Did you know that New Jersey is an “Employment First” state? “Employment First” means that competitive employment is the recommended first activity after graduation. This is true for everyone, including people with disabilities. ‘Employment First’ is about empowering people with choices for their future.
With opportunities for employment comes questions about how it could affect received benefits. The Working Incentive Seminar Events (WISE) have free online webinars that will help answer questions. They are held for people who are ages 18 through 64 and receive Social Security Disability benefits. In the webinars you’ll learn about the Ticket to Work Program. You will also learn about available Work Incentives through various learning opportunities. WISE webinars are generally held on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
The Employment First Community of Practice (CoP) Webinar Series provides the opportunity to hear from nationally recognized experts on innovative practices being used across the country to advance Employment First. CoP webinars take place on the second Wednesday of each month and topics include:
- Capacity Building, Provider Transformation,
- School-to-Work Transition,
- Employer Engagement, and
- Policy/Funding Alignment.
You can Join the CoP List Serve! It currently has over 2,700 subscribers. Subscribers have access to federal disability employment policy briefs and announcements. Subscribers also receive “Save the Date” announcements for upcoming CoP webinars.