National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network
EconSys has managed the contract for the Office of Disability Employment Policy’s (ODEP) National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network (NEON) initiative continuously since 2020 and for related projects since 2012. NEON helps states, providers, and national leaders implement Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) policies and practices to better employment outcomes for those with IDD, Mental Health conditions, and significant disabilities. This support is done through subject matter expertise, policy guidance, learning communities, and Training and Technical Assistance.
NEON has had tremendous impact nationally on efforts to implement CIE policies and practices. Our efforts have helped states and providers reimagine who they structure, fund, and promote employment efforts for people with disabilities and mental health conditions. Moreover, our efforts have helped transform the disability employment conversation, ensuring that employment is a priority, for all who seek support with disabilities and mental health conditions, that states and providers overcome roadblocks, and emphasize collaboration, and that a national voice is built and maintained at all levels of state and federal government and national and local service provision.