New Jersey Senate Bill S2585

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/8/24
• Refer: 2/8/24

Caption

Requires DOLWD and DHS to conduct assessment of community rehabilitation programs and community businesses.

Impact

The key emphasis of S2585 lies in its intent to create a framework for assessing whether employment opportunities meet the criteria of 'competitive integrated employment.' By establishing this evaluation process, the bill aims to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to employment that not only meets their needs but also allows them to interact with non-disabled individuals in a workplace setting. Furthermore, it prohibits disqualifying work programs based solely on their funding source, particularly those linked with AbilityOne contracts or the Rehabilitation Facilities Set-Aside Act. This prohibition may positively influence the range of job opportunities available to these individuals.

Summary

Senate Bill S2585 proposes the requirement for the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired to conduct case-by-case assessments of employment opportunities provided by community rehabilitation programs and community businesses. This initiative aims to enhance the employment landscape for residents with disabilities, ensuring they have access to suitable job options that are competitive and integrated. The bill demonstrates New Jersey's commitment to the principles set forth in the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which emphasizes competitive integrated employment as a vital component for individuals with disabilities.

Contention

While the bill's supporters advocate for the rights and choices of individuals with disabilities to select employment that suits their needs, concerns may arise regarding the implementation of assessments and potential bureaucracy. Critics may argue about the effectiveness and feasibility of consistently evaluating such diverse employment opportunities across various rehabilitation programs and businesses. Moreover, the emphasis on maintaining specific funding streams for community rehabilitation programs may also lead to debates about resource allocation and the balance between public funding and private sector involvement in employing individuals with disabilities.