NY A06158

Establishes the "Employment First Choice Act" to allow individuals with developmental disabilities currently in nonintegrated settings (such as sheltered workshops) to choose to remain in those settings, provided they meet certain requirements.

Requires individuals seeking to remain in nonintegrated settings to complete at least one of the following every five years: a vocational assessment, a trial integrated work experience, receipt of outreach and education services about supported employment, or a benefits counseling consultation.

Permits the commissioner of developmental disabilities to grant accommodations for individuals to stay in nonintegrated settings at their discretion, and allows individuals to remain in such settings while their requests are pending.

Ensures that individuals granted accommodation to remain in nonintegrated settings continue to receive all necessary services and maintain eligibility for benefits substantially similar to what they would receive in integrated settings.

Requires the commissioner to take necessary actions by May 1, 2021, to comply with federal law and ensure work settings remain eligible for federal funding while enabling individual choice in employment settings.