Indiana is undergoing a substantial and welcome change in our employment policies and practices, especially as we work to include individuals with disabilities in the Hoosier workforce. States around the country are recognizing the many financial, social, and personal benefits of competitive integrated employment—local community jobs that pay wages at or above the minimum wage, in workplaces that include people with disabilities as well as people who don’t have disabilities.
Indiana leaders and policymakers can help pave the way and foster greater workforce inclusion and opportunity for individuals with disabilities by:
- creating and enforcing policies that promote inclusive employment opportunities.
- allocating resources to support innovative transition from school to employment programs.
- fostering partnerships between businesses, service providers, and community organizations.