Employment First

Equality and inclusiveness play a central role in the history of New York State, and New York State is continuing that legacy by standing up for the employment needs of people with disabilities. The Employment First framework is part of a national movement that centers around the employment of people with disabilities. NYESS is leading the way.

In 2020, the State established the New York Employment First Initiative to increase employment of New Yorkers with disabilities. At that time the employment rate for a New Yorker with a disability (aged 18-64) was 31.2% compared to 72% for a person without a disability, resulting in a gap of 40.8 percentage points. The poverty rate for New Yorkers with disabilities aged 18-64 living in the community was 28.6%. That was more than twice that of people in New York State without disabilities (12.3%). The Employment First Initiative set a tentative goal of a 5% increase in the employment rate and a 5% decrease in the poverty rate among this population.

In September 2024, Governor Hochul signed Executive Order 40, committing New York to be an Employment First State.  This pledge will increase competitive, integrated employment for New Yorkers with disabilities. NYESS is an integral partner with the State of New York’s Chief Disability Office, and New York State Department of Labor to support successful employment outcomes for people with disabilities.

Employment First (E1stNY)