What texans say that texas needs to do Employment first What texans say that texas needs to do

Why? Is employment first? Is education a part of this?

Who? Is included in the Employment first initiative Needs to know about it to make it successful

How? Will this effort be sustained Will people continue to receive support over a life time

Employment First Task Force Legislative report dedicated members representing people with disabilities, families, providers and agency staff A lot of work to do!

Competitive integrated employment typical employers In the community a job/job task that any person may be hired to do Minimum wage and better The primary goal and priority for texans using publically funded services regardless of disability or level of disability

1. Plan – implement – evaluate - plan HHSC - twc - tea Joint plan for funding Phase-out of subminimum wage and segregated settings

2. Employment first division TWS-VR services are short term Long term services - HHSC Medicaid and other revenue funds that can be used for long-term support needs

3. Compliance Center for Medicaid and Medicare home and community-based services day settings requirements for integration Workforce innovation and opportunity act

4. Employment First – TEA, HHSC, TWC Establish annual goals for increasing the number of persons with disabilities employed Develop a system for collecting data mandated in wioa Reported annually

5. Local education agencies Workforce innovation and opportunity act – pre-employment and transition guidelines For students and graduates Preparation for competitive integrated employment and individualized placements

6. continuation Extend the employment first task force to 2022 Allow time to complete our mission Ensure compliance with federal mandates texans having a voice in what happens in our own state

Help!! Learn as much about employment as you can! Teach and assist a person with a disability to find, get and keep a sustainable job Partner with people who want to make this work in your local community

Learn (or know someone) Ssi/medicaid – student earned income exclusion is one of the most progressive work incentives Able – save over the $2000 threshold Include people in all facets of the community (beyond the employment outcome)

Eftf thanks you! For all you do for young adults to grow, learn and contribute to our lives Dream big

Norine jaloway gill Imagine enterprises Njaloway@mac.com 713-876-6564 (voice and text)