HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No. HB 2820

Supported Employment/Severe Disabilities             Hrg. Date:  2/6/98

Brief Title

Reps.  Cooke/Cody                                             Staff Contact: Steve Lundin

Sponsor                                    Comm. on Govt. Admin.

                                           Phone: 786-7127

BACKGROUND:

Legislation was enacted in 1987 establishing a disability accommodation fund to help state agencies and institutions of higher education accommodate job site and equipment needs of people with disabilities, requiring the Department of Employment Security to give particular and special attention service to people with disabilities, and requiring the Department of Employment Security to establish an information clearinghouse for use by private and public sector employers and persons of disability.

Legislation was enacted in 1997 encouraging state agencies to support supported employment activities for individuals with developmental disabilities who may require job training and long term support to fulfill their job duties successfully.  Development disabilities were defined as disabilities attributable to mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, or another neurological or other condition originating in a person prior to the age of 18, that continues, and which constitutes a substantial handicap to the individual.  Each agency was required to report to the Department of Social and Health Services on its supported employment efforts and make recommendations for expanding the supported employment program to include people with mental disabilities or other disabilities.

SUMMARY:

The persons covered by the supported employment program for state agencies is altered from persons with developmental disabilities to persons with the most Asevere disabilities.@

ASevere disabilities@ is defined, by reference, to be severe physical or mental impairment that seriously limits a functional capacity, such as mobility, communication, interpersonal skills, work tolerance, or work skill.

The term Amost severe disabilities@ is not defined.

HB 2820 - Page 2

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.