Definition of Employment First:
As KRS 151B.211 states, "the General Assembly finds and declares that it is the policy of the Commonwealth of Kentucky that competitive integrated employment shall be considered the first and primary option for persons with disabilities of working age who desire to become employed."
Simply put, it is the idea that everyone has the right to work!
What is Employment First?
What is Competitive Integrated Employment?
Work that is performed on a full-time or part-time basis for which an individual is:
- Earning compensation at or above minimum wage and comparable to the customary rate paid by the employer to employees without disabilities performing similar duties and with similar training and experience;
- Receiving the same level of benefits provided to other employees without disabilities in similar positions;
- Working at a location where the employee interacts with other individuals without disabilities; and
- Receiving opportunities for advancement when appropriate similar to other employees without disabilities in similar positions.
Email us at EmploymentFirst@ky.gov.
If you wish to attend an Employment First Council meeting as a member of the public, please contact the Employment First Council Administrator Nanci Howard or Administrative Specialist Senior Anu Kumari.
If you wish to serve on the Employment First Council please complete the Boards and Commissions' Online Application or submit a Boards and Commissions Application to:
Nanci Howard or Anu Kumari
Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Mayp-Underwood Building
500 Mero Street
1st Floor SE
Frankfort, KY 40601
2026 Meeting Dates
January 09, 2026
April 10, 2026
July 10, 2026
October 09, 2026
More information will be provided at a later date.
Contact Nanci Howard or Anu Kumari for more information at 800-372-7172.