NYS OPWDD Launches 'Pathway to Employment'

As part of our effort to increase employment among New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) recently launched Pathway to Employment, an initiative to prepare individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for employment.

Pathway to Employment is a person-centered employment planning and support service that provides assistance for individuals to obtain, maintain or advance in competitive employment or self-employment. This service offers an individualized planning process that engages individuals in identifying a career or vocational direction. Pathway to Employment also provides instruction and training in pre-employment skills and develops a plan for achieving competitive, integrated employment at or above the New York State minimum wage.

Employment is an important part of OPWDD’s ongoing effort to achieve full community integration for the people we support. Hiring individuals with developmental disabilities is great for business and OPWDD is committed to ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities are a growing part of New York’s workforce.

Initial roll-out of the Pathway to Employment service began July 1, 2014, with full enrollment beginning in August.  You must be enrolled in OPWDD’s Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver to be eligible for Pathway to Employment. The Pathway to Employment service is designed to complement other day services including; day habilitation, community habilitation, and prevocational services.  The OPWDD regional office nearest you or your Medicaid Services Coordinator (MSC) can help you get started on the Pathway to Employment. For more information about pursuing employment or to hire a person with developmental disabilities, visit Employment for People with Disabilities | OPWDD.