What Does Employment First Mean to Me?
To Download the Printable PDF, Spanish, or Plain Text document, visit the Resource Page.
As a Job seeker who has a Disability, Employment First means…
- I hold high expectations for myself
- I have information to make my own choices
- I have benefits planning and counseling for my SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- I have resources about self-determination and advocacy
- I work together with teams of people who help me
- I hold state agencies and service providers accountable
- I understand my disability and what I need to be successful
- I know how to request accommodations if I need them on the job
As a High Schooler who has a Disability, Employment First means…
- I have support in planning my future
- I have information to make my own choices
- I hold high expectations for myself
- I have access to Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS). These include job counseling, work-based learning, and self-advocacy training
- I understand my disability and what I need to be successful
As a Family Member of a Job seeker, Employment First means…
- I work together with my loved one and a team of people who help them
- I have information to support my loved one in achieving their own goals
- I hold state agencies and services providers accountable
- I hold high expectations for my loved one
As an Educator, Employment First means…
- I support my students in planning the futures they want
- I work with service providers and agencies to prepare my students for the future
- I assist my students in participating in Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for my students. Pre-ETS includes job counseling, work-based learning, and self-advocacy training
- I hold high expectations for all my students
As a Service Provider or Vendor, Employment First means…
- Competitive employment is the preferred outcome for jobseekers with disabilities
- I work to develop skills to support jobseekers
- I collaborate with state agencies and employers to create new opportunities for jobseekers
- I understand the supports, strategies, and technologies available to support jobseekers in competitive employment
- I help jobseekers identify their skills, talents, and goals
As an Employer, Employment First means…
- I understand the economic and social value of employing people who have disabilities
- I know about accommodations and supports for employees with disabilities
- I work with service providers and state agencies to create opportunities for employees who disabilities
- I provide the same opportunities for all employees
- I have the same standards for employees with and without disabilities
- I work to create an inclusive workplace
As State Agencies, Employment First means…
- I believe all people with disabilities are valued members of society
- I work with other agencies and providers to improve employment outcomes
- I work with people with disabilities to identify opportunities to work in the community
- I set targets for improving community employment outcomes
- I am accountable for helping job seekers who have disabilities with their employment goals
Image Text:
Employment First Means...
Job Seeker: I have the information and support I need to make my own decisions about working.
High Schooler: I have support to plan my future, like job counseling, work-based learning, and advocacy training.
Family Member: I work collaboratively with my loved one and a team of people who help them reach their employment goals.
Educator: I support ALL students in preparing for college and careers.
Service Provider: I understand the resources, strategies, and technologies available to support job seekers in competitive employment.
Employer: I understand the economic and social value of hiring people who have disabilities.
State Agency: I am accountable for helping job seekers who have disabilities with their employment goals