Requesting State And County Agencies To Implement Employment First Principles In Hiring Practices And All Programs And Services Administered Or Funded By The State And Counties, Including Programs And Services That Help Persons With Disabilities Obtain Employment.
This resolution has significant implications for state policies regarding employment for those with disabilities. It reinforces the existing legislative framework established by previous laws, particularly Acts 155 and 55, which demonstrated state efforts to eliminate barriers that hinder individuals with disabilities from gaining and maintaining employment. By formalizing employment first principles, SCR219 seeks to consolidate these efforts, ensuring that competitive employment in integrated settings becomes the preferred option for those receiving assistance from state-funded systems.
SCR219, titled 'Requesting State And County Agencies To Implement Employment First Principles', advocates for prioritizing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Hawaii. This resolution urges state and county agencies to incorporate employment first principles in their hiring practices and programs designed for assisting people with disabilities. The aim is to enhance the employment landscape for individuals who face barriers in the job market due to their disabilities, thus facilitating their fuller integration into the workforce and community.
While the bill aims to create more opportunities for individuals with disabilities, it also surfaces discussions about the balance between providing necessary support and enforcing policies that may inadvertently prioritize certain hiring practices over others. The resolution clarifies that it does not require employers to give preference to candidates with disabilities, thereby maintaining a level playing field while still encouraging inclusive hiring practices. The focus on collaborative efforts among state and county agencies highlights a commitment to a unified approach in promoting employment opportunities and dismantling discriminatory barriers in the job market.