Employment

Issue:         

Even though many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities want to work and have the skills to do so, there are limited employment opportunities available to them. As a result, the majority of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are either unemployed or underemployed.

The Arc New York recently initiated the Customized Job Programs legislation (S.3932-A/A.205-A), sponsored by Senator Young and Assemblyman Santabarbara. This bill would establish a pilot program that subdivides state jobs into simpler component parts to provide opportunities for minimum-wage, integrated employment for people who could effectively perform some, but not all aspects of a job.

Position:    

The Arc New York supports increased employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and will work to:

• enhance employer tax credits for hiring people with disabilities;
• secure additional funding for job coaches and other supports;
• create new state job opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities;
• pay a subminimum wage when appropriate;
• pass the Customized Job Programs legislation; and
• continue to transform sheltered workshops into integrated businesses where appropriate.