HI HR65

State and county agencies are requested to implement employment first principles in hiring practices and all programs and services administered or funded by the State and counties for persons with disabilities

Employment first principles define competitive employment as full-time or part-time work in an integrated setting compensated at or above minimum wage and at the customary wage level for similar work performed by persons without disabilities

Integrated setting means an employment environment where persons with disabilities interact with persons without disabilities to the same extent as persons without disabilities in comparable positions

Department of Human Services is requested to practice employment first principles for waiver program personnel under chapter 346D and ensure contracted agency providers follow employment first principles in employee hiring

Resolution clarifies that employment first principles do not require employers to give preference to hiring persons with disabilities and do not eliminate other appropriate supported employment services