Chapter 515 Annual Report On Integrated Employment For Individuals With Disabilities SFY 2007/08
Letter from Rebecca Cort
October 2008
Dear Colleague:
New York State, through the Most Integrated Setting Coordinating Council (MISCC), took a major step forward this year toward creating a comprehensive strategy for employment of individuals with disabilities. Recognizing the extensive challenges to employment faced by New Yorkers with disabilities, the Council created an Employment Committee charged with developing strategic recommendations to close the employment gap through executive, legislative and budgetary action.
This promising development builds on the efforts that began more than a decade ago with Chapter 515 of the Laws of 1992. Chapter 515 requires State agencies to coordinate their efforts on employment for people with disabilities. Enclosed is the annual report on our collective progress. Working in partnership with individuals with disabilities, their families, advocates, employers, service providers and local education agencies, we have assisted over 24,000 people with disabilities to work in integrated employment during the State Fiscal Year 2007/08. While we are pleased with these accomplishments, we know that we are not where we need to be. If we truly believe that individuals with disabilities can work when the proper supports and services are available, then our policies, and more importantly our actions, must continue to transform our services to reflect this belief, resulting in better outcomes.
As the work of the MISCC Employment Committee progresses, the State Education Department remains committed to closing the employment gap for persons with disabilities. Our continued collaboration with the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, the Office of Mental Health and the Office of Children and Family Services – Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped will ensure that New Yorkers with disabilities can have equal opportunities for self-determination, economic self-sufficiency and community participation.
Enclosure
c: The Honorable the Members of the Board of Regents
Commissioner Gladys Carrión
Commissioner Michael F. Hogan
Commissioner Diana Jones Ritter