At its quarterly conference, the West Virginia Association for Disability Employment released its position paper on “Community Integrated Employment” for people with disabilities. Community integrated employment is a term coined by federal disability advocates and refers to jobs held by people with significant disabilities.
West Virginia leads the nation in unemployed adults with disabilities. What works in other, more urban, states won’t work in West Virginia and WVADE brings together leaders from across the Mountain State to collaborate on a definition that is appropriate without spending additional tax dollars. People with disabilities are in danger of losing opportunities when big-city schemes are applied in our small towns. West Virginia has developed Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRP), with decades of experience, knowledge of their local populace, and led by local boards. It is WVADE’s contention that local entities are best suited to address their community’s needs and resources and develop job opportunities for people with disabilities.
WVADE members have been able to develop innovative approaches to helping people with disabilities experience the dignity of a paycheck and the pleasure of community participation. “Scarce resources in many of our rural communities make us much more than rehab programs,” said Craig Greening, president. “We are economic development engines and have to create jobs rather than find jobs,” he continued.
The entire position paper can be viewed at http://wvade.org/2016/10/30/statement-competitive-integrated-employment/
