On March 19, 2012, Governor John R Kasich signed an Executive Order establishing the Employment First Policy and Taskforce to expand community employment opportunities for working-age Ohioans with developmental disabilities.

Employment First emphasizes employment as the priority and preferred outcome for working-age adults with disabilities.  Employment First recognizes the social and economic benefits of meaningful work for all individuals.  Everyone, regardless of disability, should have the opportunity to earn at least minimum wage in integrated community-based settings.

The value of employment for people with developmental disabilities includes:

• Building relationships, friendships, and acquaintances;
• Social identity as related to where an individual works and the type of work that is performed;
• By working, people with developmental disabilities feel that they are engaged in meaningful activities along with the integrated working community;
• Through work individuals with developmental disabilities often have a sense of competence and self worth;
• Income from paying jobs helps supplement their resources and improves the quality of the lives they can live

As this initiative becomes a reality, we at Guernsey Industries look forward to providing more meaningful employment opportunities to the individuals that we serve.

For additional information on Employment First, visit www.ohioemploymentfirst.org