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Employment First Policy

Resources and guidelines for educators, parents, and agencies that will assist transition age youth develop postsecondary goals that lead to competitive, integrated employment (CIE).

This section provides resources for implementing the Employment First Policy External link opens in new window or tab. (PDF) and preparing youth with disabilities for competitive integrated employment (CIE).

This policy gives a new direction for the evolution of developmental services by establishing the value of work firmly within the Lanterman Act and makes it the “highest priority” that the developmental services system strives to make regular jobs, with regular pay, a real option for people with developmental disabilities.

Association of People Supporting Employment First External link opens in new window or tab.
Employment First resources.

Advisory Committee on Increasing Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) for Individuals with Disabilities External link opens in new window or tab.
Describes the committee as a key part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

Competitive Integrated Employment Blueprint External link opens in new window or tab.
The California Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) Blueprint is the combined effort of the California Department of Education, California Department of Rehabilitation, and California Department of Developmental Services, in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders, including Disability Rights California (DRC) with leadership provided by the California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHSA). The purpose of the Blueprint is to increase opportunities for Californians with ID/DD to prepare for and participate in CIE.

Competitive Integrated Employment Toolkit External link opens in new window or tab.
The CIE toolkit was developed to facilitate the collaboration necessary to implement secondary transition services across agencies at the state, community and student levels and increase the use of evidence based practices.

Employment First Dashboard External link opens in new window or tab.
The Employment Data Dashboard presents data on how well California is doing in implementing California's Employment First Policy.

Employment First Report External link opens in new window or tab. (PDF)
The 2019 Employment First Report developed by the California’s State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Ideas for Implementing Employment First Activities

Office of Disability Employment Policy External link opens in new window or tab.
Resources for implementing Employment First.


Questions:   Programs and Partnerships Unit | 916-327-0878
Last Reviewed: Tuesday, January 16, 2024
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