Overview
In September 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul signed Executive Order 40, making New York an Employment First state. This initiative is part of a national movement that prioritizes Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) as the first and preferred option for people served by the state’s disability public health system—even for those with the most significant disabilities.
Why It Matters
Employment and economic stability are key social determinants of health. People with disabilities experience higher unemployment and poverty rates, leading to poorer health outcomes than their non-disabled peers. E1stNY seeks to address these disparities through policy, cultural, and systemic change.
Who's Responsible?
The E1st Director in the NYS Office of the Chief Disability Officer leads the initiative, with implementation support from:
- Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)
- Office of Mental Health (OMH)
- Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS)
- Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS)
- Department of Labor (DOL)
- Office of Temporary Disability Assistance (OTDA)
- NYS Education Department (NYSED)
- Department of Health (DOH)
Initial E1st Agenda
- Strengthen the employment services system
- Improve systems data infrastructure
- Leverage assistive technology and secure AI opportunities
- Expand business partnerships and private sector engagement
- Support seamless transition across the lifespan
- Launch agency-specific E1st strategic plans (January 2026)
- Publish the inaugural E1stNY Annual Report (Summer 2026)