In order to better align our systems and increase our ability to provide a seamless and timely employment support system, DHS and DEED have been conducting an Interagency Employment Supports Alignment Study. Phase 1 of the study took place in 2025 and focused on alignment of service rates, provider enrollment processes, and monitoring standards. The goal of the first phase was to identify ways to make it easier for providers to be dually enrolled and reduce barriers related to billing, enrollment, contracting, and rates.  

Phase 2 of the study has now begun. This phase will address eligibility processes and people’s lived experience transitioning between employment services. The goal of this second phase will be to simplify processes for moving between services and address barriers that delay or disrupt people’s access to employment supports.  

We have contracted with ACET Inc. to carry out this phase of the study, which will run for about a year. The research process will include interviews with people receiving services, and the families and professionals who support them, to understand pain points, challenges, and opportunities for system improvement.  

One area of focus for the study is understanding the experience of Black people on waivers as they move between employment services, because data shows racial disparities for this community. ACET will assemble an advisory crew of people with lived experience. The advisory crew will help shape the research process and develop recommendations for how to create more equitable employment outcomes.  

More information about the study and opportunities to get involved will be shared over the coming months.