Integrated employment, EmploymentFirst, and U.S. federal policy

Issue title: International Perspectives on Integrated Employment

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Martinez, Kathleen

Affiliations: U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy, Frances Perkins Building, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20210, USA. E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: For almost forty years, U.S. policy has steadily advanced the idea of presumed employability for all people with disabilities. This includes people with the most significant disabilities employed in integrated jobs with commensurate pay that is at or above minimum wage. This article traces the factors that have contributed to the evolution of policy and practice that have led to improving the likelihood that integrated employment is both desired and achievable for individuals with significant disabilities. It also shares current U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy, activities and initiatives that promote and support the achievement of integrated employment for all people with disabilities.

Keywords: Integrated employment, EmploymentFirst, U.S. federal policy, employment and disabilities

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-130631

Journal: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 165-168, 2013