SDO’s Individuals with Disabilities Program

The goal of the SDO Empowering Abilities in Contracting and Employment (EACE) Program is to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities in all areas of state procurement and contracting.

Background

Pursuant to Section 4 of Chapter 219 of the Acts of 2016 and Section 88 of Chapter 154 of the Acts of 2018, the OSD’s Supplier Diversity Office (SDO), in collaboration with the Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD), have established the SDO Individuals with Disabilities Program which has expanded into the Empowering Abilities in Contracting and Employment (EACE) Program. The goals of this program are to:

1. Further expand the participation and inclusion of Disability-Owned Business Enterprises (DOBE) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises (SDVOBE) in statewide contracting.
2. Increase the representation of people with disabilities working on state contracts by assisting contractors with the identification, recruitment, and hiring of qualified individuals with disabilities within the contractor’s workforce(s). 

The program requires close collaboration and partnerships with a multitude of state agencies and non-profit organizations who provide workforce development and employment assistance services for the disability community. 

Policy Documents:

• EACE Policy

Resources and Tools for Employers

• Work Without Limits – Employer Resources
• Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission Resources for Employers
• Employment Rights of People with Disabilities
• U.S. Dept of Labor Resources for Hiring People with Disabilities

Nonprofit Resources for Employers

• List of Nonprofit Organizations Assisting Employers in Hiring Individuals with Disabilities

Note: Other organizations interested in being included in the listing above are advised to respond to the COMMBUYS Request for Information (RFI): Organizations Assisting Employers in Hiring Individuals with Disabilities

Commonwealth Resources and Tools for Job Seekers with Disabilities

• MassAbility
• Easter Seals Job Development & Placement Services
• Work Without Limits – Job Board
• Work Without Limits – Job Seeker Resources
• Massachusetts Office on Disability Client Assistance Program (CAP)
• Massachusetts Office on Disability Employment Rights Information
• MassHire Department of Career Services
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services for the Blind
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Individuals with Disabilities
• Veterans' Job Programs and Services

Program Annual Reports

• SDO FY18 Report on Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities in State Procurement
• SDO FY19 Report on Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities in State Procurement