“Jobs Are the Way Out of this Recession" - Governor Chris Gregoire

      Washington’s Future Depends on People Working

Keep People with Disabilities Working in their Communities

People with disabilities WANT to work!  In fact, a recent survey showed that 86% of students with disabilities leaving school expect, and want, to be employed. Supported employment provides the training and long-term assistance that people with disabilities rely on to secure gainful employment as part of a diverse workforce.

Employment of People with Disabilities generates over

$40 million in annual wages Washington State!

Supported Employment is a primary and vital service for people withdevelopmental disabilities and their families, that Pays for Itself!

For every $1 invested, there is a

return to taxpayers of $1.46.

·         Fulfill the promise to high school graduates and maximize the State’s return on its Special Education investment by funding supported employment services upon graduation.

·         Maintain state-only funding for individuals who do not qualify for the Federal Medicaid waiver and continue to move those who do qualify onto the waiver to increase our state's Federal match.

·         Preserve the Working Age Adult Policy and Employment First language that created a 24% increase in the number of people with disabilities working and earning a wage in Washington State.

People with developmental disabilities have been employed at long-term jobs because of the supports they receive.

Employers rely on the sustained delivery of services as a critical component of hiring decisions. Without ongoing job supports, an important trust held with employers is broken and individuals with disabilities will lose their jobs!

When a son or daughter with a developmental disability is employed, parents are able to work also.

Steady employment prevents the need for other, more costly, services and interventions.