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.
If enacted, this resolution would not have mandatory legal force but would urge state and county agencies to coordinate efforts to ensure that employment programs and policies favor competitive and integrated employment for individuals with disabilities. This includes advocating for practices that support full inclusion in the workplace alongside non-disabled peers. The goal is to foster an environment where individuals with disabilities can participate meaningfully in the workforce, thereby contributing to their communities and the state’s economy.
Senate Resolution 212 (SR212) seeks to reinforce the commitment of state and county agencies in Hawaii to adopt employment first principles in their hiring practices and service programs. The resolution acknowledges the progress made in recent years to remove barriers to employment for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and aims to enhance their integration into the workforce. By prioritizing competitive employment as the primary option for people with disabilities, SR212 is aligned with previous legislative efforts, including Kal's Law, which allows Medicaid recipients to earn a livable wage without losing their benefits.
Ultimately, SR212 represents an important step towards integrating individuals with disabilities into Hawaii's workforce. By requesting the implementation of employment first principles, the resolution aims to shift the perception of employment as a viable option for people with disabilities and align state policies to support this vision. As Hawaii continues to navigate this path, the success of SR212 will depend significantly on the commitment and collaboration of various state and county agencies.
While the resolution promotes inclusive employment practices, it does clarify that it does not require employers to give hiring preference to individuals with disabilities. This aspect may address concerns of employers about potential bias or undue obligation. Nevertheless, this resolution may still face scrutiny from those who believe it does not go far enough to ensure genuine equity or adequate support for individuals with disabilities seeking employment.