international membership association leading the way to inclusive communities through research, education, and advocacy. TASH members are people with disabilities, family members, fellow citizens, advocates, and professionals working together to create change and build capacity so that all people, no matter their perceived level of disability, are included in all aspects of society. Website
Other States Employment First
ARKANSAS
- AR Task Force Report: Final Report of Arkansas Employment First Task Force.
- AR Executive Order - HERE
CALIFORNIA
- CA Legislation (passed): Text of AB 287, California’s legislation on Employment First, signed into law in October 2009, establishing Employment First Committee, and calling for the establishment of an Employment First Policy - Website
- CA DD Council Report: August 2011 report from State Council on Developmental Disabilities on Employment First - Website
- CA Employment First Legislation Overview - HERE
- Committee on Employment First - Website
- CA Legislation (Proposed) - Website
COLORADO
- Policy on Integrated Employment: Colorado Division for Developmental Disabilities rule 16.626 stating that integrated employment is considered the primary service option for adults Day Habilitation Services and Supports - Website
CONNECTICUT
- CT Employment First Policy: Employment First Policy issued by Connecticut Department of Developmental Services issue in April 2011 - Website
- CT Policy Regarding Employment as Priority: Companion to April 2011 Employment First policy regarding implementation steps in individual planning process - Website
- CT DDS Newsletter: Connecticut Department of Developmental Services self-determination newsletter discussing state's Employment First efforts - Website
DELAWARE
- Delaware Legislation (passed): Text of House Bill 319, Delaware's legislation on Employment First, signed into law in July 2012 - Website
- Delaware Employment First Statement: Statement from Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services on Employment First - Website
- Delaware DDDS Newsletter: Newsletter from Delaware DDDS with further details on Employment First - Website
FLORIDA
- Developmental Disabilities Council Employment First Statement: Statement from Florida DD Council in support of Employment First - Website
GEORGIA
- Employment First Georgia Website - Website
- GA DD Council Statement: Statement issued in 2010 by Georgia Developmental Disabilities Council calling for an Employment First policy in the state - Website
ILLINOIS
- Illinois Employment First Legislation (proposed): HB 2591 Illinois Employment First Act, introduced in 2013 - Website
- Advocacy information for Illinois Employment First Act: Information from the Family Support Network regarding advocating for the Illinois Employment First Act - Website
- Illinois Employment First Act Fact Sheet: Fact sheet for legislators on Illinois Employment First Act.
- Report recommending Employment First for Illinois: January 2011 report of legislatively mandated Employment and Economic Opportunity for Persons with Disabilities Task Force, that includes a recommendation (pp. 7-8), that Illinois become an Employment First state, according to specific principles outlined within the report - Website
- Report from the Employment First Summit: Report from January 2012 IL Employment First Summit - Website
INDIANA
- IN APSE Employment First 2009 follow-up: Summary of follow-up items from 2005 Indiana Employment First Summit - Website
- IN Employment First Fact Sheet: Face sheet summarizing 2005 Indiana Employment First Summit - Website
IOWA
- Iowa Employment First Initiative Summary Points: One-page summary of rationale for Employment First in Iowa.
- Iowa Employment First Initiative Summary of Findings: October 2011 report - Website
- Iowa’s Employment First Initiative - Website
KANSAS
- Kansas Employment First Legislation (passed): Text of Kansas House Bill 2336 that establishes a statewide policy of employment first for all people with disabilities. Bill was signed into law in May 2011 - Website
- Kansas Employment First Website: Website with information on Employment First efforts in Kansas - Website
- Kansas Employment First Initiative Work Group Information: Information from the work group that undertook the initial Employment First efforts in Kansas - Website
- Kansas Report - Employment First Workgroup: May 2009 from Employment First Initiative Work Group - Website
- Kansas Executive Orders: Executive orders from the Governor of Kansas issued August 2010, related to employment of individuals in the community.
- Kansas Employment First Oversight Commission - Website
LOUISIANA
- Employment First Policy: July 2011 Employment First policy statement from the Louisiana Office of Citizens with Developmental Disabilities - Website
MARYLAND
- Development Disabilities Administration Position Statement on Employment Services: October 2008 statement indicating employment in the community is first service option that should be considered - Website
- Employment First Overview: Overview of Maryland's Development Disabilities Adminstration Employment First initiative - Website
- Employment First in Maryland 3.0 - HERE
MAINE
- Employment First Maine Act: Draft Employment First legislation - Website
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ME Employment Policy: 2010 Maine Department of Health and Human Services Employment Policy, indicating that all individuals are presumed able and have the opportunity to work - Website
MASSACHUSETTS
- MA Employment First Policy: 2010 policy issuance from Massachusetts Department of Developmental Disability Services - Website
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MA DDS RFQ: Excerpts from 2009 Massachusetts Department of Developmental Disability Services service provider solicitation, highlighting a shift in Massachusetts to an Employment First Policy.
