Washington State is a national leader in employment services for people with developmental disabilities
Percent Participating in Integrated Employment Services, 2022
For 35 years, the Institute for Community Inclusion has been pivotal in advancing knowledge and understanding of employment outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through its Access to Integrated Employment and StateData project. Funded by the Administration on Community Living, this national data-collection initiative has provided invaluable insights into day and employment services, shaping policies and practices that enhance the lives of those with IDD.
The latest edition of the StateData “Blue Book” Report highlights data through fiscal year 2022, serving as an essential update to the previous year’s findings. The national report underscores the ongoing efforts to improve employment services and outcomes for individuals with disabilities at multiple levels — individual, service provider, and state policy.
Washington State has emerged as a national leader in supported employment for individuals with IDD over the past three decades. With an impressive 83% of individuals participating in integrated employment services, the state far exceeds the national average of 24% (State Snapshots | Think Work). This remarkable success can be attributed to Washington’s robust Employment First policy, which prioritizes competitive, integrated employment for people with disabilities.
How many individuals participate in integrated employment services provided by the state intellectual and developmental disability agency?
Who: Individuals who receive a day or employment service funded or monitored by the state IDD agency.
What: Participation in integrated employment, including both individual job supports and group supported employment. Individuals may be working or be on a pathway to employment.
By investing in advocacy efforts and providing specialized training for service providers, Washington has created an environment where thousands of clients from the Developmental Disabilities Administration within the Department of Social and Health Services thrive in the workforce. In 2023 alone, individuals with developmental disabilities earned an astounding $94.2 million (DSHS Research Data and Analysis), contributing to the economy by paying taxes and reducing their reliance on public support. More importantly, this success has improved many people’s quality of life and health outcomes.
The commitment of our Employment and Community Inclusion providers contracted through various Washington counties has been a cornerstone of this success. They continue to demonstrate a dedication to quality services and outcomes, tirelessly implementing and sharing best practices across their networks to ensure that employment is accessible to all.
As we reflect on these achievements, it’s important to recognize the collective effort of advocates, service providers, and community members who have worked tirelessly to make integrated employment a reality for many individuals with IDD. The journey is ongoing, but with continued support and commitment, we can look forward to even more significant advancements in the future.
