On October 9, 2013, Governor Brown signed AB 1041 (Chesbro) into law, establishing an “Employment First Policy” in the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act. In keeping with the Employment First Policy, the Work Services Program addresses the employment needs of persons with developmental disabilities. The Work Services Program provides work and community integration opportunities through Supported Employment Programs (SEPs). These programs are available to persons who are Regional Center clients. If you or someone you know is interested in one of these programs contact your Regional Center representative for help.
The following links provide useful information on working in the State of California.
The following links provide useful information on working in the State of California.
- Beginning July 1, 2016, two significant programs enacted through California’s State Legislature are designed to increase competitive, integrated employment for those with developmental disabilities, pursuant to the Welfare and Institutions Code, Sections 4870 and 4870 (d-g). These programs were expanded as of July 16, 2021.
- Competitive Integrated Employment Information regarding implementation and funding available to regional center service providers for placement and retention of regional center consumers in competitive, integrated employment may be found here:
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- Paid Internship Program Information regarding paid internships to increase the vocational skills of consumers and create a pathway to a competitive integrated job may be found here:
- The State of California Developmental Disabilities System: Employment Data Dashboard presents data on how well California is doing in implementing California’s Employment First Policy.
- 2015-2016 Employment and Day Programs Annual Report
- The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), California Department of Education (CDE), and California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) have entered into an agreement consistent with the Employment First Policy and other laws to make employment in an integrated setting, at competitive wage, for individuals with Intellectual Disability and Developmental Disabilities (ID/DD) its highest priority. You may access this agreement, called a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), at the link below.
- On July 22, 2014, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was signed into law. This landmark federal legislation makes significant changes to vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs in California and across the United States. WIOA, which replaces the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, and support services to succeed in the modern labor market.
Please take some time to browse this website. You will find links and resources to information for consumers, families, service providers, and regional centers.
Last modified: April 29, 2023
