A Vision for 2020

The start of a new year is a good time to refocus on Maryland and the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)’s Employment First initiative within the context the administration’s vision:

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities will have full lives in the communities of their choice where they are included, participate, and are active citizens.

The values of Employment First

• All individuals have the right to explore the full range of employment options to empower informed choice and foster self-determination.
• All individuals have the right to earn a living wage in a job of their choosing, based on their unique talents, gifts, skills, and interests.
  As with all employees, persons with developmental disabilities should have access to services and integrated supports necessary to succeed in the workplace.
• Businesses universally value employees with disabilities as an integral part of their workforce and include all people within recruitment and hiring efforts as standard practice.

DDA’s Employment Data Initiative

Since 2014, the DDA’s Employment First initiative has utilized a robust data collection system which shows the progress toward employment goals. Data is collected twice a year on all people receiving Meaningful Day Services through traditional provider agencies. Those services include, Day Habilitation, Community Development Services, Career Exploration, Employment Services.
Maryland’s latest data collection below shows the triumphs and accomplishments over the last year related to Employment First.

October 2019 Data Collection