Connecticut is taking part in a new program designed to promote competitive and integrated employment for individuals with disabilities. It is one of four states nationwide selected to participate.
The 2016 Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program is offered through the National Office of Disability Employment Policy. Six of Connecticut’s state agencies will partner on coordinating and streamlining efforts in Employer Engagement to increase integrated employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities, with a focus on youth in transition.
The six state agency partners include: Department of Developmental Services; Department of Labor; Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services; Department of Social Services; Department of Education; and Department of Rehabilitation Services. Morna A. Murray, commissioner of the Department of Developmental Services, and Jonathon Slifka, Governor’s Liaison to the Disability Community, have accepted the role of core state sponsors in Connecticut for this nationally recognized award offering a substantial amount of technical assistance and travel funding.
State of Connecticut agency partnerships will collaborate on established goals, activities, and projected milestones through the creation of two Core State Implementation Team work groups and one “Vision Quest” group dedicated to policy development. As a requirement to accepting the benefits of the program, Connecticut will also support the Office of Disability Employment Policy’s Employment First Community of Practice network.
