Employment Concept From US Congress

During a hearing of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee September 15, 2011, Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, said he wants disability employment policy to move toward what he called “a new cutting edge.” “In the past the default position for people with intellectual disabilities has been sheltered employment. I want to change that default to integrated, supported employment,” Harkin said at the hearing, which is one in a series he’s conducting this year to address disability employment issues. The senator, who chairs the committee, was clear that he’s not looking to eliminate sheltered workshops. Rather, Harkin wants to encourage a new mindset, especially as it pertains to young people moving into the workforce for the first time. “The assumption should be that everyone should be able to be in integrated employment,” Harkin said. “We’re trying to move in that direction.” To listen and/or watch the full hearing follow this link: http://help.senate.gov/hearings/hearing/?id=448c93b8-5056-9502-5d7e-35fed69d35e4.