​Employment First is supported by Illinois State law, Executive Order and policies that promote community-based, integrated employment as the first option for employment-related services for individuals with disabilities, physical, intellectual, or behavioral. The idea is that all Illinois citizens, regardless of disability, are capable of full participation and integration in their communities and that includes employment. Employment First is implemented statewide with the following State Agencies:

• the Department of Human Services,
  
• the Department of Healthcare and Family Services,
  
• the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity,
  
• the Department of Employment Security,
  
• the Department of Central Management Services,
  
• the Department of Labor,
  
• the Department of Veterans' Affairs,
  
• the State Board of Education,
  
• the Board of Higher Education,
  
• the Community College Board, and
  
• the Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Check out the latest Newsletter (PDF) to see what’s happening in Illinois, including news, resources, and events.