In a recent executive order, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton directed state agencies to hire more employees with disabilities.  As we are all aware by the latest CMS recommendations, integrated employment for folks with disabilities is becoming a more focused effort.  In Minnesota, integrated employment at state government agencies has seen a decline over the past several of decades, a trend that hasn't increased since 1990.  Currently, only 3.2% of Minnesota state employees are listed as disabled and the plan is to raise the employment rate for this population to 7% by 2018.  Since 2010, California, Oregon, Florida, Ohio and Delaware have signed similar orders.  This is a significant act for the I/DD community because it illustrates that in order to change the employment trends for people with disabilities, action and leadership are necessary.  The integrated employment trends will not happen by themselves.  Some keys to making an increase in integrated employment are illustrated by Minnesota's plan.

Hello everyone and welcome to my monthly MediSked blog! I am writing a bit early this month due to the impending arrival of my as yet unknown niece or nephew, as well as the fact that I will soon be overcome with Turkey and stuffing!