DDS Employment Grants Aim to Open Doors
Did you know California became an Employment First State in 2013? Since then, there have been multiple initiatives to support Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE). In 2022, the Department and the Department of Rehabilitation received $20 million for employment efforts. The Department used $10 million to create the Employment Grants program for 45 community-based organizations to build new and innovative opportunities to achieve CIE through five project types:
- Business Focused Practices
- Employment Preparation Services and Supports
- Service Model for Individuals with High Support Needs
- Service Model Transformation
- Training and Implementation
Most grantees completed their projects on June 30, 2024, and all will finish in December 2024. Read more about the grants on the Employment Grants page. Stay tuned for final summaries and data that will be uploaded to the website.
Building Bridges to Employment
Bridges to Employment LLC supported Jacob to find a job he likes! It used Employment Grant funding to create the Bridges to Employment Program. It offers person-centered support for people with autism to explore, find, and keep competitive, integrated employment.
The program introduced Jacob to different work opportunities and job-hunting experiences. He learned to write a resume, submit applications, and participate in formal interviews. He first landed a part-time job at a candle shop, where his coworkers praised his professionalism. Now Jacob works as a paraeducator at Malibu High School more than 30 hours a week.
“I mostly take notes for the students in different classes. In the future I may support the students in other ways,” Jacob said. “I have been helping students like me… with the same support that I received. Now I’m doing that for others. I have gotten compliments on my note-taking skills so hopefully I’m being helpful.”
Jacob says he enjoys being able to give back to his community and that it’s easy to travel to work. Bridges to Inclusion LLC says it has seen Jacob build his confidence and expand his skill sets through the Bridges to Employment Program. They’re excited for his future career and the possibilities for other participants to succeed.
“Everyone should be able to get work or jobs that they can make a living on, and that could be potentially fulfilling, regardless of their disability,” Jacob added.