LEAP expands local employment opportunities for people with disabilities and advances the Employment First initiative.
The collaborative effort between Community Choices and Developmental Services Center (DSC) is supported by the Champaign County Developmental Disabilities Board.
How It Started
The Employment First Initiative
In 2013, the Employment First Act to Expand Opportunities for People with Disabilities was signed into law in Illinois. The Employment First Act states that competitive and integrated employment in the community shall be considered the first option when serving persons with disabilities of working age.
In working to make Champaign County an even more disability-inclusive community, LEADERS IN EMPLOYING ALL PEOPLE provides an opportunity for area businesses to become LEAP-certified employers.
Our Impact
Get LEAP Certified
What is a LEAP Certification?
LEAP is a FREE one-hour training of practical, hands-on tips for employing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
Leap Training Includes:
- Tips from experts in the field on employing people with I/DD
- History of employment of people with disabilities
- Information on Federal Employment First legislation
- Important things to know as a Champaign County employer of people with I/DD
After your training, you receive:
- Opportunities to network with other employers of people with developmental disabilities
- Recognition on our websites and social media
- An article in our monthly newsletters
- An official framed certificate
- Inclusion in a list of LEAP Certified Employers
- GOLD Level when you employ a person with I/DD after your LEAP training
Ready to take the LEAP?
Join our growing list of employers leading the way in employing all people!
