Meeting Materials Resources Reports Legislation Web Resources Contact Us
The purpose of this page is to keep Supported Employment Program Approved Service Agencies (PASAs) informed about upcoming Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) events and meetings, relevant legislation, resources, and other information related to Supported Employment.
Meetings and Events
General Supported Employment Stakeholder Meeting
February 27, 2025
- This first stakeholder meeting was used to review the proposed Supported Employment Outcome-Based payment structure within the Developmental Disabilities (DD) and Supported Living Services (SLS) Waivers. This proposed payment structure aims to invest in members' independence and success by supporting providers with implementing Employment First best practices. To ensure the proposed implementation of this new structure is a success, we need your input and feedback. See materials below.
Meeting Materials:
February 27, 2025
December 6, 2023
April 20, 2023
Questions? HCPF_Supported.Employment@state.co.us
Reasonable accommodations for all meetings will be provided upon request for persons with disabilities. Auxiliary aids and services for individuals with disabilities and language services for individuals whose primary language is not English may be provided upon request. Please notify John Barry at 303-866-3173 or John.R.Barry@state.co.us or the Civil Rights Officer at hcpf504ada@state.co.us at least one week prior to the meeting to make arrangements.
Resources
- Group Employment Setting Guide and Tool - November 2024
- Meeting Discussion Guide - March 2025
- Workplace Assistance Service Guide - November 2024
- Workplace Assistance Authorization Request Tool - November 2024
- Benefits Planning Provider Enrollment Instructions - Updated February 2025
- Supported Employment Provider Enrollment Instructions - Updated February 2025
- Benefits Counseling Page - Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Reports and Charts
Supported Employment Incentive-Based Pilot Report - August 2024
Elimination of Subminimum Wage-Annual Report - March 2024
Supported Employment 2022 Data Report - January 2024
Supported Employment 2021 Data Report - January 2022
Supported Employment Services Flowchart - May 2021
Legislation
SB 21-039 - Elimination of Subminimum Wage Employment
Senate Bill 21-039 prohibits an employer that does not hold a special certificate from the United States Department of Labor that authorizes the employer to pay less than the minimum wage to employees whose earning capacity is impaired by age, physical or mental disability, or injury from paying an employee below minimum wage. The bill phases out subminimum wage employment for employers that hold a special certificate and requires each employer that holds a special certificate to submit a transition plan to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) detailing how the employer plans to phase out subminimum wage employment by July 1, 2025. On and after July 1, 2025, an employer is prohibited from paying an employee with a disability less than minimum wage regardless of whether the employer was issued a special certificate.
The bill requires the employment first advisory partnership in the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (partnership) to:
- Develop actionable recommendations to address structural and fiscal barriers to phasing out subminimum wage employment and successfully implementing competitive integrated employment; and
- Report the recommendations to the general assembly.
The bill continues the operation of the partnership, which is scheduled to be repealed on July 1, 2021, indefinitely.
The bill requires the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to add employment-related services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. $82,641 is appropriated to HCPF to implement the bill. HCPF also expects to receive $391,075 in federal funds to implement the bill.
SB 18-145 - Implement Employment First Recommendations
Senate Bill 18-145 helped advance competitive integrated employment for people with disabilities by funding training and certification for Supported Employment Professionals
The requirements and funding for this bill expired July 1, 2024
SB 16-077 - Establishment of Employment First for Persons with Disabilities
Senate Bill 16-077 established:
- the increase of:
- the number of people entering the workforce and contributing to Colorado's tax base
- self-worth and dignity of people who are gainfully employed and working alongside people without disabilities
- opportunities to do meaningful and gainful work, lessening dependence on Medicaid and other public assistance
- opportunities for post-secondary education, including college and vocational training
- effectiveness of service systems currently serving people with disabilities who are seeking meaningful employment
Web Resources
- Supported Employment Training and Certification Resources Page
- Colorado Office of Employment First
- The Subminimum Wage Disability Pay Loophole Video - The Daily Show - October 2021
- Other Long-Term Services and Supports Programs