The state has received a $13.9 million federal grant aimed at decreasing the use of sub-minimum wages, expanding access to competitive, integrated employment for people with disabilities.
Gov. Ned Lamont announced Monday that the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, a division of the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services, was awarded the grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration.
“This grant provides Connecticut with a significant resource allowing us to develop innovative career training opportunities for youths and adults with disabilities so they can secure good-paying jobs and obtain careers in competitive integrated employment,” Lamont said. “… All workers, including those who have disabilities, deserve to be paid fairly for their work and deserve an opportunity to build economic security that allows them (to) live independently and thrive in their communities.”
The grant runs through Sept. 30, 2027. To begin, the state agency and its partners will collect stakeholder input and build a model of “supported and accessible pathways” leading to employment opportunities that are sustainable, competitive and integrated.
Once the plan is developed, the remaining years of the grant will involve implementing the model and evaluating its effectiveness, Lamont said.
Connecticut received the maximum grant award possible.
Department of Aging and Disability Services Commissioner Amy Porter said that people with disabilities often encounter barriers to meaningful, equal-paying employment.
“It is not only important that individuals with disabilities are well-informed about the employment opportunities that exist, but that equal wages, benefits and work environments be afforded to everyone performing similar job duties,” Porter said.
