From July 2013 to June 2014, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) provided employment opportunities for 3,653 Massachusetts residents with disabilities in both the public and private sectors across the Commonwealth, according to the Commission’s Year in Review. Massachusetts works to help all individuals achieve their employment goals, while raising awareness of employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Employment Programs and Services

A wide range of resources are available in the Commonwealth for residents with disabilities seeking assistance with obtaining gainful employment and advancing in their careers.

• Statewide Employment Services (SES), a division of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), oversees programs that support people with disabilities. The agency works with these individuals to find the right employment opportunity, and keep their job with the help of a support strategy.

• MRC offers vocational rehabilitation services to ensure all residents with disabilities have access to equal employment opportunities. MRC’s Vocational Rehabilitation Program services include:
  • College or vocational training;
  • Diagnostic evaluations;
  • Interest and aptitude testing; and
  • Job-placement assistance.

• The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) supports people with disabilities with its Self-Advocacy Leadership Series. This 10-week educational training program is designed to help individuals with disabilities further develop decision-making and leadership skills, as well as expand their social network.

Disability Information and Resources

• The Model Employer Initiative, formerly known as the Disability Employment Partnership, aims to increase the number of people with disabilities hired in state and municipal government. In June 2009, there were 1,096 individuals with disabilities working for state and local government; this figure rose to 1,183 through June 2010 due to the initiative, according to a report by the Massachusetts Taskforce on Employment for People with Disabilities.
• The Council Empowerment Funds Program helps individuals with developmental disabilities increase their productivity and independence by providing them an opportunity to attend events and conferences. The program promotes the empowerment of individuals with developmental disabilities through initiatives related to self-advocacy, training to help receive proper services, and citizen leadership skills.
• Additional disability information and resources are available from the Commonwealth to ensure persons with disabilities lead fulfilling, independent lives.

By participating in National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Massachusetts encourages more employers to hire individuals with disabilities. The Commonwealth has made great strides providing equal employment opportunities to residents with disabilities and will continue increasing opportunities in the future.

Have questions or comments? Share below or tweet us @MassGov.

Tags: disability, disability assistance, disability employment, disability employment resources, disability resources, massachusetts rehabilitation commission