MICHIGAN
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Employment Works! Policy: June 2011 Bureau of Community Mental Health Services Employment
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Works! Policy placing priority on integrated employment for individuals with serious mental illness and development disabilities, intended to form the basis for a future Employment First policy - Website
MINNESOTA
- MN Employment First Summit Reports: Reports from MN Employment First Summits I, II, III, IV, held from 2007-2011 - Website
- Minnesota Employment Policy Initiative Website - Website
MISSISSIPPI
- Legislation (proposed): Proposed legislation regarding implementation of an Employment First policy - Website
MISSOURI
- Employment First Policy - HERE
- Webinar: “Making Employment First a Reality in NM” webinar and text - Website
NEW JERSEY
- Governor’s Declaration: Governor’s April 2012 press release announcing that New Jersey is an Employment First state - Website
NEW YORK
- NY OPWDD – Statewide Comprehensive Plan – 2010-2014: October 2010 report indicating that “OPWDD is promoting Employment First as a preferred outcome for all people with developmental disabilities” - HERE
- NY OPWDD 2011 Interim Report on State Plan: February 2011 interim report on 2010-2014 OPWDD Statewide Comprehensive Plan, that includes summary of efforts on Employment First (pp. 6-7) - HERE
- NY OMRDD 2010 Interim Report on State Plan: February 2010 interim report on 2009-2013 OMRDD Statewide Comprehensive, that includes summary of efforts on Employment First (p. 5) - HERE
- NY OPWDD – Road to Reform Report - HERE (Download the PDF)
NORTH CAROLINA
- NC AFP Position Paper: February 2012 Position paper from the North Carolina Alliance for Full Participation Paper on Employment First - Website
- NC APSE Article: Article from North Carolina APSE calling for an Employment First.
- NC Employment First Website: Website
NORTH DAKOTA
- ND Legislation (passed): Legislation signed into law in April 2013, establishing a Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, for furthering the goal of employment as the first option for people with disabilities - Website
- Employment First Summit Report: October 2011 report summarizing the findings and plan of action resulting from the state’s Employment First summit in October 2010 - Website
OHIO
- People First of Ohio Call to Action: “Blazing New Trails to Employment” document from People First of Ohio, advocating for specific strategies to implement Employment First - Website
- Employment First Form: Form required for completion if an individual does not choose community employment - Website
- Ohio Employment First Executive Order
- SELF Waiver Employment First Policy - HERE
OKLAHOMA
- DDS Employment Policy: Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Services employment policy, stating that the optimal goal of waiver services is full-time employment in the community - Website
PENNSYLVANIA
- PA Employment Legislation: State legislation, passed in 1991, that mandates access to community employment - Website
- PA Employment Policy - ICFs/MR: 2005 policy document from Pennsylvania Department of Public welfare on supporting community employment for individuals living in Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Mental Retardation, indicating community employment as a priority without regard to level of disability - Website
- PA Employment Policy - General: 2005 policy document from Pennsylvania Office of Mental Retardation on community employment as a priority - HERE
- PA Employment Policy - 1990: 1990 policy document from Pennsylvania Office of Mental Retardation directing that community employment be considered as a service option before less integrated, more restricted options - Website
RHODE ISLAND
- RI BHDDH Employment First Policy: February 2013 Employment First policy for individuals with development disabilities issued by the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals.
- RI BHDDH Policy Regarding New Entrants to System: Policy issuance from Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals, regarding compliance of new entrants to system with Employment First policy.
