Employment First

Overview

The Employment First Oversight Commission was established during the 2011 Kansas Legislative Session and became law on July 1, 2011. The Employment First law (K.S.A. 44-1136-38) details the duties and responsibilities of the oversight commission, sets as the official policy of the State of Kansas that competitive and integrated employment is the first option when serving people with disabilities, established definitions of "competitive" and "integrated" employment, and details the requirements of state agencies to conform to the law. This is a seven member commission appointed by leaders of the House and Senate and the Governor.

To receive future notices about meetings and news regarding the Kansas Employment First Oversight Commission, go to the listserve page and sign up.

Commissioners

Rocky Nichols, Chair - Topeka (appointed by Senate Minority Leader) 11/18/2022 through 11/17/2025
Nikki Heiman (appointed by the Governor) 7/1/2019 through 6/30/2023
Sara Hart Weir - Overland Park (appointed by Senate President) 2/14/2023 through 2/13/2026
Shelia Nelson-Stout - Salina (appointed by House Minority Leader) 1/25/2023 through 1/24/2026
Bradley Linnenkamp - Topeka (appointed by Governor) 7/1/2022 through 6/30/2026
Joe Scarlett (appointed by Governor) 7/1/2022 through 6/30/2025
Steve Gieber - Topeka (appointed by Speaker of the House) 1/31/2023 through 1/30/2026

Meetings:

2022 These meetings are virtual. Please contact Martha Gabehart to receive the meeting invitations that include the meeting link.

November 14 at 3:00 pm

November 16 at 11:00 am

November 22 at 11:00 am

November 29 at 11:00 am

November 30 at 11:00 am

December 6 at 11:00 am

2021 Meetings
September 21, 2021
Meeting Minutes (draft not available)

March 28, 2019, 1:00 - 2:00 pm, 900 SW Jackson, Room 560, Topeka

Draft Meeting Minutes 3-28-2019

December 18, 2018, 1:30-3:30 pm, 900 SW Jackson, Room 450, Topeka

Agenda
2018 Starting Point
2018 Starting Point Mayse revision
ESCC-Project-Final-2018
KS Disability Employment Survey Results ESC Coal 10-2-18
2018 Gaps and Solutions document by Transition Transformers Coalition
Accessibility Guidelines
Accessibility Guidelines Power Point
Draft meeting minutes 12-18-2018

January 3, 9:00-10:00 am, 900 SW Jackson, Room 560, Topeka

2017 Meetings

January 5, Noon-3:00 pm, Lt. Governor's meeting room 281-S in the Statehouse (public entrance on north end of building on 8th street in Topeka.)

February 29, 2016 10:00 am.
Handouts: Great Expectations Narrative
Great Expectations PowerPoint

October 9, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Room 560, Landon State Office Building, 900 SW Jackson, Topeka
Handouts: Agenda, July draft minutes, Employer Resources Committee Report, Employer resource links, Employment 1st Stakeholder Group Report, SSI EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT PILOT, InterHab Employment Services Recommendations; Data Committee Report

July 17, 2:30 - 5:00, Room 560, Landon State Office Building, 900 SW Jackson, Topeka
Handouts: 4/11 draft minutes, DCF Update on Implementation of Employment First, Agenda, Good for Business 2/14 final, and Subcabinet on Disability 6/4/2014 minutes

Minutes:

Annual Reports and Recommendations

Resources

Employment First Workgroup Recommendations (2014 file)
Kansas Employment First website - stories on employment and people with disabilities.
Alliance for Full Participation Scorecard

Data Resources

2015 Disability Statistics Annual Compendium
U.S. Disability Statistics by Cornell University
Policy Resarch Brief - University of Minnesota; "A Review of Commonly-Used State Employment Measures in Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services"