Press Release  Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities holds second Annual National Disability Employment Awareness Month Celebration

Boston — BOSTON – The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities held its Annual National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebration in the Great Hall of Flags at the Massachusetts State House. The event recognized the invaluable contributions of employees with disabilities, alongside policymakers, employers, service providers, and key stakeholders in the disability community.

This year, the celebration spotlighted two critical goals: advancing disability-inclusive employment and highlighting the indispensable role of direct support staff and agencies in empowering individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the event underscored the importance of voting rights, emphasizing full participation and accessibility in civic engagement for all. A special proclamation from Governor Healey commemorating National Disability Employment Awareness Month amplified the importance of the celebration.

Representative Denise Garlick, Chair of the Commission, opened the event. “The present focus of the permanent, funded Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities is centered on employment – for individuals seeking work as well as the service providers that contribute to the success of these goals,” said Garlick. “Our mission spans government agencies, the Legislature, disability organizations, advocacy groups, allies and businesses, all of whom are leaders in fostering empowerment and promoting a more equitable and inclusive society. In these critical days of an election, we also host information from leaders of the Commonwealth of the greatest power all – the vote – and voting rights and access for persons with disabilities. All of our Commissioners are grateful for the incredible partnerships in our work.”

The Commission presented art to Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. Pictured (left to right): Representative John Lawn, Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, artist Donna Esolen, Representative Denise Garlick, Commission Chair, and Senator Michael Barrett. 

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll addressed the state’s initiatives to enhance accessibility and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, “Here in Massachusetts, we believe that every person has a right to equal opportunity employment — including those with disabilities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Our administration is committed to ensuring accessibility and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, and to making Massachusetts for equitable for all. That's why earlier this year, we awarded $900,000 in grants to help young adults with disabilities prepare for employment , and why we've renamed the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to MassAbility  to reflect a more inclusive Massachusetts. We're proud to support Disability Employment Awareness Month and I'm excited to celebrate the progress we have made here with all of you today.”

Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin highlighted the importance of voting rights access for individuals with disabilities in this election year. “In Massachusetts, we strive to ensure that all voters are able get the accommodations they need in order to fully participate in the democratic process. That means having equal access not only to the ballot, but also to the information necessary to make an informed decision. I’m proud of the efforts we have made in providing that access, and I hope that voters choose to take advantage of it this year and in future elections.”

New Initiative Raises Employer Awareness

Commission member and Disability Employment Subcommittee Chair Kathleen Petkauskos introduced the Disability Inclusive Workplaces: Employers and Employees Perspectives initiative, which aims to educate and engage businesses on the importance of including people with disabilities in the workplace and the resources available to support and recognize effective employer practices.

“It's crucial to show businesses the value that individuals with disabilities bring to the workplace, especially as stigma and misconceptions persist,” said Petkauskos, who serves as executive director of Workplace Equity and Inclusion at ForHealth Consulting at UMass Chan Medical School. “Our subcommittee has developed resources for small to mid-sized businesses, highlighting organizations that have succeeded in this area. Their success serves as a powerful example to inspire others.”

The video can be viewed here.

Lawmakers Honored

The Commission recognized Senator Michael Barrett and Representative John Lawn as the 2024 Legislative Champions Award recipients, acknowledging their leadership in sponsoring and co-sponsoring disability-related legislation and their dedication to advancing disability issues through their legislative priorities.

2024 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Employer Award Recipients

Two employers were selected as NDEAM honorees for their exemplary work creating and sustaining an intentional disability inclusive work environment.

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, a regional wholesale bank that provides financial services, credit, and funding to member institutions in New England to support affordable housing, community development, and economic stability, was named as the small-to-midsize honoree.

“Businesses must be willing to change if they want employees to be able to give their best,” said Bukky Olugbemi, Diversity Equity & Inclusion Specialist at Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston. We can’t just sit around waiting on employees to tell us they need something. We have to be proactive. We don’t navigate the world in the same ways, and not everyone can control how they take in information. We need to learn about these differences so we can provide the necessary tools and resources. That’s what inclusivity does — it brings everyone into the conversation, so we can all improve together.”

Eversource Energy, a publicly traded energy company that provides electricity, natural gas, and water services to customers across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, with a focus on reliable service, clean energy, and sustainability, was named as the large organization honoree.

“This year, we launched the new AdaptAbility Business Resource Group, focused on creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment for employees with disabilities and caregivers,” said Susan Sgroi, Executive Vice President, Human Resource and Information Technology, Eversource Energy. “It’s an honor to be recognized for this work and our commitment to creating a work environment where people of all abilities are included,” said Susan Sgroi, Executive Vice President, Human Resource and Information Technology, Eversource Energy.”

2024 Employment Support Champion Award Recipient

The Employment Support Champion honoree was Amanda Strange, an Employment Specialist at CHAI Day and Employment Services, Jewish Family & Children’s Service. Amanda has played a crucial role in helping individuals with disabilities secure meaningful employment opportunities through her dedicated support.

“I'm truly honored to be recognized by the commission, and grateful for the light they've shone on the important work being done by employment support professionals, among many other stakeholders,” said Strange. “Today’s event exemplifies the community-wide commitment to the continued growth of disability-inclusive employment.”

The Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities was established by the Legislature in 2020.  It is an independent state agency with a charge to advance the cause of all persons with disabilities in the Commonwealth.

More information about the Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities can be found here.

###