Employment Policy Statement
Value Statement
Oregonians have the right to make their own informed choices about work, career, and opportunities for advancement. Everyone deserves the chance to work in integrated job settings that pay equal wages for similar work. Oregon phased out paying people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) less than the minimum wage, because we believe minimum wage is a universal floor for every Oregonian. Workers with I/DD also benefit most from access at a young age to helpful resources to achieve their chosen job goals.
People with I/DD are one of the most underemployed groups in our communities. Given meaningful options to work and the resources to succeed at work, they will thrive in competitive, integrated employment.
What is competitive integrated employment for people with I/DD?
Competitive employment means people with I/DD are paid at least minimum wage. They receive similar wages and benefits as others doing the same job.
Integrated employment means people with I/DD work in places where they can work alongside people without disabilities and interact with members of the public. They have the same chances to move up in their jobs as everyone else.
Why is this important?
Communities thrive when everyone participates and contributes.
Having a job means people with I/DD are part of our community and enjoy their fullest lives. Communities are stronger when everyone is supported to work and participate in community life.
Work helps meet basic needs like affording rent, paying bills, putting food on the table, and securing health care. It opens the door to major life goals as well, such as homebuying, higher education, or planning for retirement. For persons with I/DD, barriers to work block them from finding and maintaining a job that meets their needs or that clears the way toward life goals other Oregonians enjoy.
Maintaining fulfilling jobs also provides a sense of belonging and self-worth, and promotes relationships that are important to overall health and well-being.
Pathway to Success in the Workforce for People with I/DD:
- Transition planning is fundamental to preparing children for adulthood by giving them the tools and confidence to make tough choices about school and jobs. An effective plan includes after school activities; ways to gain work experience; and classes based on individual supports, such as social skills, college prep, or advocacy.
- Access to jobs in the community that provide comparable wages and benefits as other workers.
- A choice of jobs and careers with chances to move up.
- Help with understanding and using public benefits while working.
- Job supports to get and keep a job, including self-employment, that fit their strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, and interests.
Principles for Successful Employment:
- Children with I/DD will receive the right transition planning supports to leave school with a job that pays a competitive wage or a plan for further education. These supports must be started early in a child’s life and carried through every stage of life with proper funding.
- Oregon’s investment in programs that reflect Employment First principles will reinforce employment as the first and best option for people with I/DD. Everyone can work with the right supports and job match.
- Oregon will focus on individual job goals and preferences, ensuring people with I/DD can get jobs in the community.
- Successful employment outcomes require partnerships and clear communications of expectations between the individual, the employer, natural supports, caregivers, and those providing individualized and timely job supports.
Last edited and approved by the Council on October 18, 2024.