- Employment First Summit Report: Report of Employment First Summit held in March 2010 - Website
- Employment First Policy White Paper: November 2010 paper discussing options for Employment First legislation in Rhode Island - Website
- 1115 Waiver Group Report: September 2009 paper which contains initial proposal for Rhode Island to be an Employment First state - Website
TENNESSEE
- ARC of TN Statement: Statement from ARC of Tennessee in support of Employment First - Website
- TN DMRS Employment First Statement: 2003 statement of support from the Tennessee Division of Mental Retardation Services in support of Tennessee's Employment First! Initiative - Document
- TN DMRS Newsletter 07: 2007 Tennessee Division of Mental Retardation Services newsletter containing article on employment first - pp. 3-5 - Website
- TN DMRS Provider Manual Excerpt: Excerpt from 2005 Tennessee Division of Mental Retardation Services provider manual regarding Employment First and requirements for vocational evaluation (situational assessment) every three years. To find this excerpt, go to the full manual and search for "Employment First" - Website
- TN Employment First Overview: Publication from the Institute for Community Inclusion providing an overview of Tennessee's Employment First policy - Website
- TN DIDD Employment First Website - Website
TEXAS
- Legislation (Proposed): Text of Texas House Bill 785, introduced in 2009, requiring that employment services be structured to ensure employment of people with disabilities in integrated settings. Bill has not been acted on. - Website
UTAH
- Legislation (Passed): Text of Utah House Bill, that requires that employment be the first priority for individuals with disabilities receiving publicly funded supports. Bill was signed into law in March 2011. - Website
VIRGINIA
- DOJ Settlement Agreement Mandating Employment First Policy - HERE
- VA DBHDS Strategic Plan for Employment First - HERE
- VA DBHDS Website – Employment First Initiative - Website
WISCONSIN
- WI Employment First Materials: Variety of materials on Wisconsin’s Employment First efforts posted on the Wisconsin APSE website, including; a) Employment First Mission and Values Statement; b) Employment First Booklet; c) Moving Employment First Forward in Wisconsin; d) Employment First 2009 Summary; e) Employment First Update 2012 - Webiste
- Sign-On Agreement for Wisconsin Employment First Coalition: Agreement for organizations and individuals for signing on in support of Employment First - Website
- WI Managed Care and Employment Task Force - Website
Pacific Northwest Organizations
- AllBorn(IN), 11611 NE Ainsworth Circle, Portland, OR 97220, (503) 238-0522, Website
- All Treatment, 1-866-514-3210, Website
- Arc of Grays Harbor, 120 West First Street Aberdeen, WA 98520, 1-(360)-537-7000, Website
- Arc of Island/Skagit Counties, 1285 Goldenrod Rd. Burlington, WA 98233, (360)-707-0158
- Arc of King County, 233 6th Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109, (206)-364-6337, Website
- Arc of Kitsap/Jefferson Counties, 3243 North Perry Avenue Bremerton, WA 98310, (360)- 377-3473, Website
- Arc of Snohomish County, 2500 Hewitt Ave Suite 300 Everett, WA 98201, (425)-258-2459, Website
- Arc of Spokane, 320 E. 2nd Ave., Spokane, WA 99202-1402, (509)-328-6326, Website
- Arc of Tri-Cities, 1455 Fowler Richland, WA 99352, (509)-783-1131, Website
- Arc of Whatcom County, 2602 McLeod Road, Bellingham, WA 98225, (360)-715-0170, Website
- Autism Society of Washington, P.O. Box 503, Olympia, WA 98507, (360)-515-8910, Website
- AWB, (The Association of Washington Business) PO Box 658 1414 Cherry St. SE Olympia, WA 98507, (360)-943-1600, Website
- Brain Injury Association of Washington, Spokane, 306 North Barker #193, Greenacres, WA 99016, 855-473-3711, Website
- CEA, (Community Employment Alliance), Post Office Box 5 East Olympia, WA 98540, (360)-459-6517, Website
- CCTS (Center for Change in Transition Services), 901 12th Ave., P.O. Box 222000 Seattle, WA 98122-1090, (206)-296-6494, Website
- CCER (Center for Continuing Education in Rehabilitation) Website
- Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC) Northwest, 6912 220th St S.W., Suite 105 Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043, 1-(800) 949-4232, Website
- Disability Rights Washington, Website
- Inclusion Daily Express, 2321 W. Boone Ave, # 711, Spokane, WA 99201, 509-326-5811, Website
- NWDSA (The Northwest Down Syndrome Association), 11611 NE Ainsworth Circle, Portland, OR 97220, (503) 238-0522, Website
- O'Neill and Associates, 12932 SE Kent Kangley Rd. #375 Kent, WA 98030, (206) 390-6830, Website
- OTAC, (Oregon Technical Assistance Corporation) 3886 Beverly Avenue NE, Building I, Suite 21 Salem, Oregon 97305-1373, (503)-364-9943, Website
- PAVE, (Partnerships for Action Voices for Empowerment) 6316 So. 12th St. | Tacoma, WA 98465, (253)-565-2266, Website
- People First of Washington, 932 ½ 6th Street; P.O. Box 648; Clarkston WA 99403; 1-800-758-1123, Website
- Rooted in Rights (a project of Disability Rights Washington), Website
- SAIL, (Self Advocates In Leadership) 2824 South 188th Street, SeaTac, WA 98188, 1-(888-754-8798, Website
