MA DDS Employment First Initiative – Progress Report
“For the operation of a pilot program to support individuals with disabilities transitioning from employment services offered at sheltered workshops to community-based employment or day support program services as part of the commonwealth's employment first initiative; provided, that the department may establish public/private partnerships with employers and non-profit organizations offering employment, job training, therapeutic day programs, recreational and other community-based day support services to individuals with disabilities; provided further, that such partnerships shall encourage the highest level of independence among individuals with disabilities as well as offering personalized day program planning and options to maximize community involvement and participation; and provided further, that the department shall issue [a] report, not later than December 31st, 2014, to the House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means and the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities regarding the effectiveness of the pilot program and recommendations to improve or expand the program as applicable.”