Public Meeting Notice  Disability Employment Subcommittee Meeting

This is a meeting of the Disability Employment Subcommittee of the permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities. This subcommittee will collect data and analyze initiatives that increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities in private employment and in state government.

Agenda:

1. Welcome, Roll Call, and Introductions
2. Inspirational Quote provided by Kathy Petkauskos:

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”                                            

Helen Keller, American author and disability rights activist. Lost her sight and hearing as an infant

3. Continued FY24 Goal Discussion:
   
   Goal: Identify and facilitate at least one opportunity (e.g., event, speaking engagement, information dissemination) to engage and educate at least 100 small and medium businesses/employers on the value of including people with disabilities in the workplace, available community resources, and recognition of effective employer practices.
   
   Employer Video Project:
   • Synopsis/Vision: 3 small to mid-sized employers, interviews and B-roll taken at each site, edited into a short cohesive video messaging the value of including people with disabilities in the workplace, and directing viewers t the Commission to access resources.

• Latest Update:
  • Videographer
  • Timeline
  • Costs
  • Employer participation
• Dissemination Plan:
  • Call to action directing viewers to Commission website, phone number, email address.
    • Do we have applicable resources on our website for employers?
    • Do we have resources to respond to phone calls and email?
  • Press Release
  • Commission’s Oct. Signature Event
  • Chambers of Commerce
  • Northeast HR Association (NEHRA)
  • Commission’s email list and social media channels
  • Other list servs – which ones?
  • Commissioners disseminate to professional networks
• Next Steps
  • Next subcommittee meeting date: Monday, August 26, 2024 from 12:00-1:00 PM

4. Adjournment 

Meeting information:

• Meeting will be held virtually via Zoom and livestreamed for the public at https://malegislature.gov/Commissions/Detail/567/Hearings
• CART service will be available embedded in Zoom with captions and through a separate URL: https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=StatehouseADA
• Unfortunately, we are unable to provide ASL interpreters for this meeting.
• For accessibility requests and other questions, contact Imene Bouziane Saidi at Imene.BouzianeSaidi@mass.gov

Meeting Documents (attached and linked)

• WorkAbility Report Suggestions Trackers https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_4mOrvC9clINJPvqupyCgJXE47yvfnlz/edit#gid=330415400
• SSI/SSDI Presentation WWL The Basics of SSI & SSDI.pdf 
• The Grid https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_4mOrvC9clINJPvqupyCgJXE47yvfnlz/edit#gid=330415400

Stay Updated:

• To receive updates from the Commission, members of the public can sign up here:
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• To view details from previous meetings, visit: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/permanent-
  commission-on-the-status-of-persons-with-disabilities