In the state of California, Assembly Bill No. 1041 establishes an Employment First Policy into law. California became the 12th state to enact an employment first policy. It is the state’s policy that opportunities for integrated, competitive employment shall be given the highest priority for working-age individuals with developmental disabilities.
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA) was signed into law on July 22, 2014 by President Obama and went into effect on July 1, 2015. WIOA is designed to increase access to high-quality workforce services to prepare for competitive integrated employment (CIE). WIOA promotes training and program services for competitive and integrated work for individuals with disabilities. Youth with disabilities are to receive extensive pre-employment transition services to obtain and retain CIE.
Harbor Regional Center believes that employment should be the priority and preferred option for adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.
Harbor’s Employment First Policy was most recently approved by the Department of Developmental Services in December 16, 2021.