Philadelphia's Employment First Initiative

Philadelphia has a rich history and a strong commitment to employment. Since 2006, we have created and implemented four key strategic initiatives, utilizing a strategic planning process, that focus specifically on increasing awareness of and employment for people who have disabilities. Our current Initiative, “Connecting Talent to Opportunities,” has been underway since November 2019 and continues until November 2021. During this time, our dedicated Steering Committee members have been improving our ongoing EmployStat data collection efforts, which include employment-related data from organizations throughout Philadelphia. One of our biggest efforts and accomplishments include development of an employment-related video, showcasing the talents of individuals with disabilities, working in Philadelphia. We are also developing an ongoing podcast series on benefits and work incentives, a comprehensive presentation on explaining the employment process to people with disabilities, their families, supports coordinators, those new to the field, and more. We are also working on a storytelling workshop with hands on consultation and practice in order to learn how to write and share employment stories. These outcomes are only the beginning! Workgroup members are busy planning year two, with new activities, outcomes, and strategies for disseminating information. Much of the work we are doing can be shared and adapted by other employment cheerleaders and supporters around the county. As projects are completed, much information will be available on our website, www.philonthejob.org. It is our belief that by providing the details of our “PhilaontheJob Employment Initiative” in a poster session format, we will be able to reach a number of people, providing information that can be useful to all.