A large part of DOR’s work involves assistive technology, and the department’s changes will involve its tech team.
The department is establishing the Employment First Office (EFO), “which will drive the development of statewide policies that promote the employment of people with the most significant developmental disabilities,” according to a news release.
“People with disabilities and employers do not associate the word ‘rehabilitation’ with jobs, good wages and equity, nor does ‘rehabilitation’ accurately describe the services we provide,” said DOR Director Joe Xavier. “These initiatives will accelerate our work supporting pathways and removing barriers to employment for individuals with disabilities, modernizing the narrative on how disability is discussed, and advance Gov. [Gavin] Newsom’s vision of a California for All.”
The department’s technology leader, Deputy Director and Chief Information Officer Jacob “Jake” Johnson, told Industry Insider — California that his team will have a role.
“We anticipate technology engagement to support our new name, including but not limited to a new department-level domain name, updates to our public and internal websites, new email addresses, electronic content and media updates, and application systems updates,” Johnson said. “We are in the planning stages now, and expect to move forward soon.”
DOR will remain under the aegis of the California Health and Human Services Agency, which is led by Dr. Mark Ghaly, the CHHS secretary.
“Too often, the incredible talents of people with disabilities are overlooked in the workforce,” Ghaly said in the release. “We welcome this opportunity to reach every Californian with a disability who has the desire to work and ensure right from the start and throughout their lives they have equal access to meaningful career pathways.”
DOR will continue to work with the Department of Developmental Services, the Department of Social Services and the Labor and Workforce Development Agency.
