Definition of Employment First:
It is the policy of the Commonwealth of Kentucky that competitive integrated employment shall be considered the first and primary option for persons with disabilities of working age who desire to become employed, including those with the most significant disabilities. Simply put, it is the idea that everyone has the right to work!
What is Employment First?
What is Competitive Integrated Employment?
Work that is performed on a full-time or part-time basis for which an individual is:
- Earning compensation at or above minimum wage and comparable to the customary rate paid by the employer to employees without disabilities performing similar duties and with similar training and experience;
- Receiving the same level of benefits provided to other employees without disabilities in similar positions;
- Working at a location where the employee interacts with other individuals without disabilities; and
- Receiving opportunities for advancement when appropriate similar to other employees without disabilities in similar positions.
Employment First Timeline
Kentucky became an Employment First state on May 15th, 2018.
Executive Order, June 29th, 2020
Senate Bill 104, signed March 24th, 2022.