How does CECY utilize collaboration and strategic partnerships to achieve its goals?

CECY utilizes collaborative leadership and strategic partnerships, bringing together representatives from local and state agencies, associations, organizations, families, and self-advocates. Key frameworks guiding CECY include the High Performing States Framework (HPS), which identifies effective elements for employment systems change, and Collaborative Leadership, which ensures diverse stakeholders are engaged in dialogue and shared responsibility.

What are the key strategic actions undertaken by CECY to promote employment opportunities for youth with disabilities?

CECY strengthens interagency collaborations, enhances understanding of effective practices, and effects policy change at the state and local levels. Its strategic actions encompass policy advocacy, expectation-raising, and cross-system accountability to promote Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) for youth and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

What lasting legacy has the California Employment Consortium for Youth with IDD (CECY) left on California's employment landscape?

By fostering collaboration, driving policy changes, and empowering individuals, CECY has paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable future for youth and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It serves as a model for other states seeking to create meaningful employment opportunities for all.

How do CECY's actions lead to transformative impact, and what frameworks underpin its efforts? Are there any areas that are not addressed?

CECY's review and analysis of existing state policies, administrative structures, and funding mechanisms, advocacy for policy changes to promote CIE, focus on raising aspirations by highlighting success stories, and providing resources all contribute to its transformative impact. The High Performing States Framework (HPS) and Collaborative Leadership ensure that these efforts are strategic and inclusive, leading to lasting systemic change. A potential area for development might be to explore the long-term effects of the initiative.

Diverse group of young adults celebrating disability employment.

Unlock Potential: How California's CECY Initiative is Reshaping Employment for Youth with Disabilities

Q: What specific challenge does the California Employment Consortium for Youth with IDD (CECY) aim to address in California?

The California Employment Consortium for Youth with IDD (CECY) addresses the underemployment of youth and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in California. It seeks to revolutionize policies and operations to create more employment opportunities.

Kai Mendoza in Law & Justice June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how collaborative leadership and strategic partnerships are driving inclusive employment opportunities for young adults with intellectual disabilities in California."

For decades, a significant challenge has persisted nationwide: the underemployment of youth and young adults (YYA) with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Traditional, isolated approaches have proven insufficient to tackle this complex issue. Recognizing the need for a united front, California embarked on an innovative journey, establishing the California Employment Consortium for Youth with IDD (CECY).

CECY was formed as a response and initiative to address low employment rate amongst youths. CECY sought to revolutionize policy and operations, recognizing current systems needed improvements. The initiative helped to create employment opportunities for peoples with disabilities.

This article delves into the inner workings of CECY, its guiding principles, strategic actions, and the transformative impact it has had on California's employment landscape for YYA with IDD. By fostering collaboration, driving policy changes, and empowering individuals, CECY serves as a beacon of hope and a model for other states to emulate.

The Power of Collaboration: CECY's Core Strategies

Diverse group of young adults celebrating disability employment.

CECY's success hinges on its commitment to collaborative leadership and strategic partnerships. The consortium brought together 45 representatives from 25 local and state agencies, associations, organizations, families, and self-advocates, creating a diverse and inclusive ecosystem. This collaborative spirit broke down traditional silos, fostered cross-agency activities, and cultivated an environment ripe for creativity and innovation.

Two key frameworks guided CECY's work: the High Performing States Framework (HPS) and Collaborative Leadership. The HPS Framework provided a roadmap for identifying and implementing effective elements for employment systems change. Collaborative Leadership, on the other hand, ensured that diverse stakeholders were constructively engaged in dialogue, mutual learning, shared responsibility, and action.

Strengthening interagency collaborations and practices.
Enhancing understanding of effective practices and supports.
Effecting policy change at the state and local levels.

CECY's strategic actions were multifaceted, encompassing policy advocacy, expectation-raising, and cross-system accountability. The consortium actively reviewed and analyzed existing state policies, administrative structures, and funding mechanisms, advocating for changes that would promote CIE. CECY also focused on raising the aspirations of families, providers, and employers, showcasing success stories and providing resources to envision a future where YYA with IDD thrive in the workforce.

A Lasting Legacy: CECY's Impact and the Road Ahead

The California Employment Consortium for Youth with IDD has left an indelible mark on the state's employment landscape. By fostering collaboration, driving policy changes, and empowering individuals, CECY has paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable future for YYA with IDD. The consortium's work serves as a testament to the power of collective action and a model for other states seeking to create meaningful employment opportunities for all.