NC H981

Department of Health and Human Services shall study development of a statewide program to establish the State as a model employer for individuals with disabilities, in consultation with the Office of State Human Resources.

Program goals include increasing disability inclusion in State agency employment, specifically targeting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and demonstrating to local government and private sector employers the viability of hiring people with disabilities.

Study shall examine existing programs in other states and consider implementing components such as fast-track hiring policies, recruitment and outreach efforts, accessible employment applications, reasonable accommodation guidelines, workplace training programs, data collection for oversight, and public-private partnerships like Project SEARCH.

Department must submit a report with study results and legislative recommendations to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services by December 1, 2018.

Act becomes effective upon passage.