Documents authored by Abilities Manitoba are available in alternative formats. For other shared documents and resources, please contact the original author. If you require any assistance please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate you.
You can contact us at admin@abilitiesmanitoba.org or 431-688-6108.
Chapter 3: Employment First Strategy
Chapter 3: Employment First Strategy
Learning Objectives:
- Define the Employment First policy and its goals.
- Understand the significance of the Employment First policy for people with intellectual disabilities.
- Explore how the Employment First policy can be implemented in various settings.
The Employment First policy prioritizes employment as the first and preferred option for all people with disabilities. It is based on the belief that everyone, regardless of disability, is capable of working and contributing to the workforce.
Employment First advocates for the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities into the general workforce, providing necessary support and accommodations to help them succeed. According to the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE), employment in the general workforce means regular jobs like everyone else in society - in typical work settings, working side-by-side with people without disabilities, earning regular wages and benefits and being part of the economic mainstream of our society. This policy promotes not only the securing of jobs but also the fostering of inclusive workplaces that value diversity.
An Employment First approach is critical to address the under-employment of people with disabilities. Among those aged 25-64 years, three in five (62%) persons with disabilities were employed compared to almost four in five (78%) persons with disabilities. Statistic Canada also reports that the rate of employment decreases as the severity of disability increases. In particular, only 30% of persons with very severe disability were employed.
Resources
- Achieving Social and Economic Inclusion: From Segregation to 'Employment First'
Summary: This study examines the transition from sheltered employment and enclave work for adults with intellectual disabilities to policies and practices that support their inclusion in the labour market. It highlights the low employment rates among people with intellectual disabilities in Canada, the persistence of segregated work models, and the international shift towards supported employment approaches that result in better quality of life and economic outcomes. The study identifies barriers to this transition and proposes policy directions, including adopting "Employment First" policies, investing in community-based employment supports, and improving data tracking and knowledge transfer to enhance labour market inclusion.
Link: Achieving Social and Economic Inclusion: From Segregation to 'Employment First' - Employment First in Canada – Canadian Association for Supported Employment (CASE)
Summary: This resource provides an overview of the Employment First policy in Canada, its principles, and its implementation across different provinces.
Link: CASE: Employment First and HR Inclusive Policy Toolkit - Disability Employment Policy 101 Guide
Summary: This toolkit will help self-advocates and their allies to advocate for Real Jobs for Real Pay.
Link: Disability Employment Policy 101 Guide - Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE)
Summary: This FACT Sheet breaks down Employment First policy and why it is so important.
Link: APSE FACT Sheet: Employment First - Manitoba Supported Employment Network - Employment First Video
Summary: MSEN talks about Employment First
Link: Employment First Video