- Spokane County Parent Coalition, Website
- University of Oregon Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, 1585 E. 13th Avenue Eugene Oregon, 97403, Website
- Western Washington University, Center for Continuing Education in Rehab., 6912 220th Street SW Suite 105, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043, (425)-774-4446, Website
- Washington Assistive Technology Foundation, 100 South King Street, Suite 280, Seattle, WA 98104, 1-(877)-428-5116, Website
- Washington PAVE, 6316 S 12th Street, Tacoma, WA 98465, (253) 565-2266, Website
- Washington State Rehabilitation Council, 4565 7th AVE SE PO Box 45343 Olympia, WA 98504-5343, (360)-725-3692, Website
- WorkSource, 2024 3rd Avenue Seattle, WA 98121, (206)-436-8600
- WSBLN, (Washington State Business Leadership Network) PO Box 23313 Federal Way, WA 98093, Website
Self-Determination
Social Security, SSI, and Medicaid
- Every year, Social Security makes changes to benefits through a Cost of Living Adjustment. Click here for specific information about the changes for 2015: Website
- People on SSI who go to work, may be able to retain their Medicaid benefits while earning a substantial income. Learn more about this here: Website
- 2013 RED BOOK: A summary guide to employment support for individuals with disabilities under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs (this is the most recent version of the Red Book) Redbook
- Wonder what the difference is between SSI, SSDI, SSDAC, SSCDB? Find out here: 2015 SSDI and SSI decoder chart
- Find out how a Plan for Achieving Self-Support can help you to save money for reaching an employment goal! Plan for Achieving Self-Support.
- Sign up now for assistance with Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage! Apply for Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Assistance: Website
- Find all of this too confusing? If you live in Washington State and have a disability, you can get help with understanding your benefits here: Benefits Specialist Contact List
- If you live in WA State, work, and have a disability, you may qualify for Medicaid with very low premiums: Healthcare for Workers with Disabilities, Website
- Montana University Affiliated Institute on Disabilities: Rural Institute, Website
State of OR Employment First
- Oregon Employment First Training Manual
- The State of Oregon Employment First Initiative implementation website
- Oregon Developmental Disability Employment Support This website has information about the Employment First Initiative; Events and Materials; Find a Provider; Keys for Case Managers; Outcomes and Data; and Success Stories related to people in Oregon and employment.
- In 2008, the State of Oregon released it's Employment First Policy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- The State of Oregon Integrated Employment Plan. October 2013
State of WA Employment First
- Between 2004 and 2006, the State of Washington implemented the Working Age Adult employment policy. To see a current version of Washington's policy on employment click here.
- Washington's working age adult policy implementation started in 2004 and completed in 2006. An analysis of the policy roll out was captured through two annual gatherings at Alderbrook. D. Mank 2007
- As part of the 2011 Legislative Session, the Washington State Legislature required the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to work with legislators and stakeholders to develop a new approach to Employment and Day services to be submitted to the 2012 Legislature. Here is the Workgroup report.
- In 2012, the State of Washington created legislation to guide the implementation of Employment First. The State of WA Legislation can be found here.
- Legislation passed in 2012 establishing parameters around employment as first priority for individuals with developmental disabilities, with option of alternative community access program. - HERE
- People Working is a site designed to celebrate the success of people with significant developmental disabilities who are working in paid jobs throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. These individuals have forged valuable relationships and roles with their coworkers, employers, and community members, and possess solid workplace skills.
- Policy 6.13 guides the work of Washington State's employment service delivery. This policy establishes qualifications for providers of employment and day program services.
- In 2013, The Office of the Governor of the State of Washington issued Executive Order 13-02. The executive order is to improve employment opportunities and outcomes for people with disabilities in state employment.
- ICI Pub-Washington WAAP: Publication from the Institute for Community Inclusion providing an overview of the development of Washington’s Working Age Adult Policy - Website
- Washington State Legislation: Legislation passed in 2012 establishing parameters around employment as first priority for individuals with developmental disabilities, with option of alternative community access program - Website