Massachusetts Event Highlights Employment Equity for People with Disabilities
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The Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities convened a hybrid event, “Strength in Support,” on June 23, 2025, at the massachusetts State House, focusing on networking and resource sharing for employed youth and young adults with disabilities.
Promoting Inclusive Workplaces
The Commission’s Disability Employment and Workforce Supports subcommittees organized the event, uniting employed youth and young adults with disabilities, direct support professionals, and job coaches. The goal was to share stories, provide resources, and identify effective strategies to advance employment equity throughout Massachusetts.
Commissioner Gyasi Burks-Abbott initiated the event by welcoming attendees and detailing the accessibility services available to both in-person and virtual participants. As the moderator, he steered the discussion, emphasizing the need to change perceptions of disability in the workplace.
Did You Know? The unemployment rate for people with disabilities was 7.3% in 2023, more than double the rate for those without a disability (3.5%) [Bureau of Labor Statistics].
Commissioner Burks-Abbott highlighted the importance of presuming competence, stating, “Being competent doesn’t mean I’ll never mess up; it means I’ll always be teachable…People with disabilities are employable. We might need accommodations and supports, but we are perfectly capable of getting the job done.”
the event featured a diverse panel of speakers who shared their personal and professional journeys:
- Matty Tricca, Podcast Host and State House Summer Intern
- Liam Glavin, employee at buses, Legal Sea Foods
- ewidji Vincent, Young Adult Leaders fellow, Massachusetts Advocates for Children
- Sophie Korpics, Community Advocate, Northeast Independent Living Program
- Sarah Malone, Communication and Social Media Intern, MassAbility
- Jack Tzianobo, barista, BosseCafe, Options Clubhouse
- Lynn Fanale, Director of Employment, Options Clubhouse
- Vanessa stewart, Family Support Coordinator, WORK INC.
- Kadin Ali, Lead Career Coach, JVS boston
Each speaker discussed the supports that aided their employment and the challenges that remain, advocating for more inclusive hiring practices.
Pro Tip: Employers can access resources and support to create inclusive workplaces through organizations like the Disability:IN [disability:IN].
sarah malone emphasized the broader impact of supporting disabled job seekers: “Supporting disabled job seekers doesn’t exist in a silo; those positive effects ripple through the community. Putting time and resources into us helps so manny more people!”
Sophie Korpics shared her journey to full-time employment, hoping to inspire job seekers to be proactive and employers to be open-minded. Ewidji Vincent encouraged attendees to support each other in achieving their goals.
Resources and Tools
The event included employment resource tables from state agencies and partner organizations dedicated to disability inclusion. Attendees gained access to practical tools and valuable connections to aid their employment pursuits. A recording of the discussion will be available online.
For further details and event materials, visit the provided link.
Key Event Takeaways
| Key Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Focus | Networking and resource sharing for disability employment. |
| Host | Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities. |
| Speakers | Employed youth and young adults with disabilities, direct support professionals, and job coaches. |
| Outcomes | Shared stories, identified resources, and promoted inclusive hiring practices. |
Understanding Disability Inclusion in the Workplace
Disability inclusion in the workplace means creating an surroundings where all individuals, regardless of disability, feel valued and have equal opportunities. This includes providing reasonable accommodations, fostering a culture of respect, and ensuring accessibility in all aspects of employment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), disability inclusion is critical to achieving the sustainable Development Goals and global health priorities [[3]]. Many countries have legislation in place to protect the rights of people with disabilities in employment, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the united States.
Frequently Asked Questions About Disability Employment
What are reasonable accommodations in the workplace?
Reasonable accommodations are modifications or adjustments to a job or work environment that enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform essential job functions. These can include things like providing assistive technology, modifying work schedules, or making the workplace physically accessible.
How can employers create a more inclusive workplace for people with disabilities?
employers can create a more inclusive workplace by providing training on disability awareness, implementing inclusive hiring practices, ensuring accessibility in the workplace, and fostering a culture of respect and understanding.
What resources are available to help employers hire and support employees with disabilities?
There are many resources available to help employers, including the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), Disability:IN, and state vocational rehabilitation agencies. These organizations can provide guidance on accommodations, recruitment, and retention of employees with disabilities.
Acting to achieve health equity for persons with disabilities is acting to achieve Health for All [[3]].
What steps can yoru workplace take to be more inclusive? How can communities better support employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
