Fran Pavley
Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation by Senator Fran Pavley, D-Agoura Hills, on Thursday to increase job opportunities for Californians with developmental disabilities.
Senate Bill 577 will create a pilot program offering community based vocational development services such as internships and volunteer opportunities, job exploration, targeted employer outreach, resume development, interviewing skill development, assistance in overcoming social barriers to employment and support for post-secondary education, including vocational education.
The bill was co-sponsored by the California Disability Services Association and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and received strong support from numerous regional centers, providers and community organizations. The measure received the near unanimous support of both the Assembly and the Senate.
“Community based vocational development services have the potential to help Californians with developmental disabilities live more independent and productive lives in their communities,” Senator Pavley said.
The pilot program will be developed by the state Department of Developmental Services, which oversees a network of 21 regional centers serving Californians with developmental disabilities. Up to five regional center sites will be selected for the pilot.
According to state data, only 12.5 percent of regional center clients of working age are employed. Under SB 577, the Department will evaluate whether the pilot program increases employment outcomes and reduces the demand for other services for working age adults.
Pavley represents about half of the Santa Clarita Valley in the state Senate.
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2 Comments
After years of diverting the majority of funding for the disabled toward the 21 and under while cutting back on support for disabled adults, it is good to finally see an increase in support for our adult children.
Hi my name is Martin Enriquez. The mental health field in the corporate world taught me to adjust the composition of services being used to help developmentally disabled. I have used my organizational Consulting experience to become a better case worker and job developer. I would love to be part of a team that would develop this pilot program. I have 15 years of corporate experience and 10 years of Human Services working with servants, Down syndrome, Asperger’s, mental illness and developmentally disabled. My cell number is 707-294-3811. Napa California