Disability Rights & Employment Awareness Month (DREAM) Symposium

We enjoyed welcoming all who attended the third annual DREAM (Disability Rights & Employment Awareness Month) Symposium, where we acknowledged the rights that people with disabilities are entitled to, celebrated the extreme value that disabled New Yorkers bring to the workforce, and assisted in matching prospective qualified candidates with employers.

Details of the event are shared for historical purposes. Session recordings and materials will be shared as they become available.

Meeting Room Activities Breakdown

Workshop #1: Disability Disclosure and Reasonable Accommodations at Work

11:15 AM – Noon, Meeting Room 6

Presented by Wendy Strobel Gower, Thomas P. Golden Executive Director, Yang-Tan Institute

This session introduced the concepts of disability disclosure and reasonable accommodations at work. It included strategies to think through the choice to disclose and request accommodations in the workplace.

Watch Workshop #1 Recording

Workshop #2: Assistive Technology and Accessibility for Job Seekers

11:15 AM – Noon, Meeting Room 4

Presented by:

• Melinda Dolezal, TRAID

• April Diffee, Southern Adirondack Independent Living Center

This session provided an overview of assistive technology devices available through the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (TRAID) Program. Learn more about TRAID, and how it helps New Yorkers improve accessibility at work and at home with products or pieces of equipment that can be used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of people with disabilities. The presenters brought assistive devices to demonstrate and try.

Watch Workshop #2 Recording

Workshop #3: Pathways to the State Workforce

11:15 AM – Noon, Meeting Room 3

Presented by:

• MaryBeth Schneider, Coordinator, NYS Partnerships for Inclusive Internships, NYS Department of Labor & Office of the Chief Disability Officer

• Sam Fletcher, Ph.D., MSW, NYS Office on Mental Health Director of Workforce Development

This session provided an overview of the Partnership for Inclusive Internship (PII) program and its expansion across New York State after several successful years in New York City. The Office of Mental Health (OMH) also provided an overview of existing and emerging strategies to create pathways to the state workforce, including its provider network. While these strategies are not limited to people with disabilities, workforce expansion has a particular focus on improving diversity, accessibility, and inclusion.

Watch Workshop #3 Recording

Workshop #4: How to Dress for Success at Work

11:15 AM – Noon, Meeting Room 7

Presented by:

• Mindy Scheier, CEO and Founder, Runway of Dreams Foundation

• Kate Smith, Executive Director, Runway of Dreams Foundation

• Maddy Silver, Director of Education and National Programs, Runway of Dreams Foundation

• Emi Jo Hammond, PhD Student

The workshop started off the block with a 15–20-minute group discussion on the importance of dressing for success in a work setting. Discussion questions were posted on the walls, and attendees were able to answer the questions with individual post it notes. Group discussion followed. The workshop ended with about 10 minutes presenting clothing samples from adaptive lines and a question-and-answer period.

Noon – 3:00 PM

• How to Dress for Success at Work (with adaptive clothing too)

• Get Your LinkedIn Photograph Taken by International Photographer Rick Guidotti

Watch the How to Dress for Success at Work Recording

Workshop #5: Aging & Ableism

12:15 PM – 1:00 PM, Meeting Room 6

Presented by LaWanda H. Cook, Senior Extension Associate, Yang-Tan Institute

This session explored beliefs about aging and disability, the impacts of these beliefs, and ways to eliminate ageism and ableism in our daily life and work.

Watch Workshop #5 Recording

Workshop #6: Social Security Benefits, Overpayments, and Work

12:15 PM – 1:00 PM, Meeting Room 4

Presented by:

• Matt Saleh, Senior Research Associate, Yang-Tan Institute

• Jen Brooks, Research Associate, Yang-Tan Institute

During this workshop, the presenters discussed the topic of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) overpayments, consequences, and the relationship to pursuing gainful employment. The presenters summarized some key trends related to SSDI overpayments, and provided space for group discussion on benefits planning and reform efforts.

