WI APSE The Network on Employmen

The newly formed Wisconsin Employment First Coalition held a number of information gathering and listening sessions across the state last summer in an effort to outline the strengths and barriers in the seven regions of the state. Discussion points focused on ways to launch an employment first vision that builds upon the recommendations from the managed care and employment task force. The discussion also addressed creating a system outline that would allow everyone who wants to work the opportunity to do so, engaging employers around the state to understand the abilities and contributions of citizens with disabilities and promote improved systems of information sharing toward the goal of equal employment. The effort continues in November at Elk Heart Lake with a summit that will help establish a mission statement, further the vision and gather additional information from summit participants as to how to advance this vision of employment for all. This effort was prompted by a recent initiative in Minnesota where the state actually published a manifesto outlining their own vision of employment for all. The following links will provide an outline and a paper on frequently asked questions regarding this effort. Wisconsin Employment First Coalition Outline and Wisconsin Employment First Rationale