Employment First is a national initiative that promotes competitive employment in an integrated setting at minimum wage or higher, as this is the preferred outcome for people with disabilities. Arizona would like to champion this initiative by implementing its common vision in this state. Arizona seeks to change and enhance expectations around employment to promote progressive change in the support infrastructure, which will enable people with disabilities to pursue employment opportunities and achieve economic independence. A coalition of Advocates, Educators, Employers, Employment Service Provider Agencies, Family Members, State Agencies, University Centers for Excellence on Developmental Disabilities, Youth and Young Adults are working together to move Arizona to an Employment First state.
Youth to Adult Transition
Career Pathways to Arizona's Future
The UArizona Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities established the Career Pathway's to Arizona's Future program to help young people make informed decisions about their future and explore their potential for achieving gainful, competitive employment.
Medical Home for Youth and Adults with DD
Medical Home model health clinic where youth and adults with developmental disabilities receive health services that are patient-centered, comprehensive, coordinated and compassionate.
Person-Centered Initiative
Informed choice and being a respected part of the community are crucial quality of life issues for people with DD and their families. The Sonoran UCEDD is committed to increasing person-centered thinking and practices throughout the state of Arizona to enhance the quality of life of individuals with DD.
Project SEARCH Arizona
The Sonoran UCEDD is committed to ensuring that students and young adults with developmental disabilities have competitive employment opportunities. Working in partnership with southern Arizona employers, disability organizations, service providers, and government agencies has led to the development of an initiative to bring the model employment program Project SEARCH to Arizona.