Mayor Michelle Wu, alongside the City of Boston Disabilities Commission, has ushered in a series of initiatives and programs throughout October to honor National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The city has made it a point to emphasize not only the value of workers with disabilities in the workforce but also to actively tackle the barriers they face when seeking employment. As part of NDEAM, the theme adopted for the year is "Access to Good Jobs for All."
In a statement obtained by the City of Boston's official website, Mayor Wu said, "Our goal in the City is to ensure that every single resident, regardless of disability status, has the opportunity to pursue the career of their choice, and be supported throughout the process." The vision Wu and associated Cabinets have is clear: to build a workforce that is truly inclusive and to empower financial and economic mobility for people with disabilities looking to routinely enter the job market.
Throughout October, a range of webinars will be offered every Wednesday, each one tailored to educate and assist Boston's disability community in securing employment within the city's framework. Among the topics set to be discussed are actionable insights into job application processes, financial empowerment, housing, and worker's rights. These sessions are designed to not only inform but also to provide a pathway for economic inclusion. Registration for the webinars, which are open to the public and available on Zoom, is required.
"National Disability Employment Awareness Month serves as a powerful reminder of the value that people with disabilities bring to the workplace," Mariangely Solis Cervera, Chief of Equity and Inclusion for the City of Boston, told the publication. The programming is a piece of a larger commitment, reinforcing the city's dedication to empowering its residents with disabilities and working to extensively foster a city environment where inclusiveness isn't just an ideal, but a reality.
The Disability Commission will also collaborate with local organizations post-webinar series to facilitate a pilot initiative called "Interview Day." This initiative aims to overcome a significant barrier to employment by ensuring candidates with disabilities, who meet the minimum qualifications for city jobs, are given an opportunity to interview. "People with disabilities bring immense value to the workforce," Kristen McCosh, Disability Commissioner and ADA Title II Coordinator, stated. She shared her enthusiasm for the upcoming "Interview Day," highlighting the potential impact on such residents by providing them that crucial interview chance.
Further details on the webinar sessions, including how to register and available accommodations for attendees with disabilities, can be found on Boston.gov. Scheduled sessions address a variety of topics such as financial empowerment and accessible housing, concluding with a session on employment rights at the end of October.
