Chapter 19B of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2016 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after section 12A the following section:-

Section 12B. The department shall incorporate an employment program within the community-based day supports program, that shall provide supportive employment opportunities and programs to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.  Participation in the employment program shall be optional.  Supportive employment shall be offered through and managed by the community based day supports provider, at their facility, and shall be incorporated into the existing community based day supports program and subject to department guidelines.

The department shall provide ongoing support services to each individual participating in the employment program to monitor the individual’s progress and to assist the individual in meeting their individually-decided career goals. Such support services shall include support brokers to assist individuals who request to transition out of employment through the employment program with finding employment within a community setting. The department shall provide continuing support services to individuals who have transitioned out of the employment program and into employment in a community setting for the purpose of assisting the individual in maintaining their employment.