Employment First

​​​​Definition of Employment First:

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, including those with the most significant disabilities.  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:

• ​E​​​arning 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.

​​Are you interested in serving on the Employment First Council?

​​Apply now!

Boards and Commissions Website - https://governor.ky.gov/services/application-for-boards-and-commissions

Boards and Commissions Application 

In accordance with KRS 151B.211-214, the membership must include representatives from the following:

• One (1) representative from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation;
• One (1) representative from the Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board;
• One (1) representative from the Department of Education;
• One (1) representative from the Office of Career and Technical Education;
• One (1) representative from the Department for Medicaid Services;
• One (1) representative from the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities;
• One (1) representative from the Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities;
• One (1) representative from Kentucky Protection and Advocacy;
• One (1) representative from the Department for Income Support, Disability Determination Services;
• One (1) representative from the Division of Behavioral Health;
• One (1) representative from the Kentucky Autism Training Center;
• One (1) representative from the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities, Office of Autism;
• One (1) representative from the University of Kentucky Human Development Institute;
• Two (2) representatives from a state vocational rehabilitation provider agency; 
• One (1) representative from the Statewide Council for Vocational Rehabilitation; 
• One (1) representative from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce; 
• One (1) representative from the Council of State Governments; 
• Four (4) representatives each having at least one (1) of the following qualifications: 
• 1. A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one (1) or more major life activity; 
• 2. A history or record of such an impairment; or 
• 3. A person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment; 
• Two (2) representatives who have an immediate family member with a disability; and 
• Four (4) representatives of business, industry, and labor.

Additionally, KRS 151B.211-214, states “after the initial appointments, members of the Employment First Council shall serve terms of three (3) years”. 

Council Administrator Information:

800-372-7172

Employment First Timeline

Kentucky became an Employment First state on May 15th, 2018.

​Executive Order, June 29th, 2020

Senate Bill 104, signed March 24th, 2022.​

Meet the Council​​

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