Missouri Empowering through Employment Initiative Makes Gains in Resolving Employment Barriers

The Missouri Division of Developmental Disabilities launched the Empowering through Employment Initiative in October 2016 to assist the growing number of individuals who express an interest in community-based employment.  The initiative continues to focus on resolving system barriers that serve as obstacles to employment and recognizing those who are empowering individuals through the coordination of employment services.

The Empowering through Employment Website states, “According to National Core Indicators, 51% of individuals receiving home and community-based services express an interest to work in the community; however, fewer than 25% had a goal in their annual plan to support this interest and only 3% of individuals on a monthly basis have services authorized to assist with their employment pathway. At the launch of the Empowering through Employment initiative in October 2016, 367 individuals had an authorization for employment service. This number has increased to 997 individuals within the current month, which is a monthly increase of 172% since the initiative launched and a 23% increase over the past 12 months.