What is Employment First Philosphy?

Employment First is a national systems-change framework centered on the premise that all individuals, including those individuals with the most significant disabilities, are capable of full participation in Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) and community life.

Let's Talk About Employment

Full-time? Part-time? Self-employment? Yes! Competitive Integrated Employment can be all of these.  What does it look like?  Let’s look at some success stories!

Hawaii is an Employment First State. What does that mean?

We’ve passed legislation into law, and we have an interagency agreement enabling the State and Counties to work together and share resources in supporting employment for people living with disabilities.

Summit on Employment First

As we come together for PacRim 2023, we invite you to a third day of conference for the First Annual Hawaii Summit on Employment First.  Join us and National APSE Speakers to discuss Hawaii’s pathway to becoming an Employment First State.

Hawaii Summit on Employment First

Employment First News

What’s happening with Employment First in Hawaii:

  • Employment First Legislation

    HB1787 HD2 SD2 CD1 regarding Employment First as a policy for State and Counties, passed final reading in the House on May 5th, and signed by Governor Ige on July 12, 2022.

Our Next Meeting

Please join us for our next quarterly meeting, which will be held over Zoom on Thursday, November 3rd at 1:00pm.

Events Calendar

Join Our Group

Do you live in Hawaii and are you passionate about Employment First initiatives?  Let’s work together!