Watch Workshop #6 Recording

Workshop #7: Civil Service 55 B/C

12:15 PM – 1:00 PM, Meeting Room 3

Presented by:

• Jason Parrish, Deputy Director for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion Management, NYS Department of Civil Service

• Nichole Harden, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist 3, NYS Department of Civil Service

Representatives from the Department of Civil Service’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion Management (ODIM) provided an overview of the 55b/c Program, with an emphasis on updates – including an overview of 55b/c opportunities in the context of New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide (NY HELPS), and regional resources available through the recently-launched Centers for Careers in Government. Program staff spoke to attendees with feedback about the 55b/c program.

Watch Workshop #7 Recording

Performance from part of Broadway's cast of How to Dance in Ohio & "More to Talk About" Discussion

1:15 PM – 3:45 PM, Meeting Room 6

Featuring:

• Desmond Luis Edwards (Remy)

• Imani Russell (Mel)

• Micah Johnson-Levy (HTDIO Casting Director)

• Nicole D’Angelo (HTDIO Access Team and Music and Script Team)

2:45 PM - 3:45 PM, Meeting Room 6

Discussed "Storytelling for Social Good" with How to Dance in Ohio.

Watch Performance Discussion Recording

Workshop #8: ABLE Accounts

3:45 PM – 4:30 PM, Meeting Room 6

Presented by Jenna McClosky, Outreach Coordinator/Associate Administrative Analyst, NY ABLE & 529 College Savings Program, NYS Office of the State Comptroller

The New York Achieving a Better Life Experience program (NY ABLE) allows individuals with disabilities and their families to save for qualified disability related expenses, without limiting their ability to benefit from federal benefit programs such as SSI, SSDI and Medicaid. NY ABLE offers multiple investment options, including a checking account and debit card option allowing individuals with disabilities to maintain their independence and have quick and easy access to their own money. Earnings on investments can grow tax-deferred and are tax-free if withdrawals are used for qualified disability expenses.

Watch Workshop #8 Recording

Workshop #9: Medicaid Buy In, 1619B & Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS) Accounts

3:45 PM – 4:30 PM, Meeting Room 4

Presented by Christopher Coyle, WIP-C, MSEd, NYS Office of Mental Health Regional Employment Liaison

This session provided an overview of New York’s Medicaid Buy-In for Working People with Disabilities (MBI-WPD), both in its present form and its upcoming enhancements beginning in 2025. Other strategies to assist people who receive public benefits to maximize their earning and savings potential were discussed, including the Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS) Plans.

Watch Workshop #9 Recording

Workshop #10: From School to Work, Adult Services & Supports

3:45 PM – 4:30 PM, Meeting Room 3

Presented by:

• Kaitlyn Jackson, Policy Associate, Yang-Tan Institute

• Jeffrey Tamburo, Extension Associate, Yang-Tan Institute

• Marianne Durrant, Director, Employment Alliance and Employer Resource Network

This session provided an overview of the transition phase from school to work for young adults with disabilities. Presenters introduced adult services and support systems available in New York State, with a focus on strategies to successfully navigate the complex systems. The presentation also provided an overview of current data and trends that reflect the outcomes and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities as they transition from educational settings into adulthood. By exploring these topics, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively support young adults in accessing the resources they need to achieve meaningful employment.

Watch Workshop #10 Recording

DREAM Symposium Sponsors:

• The NYS Office of the Chief Disability Officer (CDO)

• The NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)

• The NYS Department of Labor (DOL)

• The NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH)

• The NYS Department of Civil Service (DCS)

• The NYS Education Department (SED/ACCES-VR)

• The NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS/CFB)

• The NYS Office of General Services (OGS)

• The NYS Workers' Compensation Board (WCB)

• The NYS Division of Human Rights (DHR)

• The NYS Office of Employee Relations (OER)

• The NYS Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD)

• The NYS Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

• The Yang-Tan Institute at Cornell