New York seeks to empower all residents to contribute their strengths and develop the skills needed to succeed in one’s desired career. Expanding funding for training programs will help make New York State a model for the employment of workers with disabilities.
This funding will provide career-specific training to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) who are seeking competitive employment in that career field. Programs will be delivered to individuals by OPWDD providers, and the skills learned will increase the individual's marketable employment skills.
This program will be open to OPWDD Funded Providers or Provider Groups throughout New York State. More information will be available as the program is developed.
For questions, please email [email protected].
The Office of Mental Health (OMH) is improving access to employment supports for individuals with serious mental illnesses via a targeted investment into the Personalized Recovery Oriented Services (PROS) program, a comprehensive recovery-focused model that integrates rehabilitation, treatment, and support, assisting individuals to manage their symptoms in the competitive workplace. PROS Programs will receive enhanced Vocational State Aid to fully fund an Employment Specialist/Counselor position to provide evidence-based supported employment (Individual Placement and Support), and work directly with employers in the community to identify and create new opportunities for adults with SMI. OMH will additionally be adding two regional employment coordinators to act as a liaison between supported employment providers and other state agencies that support employment initiatives, including NYSED ACCES-VR and NYS DOL.
For more information, visit the program’s website.