Heading into Chicago today for the Intellectual/Developmental Disability Work Group meeting. Last week, Equip for Equality released an Employment First Blueprint, which is a nationwide survey of employment practices and provides recommendations on how Illinois can provide more competitive integrated employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
This Blueprint provides policymakers and stakeholders in Illinois with specific recommendations and action steps to ensure that competitive, integrated employment is the first option for all people with disabilities, a concept known as Employment First. Illinois has taken important first steps towards Employment
First, including enactment of the Illinois Employment First Act and the issuance of an Employment First Executive Order. The challenge is now for Illinois to realign and modernize the states’ disability service system. Action must be taken to translate that policy into positive changes for people with disabilities.
To access the Blueprint and other related Employment First documents, go to
Illinois Employment First Blueprint.
Tony Paulauski
Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
815-464-1832 (CELL)
Tony@www.thearcofil.org