Background

Act 36 - Employment First

Pennsylvania aims to increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The Employment First Act of 2018, also known as Act 36, establishes the policy that competitive integrated employment (CIE) is the first consideration and preferred outcome of publicly funded education, training, employment and related services, and long-term services and support for individuals with a disability. Act 36 created the Governor's Cabinet for People with Disabilities and the Employment First Oversight Commission to ensure implementation of this policy. The Governor’s Cabinet for People with Disabilities released a three-year plan outlining the commonwealth’s policy recommendations for implementing the Employment First initiative set forth by Act 36. Additional information on Employment First, including the Act and annual reports from both the Cabinet and the Commission can be found on the Employment First website.

Purpose of the Employment First Data Dashboard

The Commonwealth is committed to making data-informed decisions with the utmost transparency in collaboration with communities impacted by the policies implemented. By putting forth this public-facing data, the Commonwealth seeks to increase awareness of the statewide successes and challenges related to the competitive integrated employment of individuals with disabilities. The data will also be utilized by Commonwealth agencies and community stakeholders to track the progress of workforce development programs and policies seeking to support those with disabilities.

Organization of the Employment First Data Dashboard

Multiple agencies and offices in the Commonwealth provide employment services and support to advance Employment First policy goals. The annual Cabinet and Commission reports capture an extensive amount of information pertaining to these efforts. As a complement to these reports, this dashboard reflects a set of four core data areas regarding employment services and employment outcomes for Pennsylvanians with a disability. Below you’ll find links to these four areas: Labor; Education and Training; Healthcare, Services, and Supports; and State Employment. For example, there are data sets on employment rates of Pennsylvanians with disabilities as well as specific participation and outcomes of Pennsylvanians with disabilities served by various programs, starting with transition support in the K-12 system to several employment services for working age adults.

Note: Additional data details can be found through the 3 vertical dots in the top right of each chart and selecting the View Source Data.