Hawai’i’s participation in the NEON initiative was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Hawai’i Employment First Task Force (HEFT), a coalition led by the HSCDD. HEFT includes representatives from the Developmental Disabilities Division, Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Education, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division, Department of Labor, Statewide Independent Living Council, and Work Now Hawai’i. Together, these agencies and organizations are advancing policies and programs to ensure individuals with disabilities have equal access to meaningful, competitive, and integrated employment opportunities.

The NEON initiative provides "core states" with critical capacity-building support, policy development assistance, and ongoing mentoring to promote employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. With this partnership, Hawai’i aims to strengthen its commitment to Employment First principles and implement sustainable strategies that enable individuals with disabilities to thrive in the workforce.

“This selection is a testament to Hawai’i’s dedication to creating inclusive and competitive employment opportunities for people with disabilities,” said HSCDD Executive Administrator, Daintry Bartoldus. “Through the collaborative efforts of HEFT, Hawai’i is poised to make significant strides in advancing disability employment policies and ensuring every individual has the chance to succeed in the workplace.”

The NEON initiative, administered by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), focuses on expanding competitive, integrated employment opportunities. This approach ensures that individuals with disabilities work alongside people without disabilities in jobs that pay competitive wages and offer opportunities for growth.