In support of individuals with disabilities currently working, and those transitioning into employment, the Community Employment Alliance asks our Washington State Legislators to:

1. Maintain Funding for Supported Employment Services
People with developmental and other disabilities rely on supported employment services for the training, guidance and follow-along support they need to stay employed.
Employers have been promised the sustained delivery of these services as a critical component of their hiring decisions. Without ongoing job supports, employer’s trust is broken. Future new hires will be in jeopardy.

2. Ensure Supported Employment Services for People Receiving "State Only" Funding
Safeguard supported employment services for those who do not qualify for Federal waivers.
Allow for continued process of movement to waiver or establish other supports.

3. Fund Transition Services for Individuals Moving from School to Work
Dollars spent to assist entry into jobs and careers provides return on the State's Special Education investment for transition graduates.
Remedy the funding gap for 2009 graduates who had no funding due to not being on Federal waivers.

4. Restore Funding for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
Restoring the $4 million cut would generate $16 million in Federal match.
DVR is a crucial