“Expect Employment” Report Addresses New Challenges and Solutions to Disability Employment

Report highlights impact of technology, innovative services, and new programs on disability hiring and job growth

Knoxville, Tenn. – Today, the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) announced that the Employment First Task Force has released the 2025 Expect Employment report. The 12th annual report highlights the positive impact of technology and innovative programming on the shrinking disability employment gap.

The disability employment gap has shrunk by another 8 percent, and there is now a 32 percent gap in employment between individuals with disabilities and individuals without. Advocates and agencies continue to work to close the employment gap by an additional 5 percent in the next fiscal year. 

The report was presented to Gov. Bill Lee and other state leaders today at Muse Knoxville, a children’s science museum. In 2024, Muse was honored by the Employment First Task Force for their commitment to hiring people with disabilities. In a partnership with local organizations and secondary education programs, the museum created the Muse Ambassadors program: a skills-based workforce development initiative for high school and postsecondary students with disabilities. The governor met with Muse employees and Ambassadors to learn more about the role they play in helping young children learn and explore, while working to build their job experience.

“Tennessee is proud of our ability to face challenges with innovative solutions.  With this report, we usher in a new era of employment goals and milestones,” said Gov. Bill Lee.  “As Employment First efforts continue to grow across the state, more businesses and community leaders will have the chance to see the benefits Tennesseans with disabilities bring to the workforce.  We’re proud of employers like Muse Knoxville, who make an exceptional effort to support Employment First in the Volunteer State.”

This year’s report highlights how the state has improved inclusive employment outcomes in the past year, including:

• 16 percent year-over-year growth in the number of people using IPS Supported Employment
• More than 1,200 Tennesseans are utilizing Enabling Technology services, an 80 percent increase from June 2024
• Updated Strategic Plan with new goals and strategies to effectively pursue disability employment in the Tennessee workforce
• 12 businesses and organizations awarded the Tennessee Employment First Inclusive Employer Award, to recognize businesses across the state who are dedicated to recruiting, hiring, and advancing people with disabilities

“Tennessee continues to be a leader for employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities,” said Department of Disability and Aging Commissioner Brad Turner. “Agencies and advocates continue to seek creative and innovative solutions to problems that once kept individuals out of the workforce. This report is proof that Employment First Matters.”

The Employment First Task Force is charged with eliminating barriers, streamlining services, and increasing integrated and competitive employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and other disabilities.

The task force, which is co-chaired by DDA and the Department of Human Services, meets quarterly.  Representatives from the Departments of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Labor and Workforce Development, Education, Economic and Community Development, and Health as well as the Division of TennCare, the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and several disability advocacy groups are also members of the task force.

View the report here: 2025 Expect Employment Report to the Governor