Dear Friends and Colleagues:
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo yesterday signed an Executive Order to establish the Employment First Commission, which will be tasked with creating an employment first policy in New York State. The initiative will help the state achieve its goal to increase the employment rate of people with disabilities and register 100 businesses to hire people with disabilities as part of their workforce strategy.
The Executive Order builds on the employment services currently offered by OPWDD to people with developmental disabilities who have the option to work, including supported employment, the employment training program, employment and benefits counseling, and the recently launched Pathway to Employment program.
The OPWDD Transformation Agreement also outlines strategies to increase competitive and integrated employment opportunities and sets targets to transform sheltered workshops to models of integrated employment.
We look forward to contributing to the Governor’s Employment First Commission goals through OPWDD’s many services and supports that assist individuals with developmental disabilities to prepare for, find, and maintain jobs and live richer lives. As always, we will continue to work with individuals and families to ensure that they have options and that their choices are respected.
Kerry A. Delaney
Acting Commissioner
P.S. Communication is critical to our collective success, and OPWDD’s Facebook page is a great place for individuals, family members, employees, advocates, and other stakeholders to exchange thoughts and ideas. Please feel free to join the conversation.