Chapter 515 Annual Report On Integrated Employment For Individuals With Disabilities SFY 2006/07
Conclusion
VESID is the designated State agency to coordinate integrated employment outcomes under Chapter 515. In October 2006, VESID with the cooperation of OMH, OMRDD and CBVH, established the Chapter 515 Interagency Implementation Team. This team consists of managers from each State agency to discuss program, data and funding issues. The team also facilitates cross-systems implementation and identifies opportunities for program improvements.
Our challenge is to close the employment gap between individuals without disabling conditions and individuals with disabilities. The employment rate for individuals with disabilities in New York State is 35 percent as compared to more than 76 percent for individuals without disabilities. (Cornell University, 2005) Meeting this challenge requires a comprehensive strategy and a strong commitment from all of the State agencies charged with providing services to disability groups, workforce investment partners, education, employers, labor and economic development leaders.
The first step in developing a comprehensive strategy is to expand upon this interagency collaboration by setting goals for workforce participation and committing the resources necessary for more individuals with disabilities to succeed in the workforce.
The State agencies will strengthen collaboration for achieving an increase in integrated employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. We will examine barriers to more effective employment services, identify evidence-based employment practices and implement strategies that will improve the overall performance of our employment programs. We will assure that the full array of employment services meet high standards for performance and result in successful employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities in New York State.
During the next year, the State agencies will enhance their collaboration and deliberate on revisions to The Supported Employment Memorandum of Understanding that can reflect a renewed commitment and higher expectations for achieving integrated employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
