Gov. Doug Ducey has signed an executive order that requires state agencies to expand job opportunities for the estimated 418,000 Arizonans with disabilities. 

“Opportunity for all means that everyone in our society has the opportunity to get a job and participate in the workforce,” Ducey said in a press release. “But too often, meaningful opportunities to work are few and far between for individuals with disabilities. We want to change that.”

The “Employment First” executive order directs state agencies that provide services to individuals with disabilities to partner with private-sector vendors to review their policies, identify best practices, build effective partnerships and expand model programs to increase employment opportunities in the community. The order emphasizes access to jobs that include benefits. 

“This executive order focuses on empowering all Arizonans, and our hope is that it will mean more and better jobs for individuals with disabilities,” Ducey said in the statement.  “I thank all our community partners and stakeholders who will be working with the state to make this initiative a success.”