The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities announced the U.S. Department of Labor has selected Hawaii to participate in the National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network initiative. 

Hawaii was selected along with 13 other states, plus the District of Columbia, to participate in the initiative, which focuses on expanding integrated employment opportunities, meaning people with disabilities work alongside people without disabilities in jobs that pay competitive wages and offer opportunities for growth, according to a news release. 

Already in existence, the Hawaii Employment First Task Force, which is led by the HSCDD, includes representatives from Developmental Disabilities Division, Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Education, Children and Adolescent Mental Health Division, Department of Labor, Statewide Independent Living Council, and Work Now Hawaii. Together, these agencies and organizations are advancing policies and programs to ensure people with disabilities have equal access to employment opportunities. HEFT will lead the state’s engagement with the NEON initiative. 

As a member of the NEON initiative, Hawaii aims to strengthen its commitment to Employment First principles and implement strategies that enable people with disabilities to thrive in the workplace. Hawaii will also gain access to federal resources and technical expertise.

“This selection is a testament to Hawaii’s dedication to creating inclusive and competitive employment opportunities for people with disabilities,” said HSCDD Executive Administrator, Daintry Bartoldus in the news release. “Through the collaborative efforts of HEFT, Hawaii is poised to make significant strides in advancing disability employment policies and ensuring every individual has the chance to succeed in the workplace.”