Policy Assistance

Testimony and subject-matter expertise.

State priority mapping, data collection, and policy analysis.

Policy development and implementation support.

Received direct policy assistance from SEED

Work Matters Policy Action Plans developed by state teams

Alaska. SEED’s efforts with the Governor’s Office on Workforce Development led to the potential inclusion of disabilities in Alaska’s Affirmative Action Plans and the creation of a state Centralized Accommodation Program. At the Office’s request, SEED also provided policy options to assist the state in developing a Work Matters Task Force executive order, and is supporting the implementation of Alaska’s policy action plan to design and enact policies to make the state a model employer of people with disabilities.

Kentucky. SEED supported Kentucky’s Work Matters Task Force, launched by the Governor in 2017 to develop policies and review practices to make the workforce more inclusive for people with disabilities, people with substance abuse disorders, and disabled veterans. SEED provided subject matter experts and testimony, provided feedback on policy priorities, responded to research and information requests, and analyzed current policy related to the employment of people with disabilities in Kentucky. As a result, two executive orders were signed. The first aimed to develop policies and review practices to make the workforce more inclusive and accessible for people with disabilities; and the second created the Kentucky Employment First Council. SEED provides ongoing support to Kentucky leadership to implement the Task Force recommendations.

New Mexico. SEED testified on Work Matters policy options and state examples before the New Mexico Disabilities Concerns Joint Subcommittee in June 2017 and September 2019, and is working with representatives from the legislature and the Governor’s Office to implement the state’s policy action plan to enhance state as a model employer efforts in New Mexico. SEED also provided an analysis of existing disability-related policies in the state and responded to requests for disability employment data and information on accessible transportation.

Pennsylvania. SEED provided members of the state legislature with customized policy briefs on the state as a model employer, along with policy options and state examples. As a result, legislation was introduced to establish fast track hiring in the Pennsylvania state government to “enable state agencies to more efficiently hire and promote qualified adults with disabilities.” SEED also participated in an Annual Disability Summit led by members of the state legislature and provided testimony to a legislative panel to highlight disability-related state policies.

Tennessee. SEED provides ongoing policy assistance to the State Senate, including legislative specifications for an act designating Tennessee as a model employer of individuals with disabilities. Members of the State Senate sponsored multiple bills, including four recently enacted on the following topics: requiring state agencies to provide appropriate accommodations; adding disability-owned businesses to the state’s Minority-Owned, Woman-Owned and Small Business Procurement and Contracting Act; establishing the Office of Accessible Transportation and Mobility; and assuring expanded competitive integrated employment opportunities to encourage and assist individuals with severe disabilities to achieve maximum personal independence through useful, productive, and gainful employment.