At the 2nd annual DREAM Symposium, we acknowledge the rights that people with disabilities are entitled to; celebrate the extreme value that disabled New Yorkers bring to the workforce; assist in matching prospective qualified candidates with employers; and a great deal more!
Schedule of Events
10:00-3:00 PM
Vendor Fair
Concourse
10:00-5:00 PM
Disability History Exhibit
- In War Room in the Capitol for all of October
9:30-11:00 AM
Opening Ceremony
- Brief Intro by Kim Hill Ridley
- Commissioners
- DREAM 2023 Advocate of the Year Award
- DREAM 2023 Lifetime Advocacy Award
Meeting Room 6
Watch Opening Ceremony Recording
11:00-11:30 AM
Special Olympics Bocce Demonstration
Demos will continue throughout the day
Concourse
11:00-3:00 PM
Job Fair & Onsite Interviews
Concourse
11:00-3:00 PM
Mock Interviews
Meeting Room 5
11:30-12:15 PM
Workshop 1 – An Update on New York State’s Civil Service 55 B Program & the Importance of Self Disclosure
Presenters:
- Jason Parrish – Deputy Director
- LaShanna King – Team Leader/Diversity and Inclusion Specialist 3
- Nichole Harden – Diversity and Inclusion Specialist 2
Meeting Room 6
Watch Workshop 1 Recording
11:30-12:15 PM
Workshop 2 – The Partnership for Inclusive Internships: Expanding Work Opportunities in Government for People with Disabilities
Presenters:
- Jennifer Shaoul, Executive Director of Disability Affairs, NYC Department of Social Services
- Hannah Millson, Coordinator, The Partnership for Inclusive Internships at AHRC New York City
- Michele Shapiro, Assistant Director of Employment and Business Services, AHRC New York City
12:15-1:30 PM
Break
Concourse
1:00-1:30 PM
Viewing – “The Path Forward – Remembering Willowbrook” Documentary
Meeting Rooms 3 & 4 & 6
1:45-2:30 PM
Workshop 3 – OPWDD’s Employment Services – A Year in Review
Presenters:
- Alexis Harrington, Associate Commissioner – Program Implementation and Service Access, Regional Offices
- Kristine Snyder, Statewide Employment and Vocational Services Coordinator, Employment and Meaningful Community Activities (EMCA) Unit Service Access, Program Implementation and Stakeholder Support
Meeting Room 6
Watch Workshop 3 Recording
1:45-2:30 PM
Workshop 4 – Facts vs. Myths about Benefits/Benefits Counseling
Presenters:
- Lisa Brown, NYESS Program Specialist and Certified Benefits Advisor
Meeting Room 3 & 4
Watch Workshop 4 Recording
2:45-3:30 PM
Workshop 5– Resume/Interview Prep Techniques
Presenters:
- Cathleen Santonastaso, Senior Employment Counselor
Meeting Room 3 & 4
Watch Workshop 5 Recording
2:45-3:30 PM
Workshop 6 – The A in DEIA: Embedding Accessibility in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives
Presenters:
- Angelica Kang, Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Officer, New York State Office of Children and Family Services
- Dr. Hirah Mir, Chief Diversity Officer, New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities
- Carmelita Cruz, Executive Equity Officer, New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports
- Ben Thapa, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of the Chief Disability Officers
Meeting Room 6
Watch Workshop 6 Recording