HI HCR72

Request state and county agencies to implement employment first principles in hiring practices and all programs and services that help persons with disabilities obtain employment

Define "competitive employment" as full-time or part-time work in integrated settings compensated at or above minimum wage at the customary rate for similar work by non-disabled employees

Define "employment first" as prioritizing integrated employment in the general workforce as the first option for employment services for working-age adults and children with disabilities

Request Department of Human Services to practice employment first principles for waiver program personnel under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 346D and require contracted providers to follow these principles

Clarify that employment first principles do not require employers to give hiring preference to persons with disabilities nor eliminate other appropriate supported employment services