Supporting Competitive Integrated Employment Opportunities in Tennessee
Employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) lags significantly behind employment for individuals without disabilities. Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) can partner with states to improve access to competitive integrated employment opportunities for individuals with I/DD.
Access to employment provides individuals with I/DD opportunities to engage meaningfully in their communities, build life-long skills, expand social relationships, and enhance their feelings of self-worth. Employment can also be beneficial for physical and mental health and wellbeing. However, employment rates for individuals with I/DD are low, even though many people with I/DD would like to participate in the workforce. Amerigroup Tennessee is helping to connect beneficiaries to employment opportunities through Tennessee’s Employment and Community First (ECF) CHOICES program.
This brief shares findings from the health plan’s efforts to connect beneficiaries with I/DD to employment supports and achieve employment success, in alignment with their goals and preferences.
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