Arizona News
Fall 2017
The AZ Employment First Core Team, sub-committees, and other associated efforts have continued to facilitate and work collaboratively with all involved stakeholders to address employment policy and system change for individuals who have disabilities. Members have continued to educate professionals, family members, individuals who have disabilities, and others involved in employment services across the State of AZ on all new Federal and State Regulations and Rules related to employment with emphasis on how these changes, as well as individuals, can support the implementation of Employment First Principles.
Employment First members assisted state agencies stakeholders in creating and finalizing the Joint Guidance for Limitations on Use of Subminimum Wage Section 511 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. This guidance compliments the handouts – It’s Your Choice and General WIOA Flyer – created by Employment First members to help individuals who have disabilities and their families better understand new WIOA requirements. Handouts and the Joint Guidance are available for download at http://azemploymentfirst.org (see right sidebar).
Employment First members also collaborated in the development of Transition Resource Slide Guide for Families and Youth to assist them in understanding resources and tools for many areas of transition including employment. To receive a copy of this guide, please send an e-mail request to the Arizona Community of Practice on Transition (AzCoPT) at azcopt1@gmail.com.
Finally, we can celebrate that the Division of Development Disabilities has officially adopted Employment First Principles and Practices in their policy manual!
 October 2017 AZ APSE’s mission statement: To expand inclusive employment opportunities for all people with disabilities through education, advocacy and legislative action. APSE (Association of People Supporting Employment First) is the only national organization with an exclusive focus on integrated employment and career advancement opportunities for individuals with disabilities. APSE supports Employment First to facilitate the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace and community. http://apse.org |
For more information about AZ Employment First Initiative and to learn who is involved in the state-wide coalition, visit http://azemploymentfirst.org or
contact the Program Manager, a joint-position funded by the Sonoran UCEDD and the AZ DES/Rehabilitation Services Administration:
Susan Voirol, MSW
Sonoran UCEDD
svoirol@email.arizona.edu