Employment First

Rhode Island is one of 46 states focused on Employment First and has an official state policy: that employment in the community is the first and preferred service option for people with disabilities. This promotes community-based, integrated employment as the first option for employment and is part of the national movement toward a greater emphasis on community employment. This echoes a general shift toward services designed to integrate individuals with disabilities into their communities, providing them with the same opportunities and responsibilities as all citizens. For an overview of Employment First, you can read the Association of People Supporting Employment (APSE) Employment First Statement.