History of Supported Employment in Washington State
Wise has played a pivotal role in advancing the disability employment movement. Founded in 1985 as a federally funded pilot employment training program, Wise has been at the forefront of promoting equitable employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Over the years, Wise has championed the shift from segregated group employment to integrated, typical work environments, aligning with the broader movement towards inclusion and community integration. Key milestones in Wise’s history include the implementation of the County Working Age Adult Policy—the first Employment First policy in the U.S.—and the launch of numerous Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) projects in Washington State and nationally.
Through innovative training, technical assistance, and community engagement, Wise continues to lead the way in creating inclusive workplaces and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities.
Washington State – Leading the Way for Employment for All!
1880s–1960s
People with disabilities lived primarily in state-run institutions. No community-based supports were available.
1980s
- University of Oregon developed Supported Employment.
- 1985 – Wise was founded as a federally funded pilot employment training program.
1990s–2000s
- National trainers introduced key tools and practices: PASS, Person-Centered Planning, and Employment training.
- Emerging Leaders Forums, self-determination demonstrations, family grants, and other forward-thinking initiatives launched.
2005–2007
- 2005–2006 – King County School-to-Work Program launched—the first in the state.
- 2006–2007 – Alderbrook Forums focused on implementing “Employment for All.”
2012–2014
- 2012 – First Washington State Community Summit.
- 2013 – Microsoft launched its Supported Employment Program.
- 2013 – Washington became a National Employment First Mentor State.
- 2014 – New CMS Federal Guidelines required full community access for people with disabilities.
2020
COVID-19 pandemic sparked a wave of online learning, virtual gatherings, and innovation in service delivery.
1970s
- Individuals began moving into communities with limited supports.
- Self-advocacy organizations began to emerge across the U.S.
- 1971 – Washington’s Education for All Handicapped Children Act passed (the first in the U.S.), paving the way for the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975.
- 1978 – First Annual Ellensburg Employment Conference held.
1990s
- Shift from segregated group employment to integrated, typical work environments.
- 1990 – Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) signed into law.
- 1990 – First Parent Coalition formed in King County.
- 1992 – County Guidelines established with a focus on community-integrated employment.
- 1995 – First Alderbrook Employment Forum held.
- 1998 – Supported Employment in State Government initiative began.
- 1999 – Legislative Forums launched.
2004–2006
- Washington implemented the County Working Age Adult Policy—the first Employment First policy in the U.S.
- Now, 38 states have adopted similar policies.
2007–2010
- 2007 – Highline Community College launched the Employment Professional Certificate program.
- 2008 – Final Ellensburg Employment Conference held.
- 2008 – King County Partners for Work with Rotary launched.
- 2009–2010 – Alderbrook Forum and a statewide report/plan set the stage through 2020.
- 2009 – Washington State Chapter of APSE formed.
2018
DDA/DVR Collaboration through a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
1880s–1960s
People with disabilities lived primarily in state-run institutions. No community-based supports were available.
1970s
- Individuals began moving into communities with limited supports.
- Self-advocacy organizations began to emerge across the U.S.
- 1971 – Washington’s Education for All Handicapped Children Act passed (the first in the U.S.), paving the way for the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975.
- 1978 – First Annual Ellensburg Employment Conference held.
1980s
- University of Oregon developed Supported Employment.
- 1985 – Wise was founded as a federally funded pilot employment training program.
1990s
- Shift from segregated group employment to integrated, typical work environments.
- 1990 – Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) signed into law.
- 1990 – First Parent Coalition formed in King County.
- 1992 – County Guidelines established with a focus on community-integrated employment.
- 1995 – First Alderbrook Employment Forum held.
- 1998 – Supported Employment in State Government initiative began.
- 1999 – Legislative Forums launched.
1990s–2000s
- National trainers introduced key tools and practices: PASS, Person-Centered Planning, and Employment training.
- Emerging Leaders Forums, self-determination demonstrations, family grants, and other forward-thinking initiatives launched.
2004–2006
- Washington implemented the County Working Age Adult Policy—the first Employment First policy in the U.S.
- Now, 38 states have adopted similar policies.
2005–2007
- 2005–2006 – King County School-to-Work Program launched—the first in the state.
- 2006–2007 – Alderbrook Forums focused on implementing “Employment for All.”
2007–2010
- 2007 – Highline Community College launched the Employment Professional Certificate program.
- 2008 – Final Ellensburg Employment Conference held.
- 2008 – King County Partners for Work with Rotary launched.
- 2009–2010 – Alderbrook Forum and a statewide report/plan set the stage through 2020.
- 2009 – Washington State Chapter of APSE formed.
2012–2014
- 2012 – First Washington State Community Summit.
- 2013 – Microsoft launched its Supported Employment Program.
- 2013 – Washington became a National Employment First Mentor State.
- 2014 – New CMS Federal Guidelines required full community access for people with disabilities.
2018
DDA/DVR Collaboration through a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
2020
COVID-19 pandemic sparked a wave of online learning, virtual gatherings, and innovation in service delivery.