CESP Employment First Values, Person-Centered Planning & Self-Determination — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the central principle of Employment First?
- People with disabilities should enter day programs before they try paid work
- Competitive integrated employment should be the first and preferred outcome for people with disabilities, including those with significant disabilities (Correct answer)
- Only people who don't qualify for benefits should be supported to work
- Employers should be required to hire a quota of workers with disabilities
Correct answer: Competitive integrated employment should be the first and preferred outcome for people with disabilities, including those with significant disabilities
Employment First is a framework adopted by APSE and many states. It holds that competitive integrated employment in the community is the first and preferred service outcome for working-age people with disabilities, whatever the type or level of disability.
Question 2: Which of these meets the definition of competitive integrated employment?
- Piece-rate work below minimum wage in a facility where all workers have disabilities
- Volunteer work at a community nonprofit
- A job paying at least minimum wage and comparable to coworkers without disabilities, working alongside people without disabilities, with the same chances to advance (Correct answer)
- A group enclave where workers with disabilities work apart from other employees
Correct answer: A job paying at least minimum wage and comparable to coworkers without disabilities, working alongside people without disabilities, with the same chances to advance
Under WIOA, competitive integrated employment pays at least minimum wage and the customary wage for similar work, provides interaction with people without disabilities to the same degree as other employees, and offers comparable opportunities for advancement.
Question 3: A job seeker wants to work in a busy restaurant kitchen. Their family worries it's too fast-paced and could lead to failure. Which principle supports respecting the job seeker's choice while planning supports?
- Dignity of risk (Correct answer)
- Least restrictive placement
- Job readiness
- Guardianship
Correct answer: Dignity of risk
Dignity of risk recognizes that people with disabilities have the right to take reasonable risks and learn from experience, as anyone does. Overprotecting someone denies them growth and self-determination. The professional's job is to plan supports, not to steer the person away from their choice.
Question 4: What does 'informed choice' mean in employment support?
- The professional picks the best job and explains why to the person
- The person gets accessible, complete information about options and likely consequences, then makes their own decision (Correct answer)
- The family makes the final decision once the professional has informed them
- The person chooses from a list of jobs the funding agency has pre-approved
Correct answer: The person gets accessible, complete information about options and likely consequences, then makes their own decision
Informed choice, a requirement in vocational rehabilitation and a core APSE value, means the person directs the decision. Professionals provide clear, accessible information, experiences, and support so the person understands the options and trade-offs.
Question 5: Which of these best describes person-centered planning tools such as PATH or MAPS?
- Clinical diagnostic instruments that set eligibility for services
- Facilitated processes, directed by the person and the people they choose, that start from their strengths, dreams, and goals (Correct answer)
- Employer-run performance reviews
- Standardized checklists that compare a person's deficits to job requirements
Correct answer: Facilitated processes, directed by the person and the people they choose, that start from their strengths, dreams, and goals
PATH (Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope) and MAPS are person-centered planning processes. The person leads, supported by family, friends, and allies they choose. Planning focuses on their vision, strengths, and goals rather than their deficits or what services happen to be available.
Question 6: Which statement reflects the 'presumption of employability' (zero exclusion) principle?
- Only people who finish pre-vocational training should be referred for jobs
- Anyone who wants to work can work in the community with the right job match and supports (Correct answer)
- Employability should be decided by an IQ threshold
- People with significant disabilities should be employed only in segregated settings
Correct answer: Anyone who wants to work can work in the community with the right job match and supports
Zero exclusion means nobody is screened out of employment services because they are judged 'not ready.' The question isn't whether someone can work but which job match and supports will help them succeed.
