Individuals with disabilities have one of the highest barriers to employment among underrepresented groups in the workforce. The Employment Program for Young Adults with Disabilities is designed to counter those barriers by providing employment opportunities for those individuals. Administered by Commonwealth Corporation on behalf of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, the program supports the Healey-Driscoll Administration's efforts to improve workforce outcomes and build more inclusive workplaces.
A: My day-to-day responsibilities really depend on the time of year. As a cross-program manager, I manage the Employment Program for Young Adults with Disabilities (YAWD), but I also work across programs depending on the needs of other teams.
My work with YAWD largely focuses on program management, where I manage invoicing, contracting, and procurement activities, organize one-on-one and group meetings with my grantees, and complete other projects related to the program as needed. Depending on the needs of other Youth and Justice teams, I also work on designated projects, create programmatic tools that can be used across programs, and assist other teams with procurement activities.
A: This is a hard question to answer briefly! My path into this work has taken a few different forms, and I could probably spend quite a bit of time talking through all of the intersections between the experiences that led me here. Ultimately, much of my inspiration to get into this type of work stems from a combination of personal, career, and volunteer experiences in youth, disability, and justice spaces.
A: The programs I work on are all uniquely tailored to address barriers that youth, returning citizens, and young adults with disabilities may experience when entering the workforce.
The Employment Program for Young Adults with Disabilities creates opportunities for young people by supporting training programs that are accessible and designed with participants’ disabilities, learning styles, and individual needs in mind. Many participants have never had a job before, and this program provides the opportunity and space for participants to develop and refine their skills, gain work experience, build confidence, and strengthen their resumes.
Beyond skill attainment, many participants go on to earn industry-recognized credentials and secure employment with employer partners who recognize the value and contributions that young people with disabilities bring to the workplace.
Q: What has been one of the most rewarding or meaningful parts of your work at Commonwealth Corporation?
A: One of the most meaningful parts of my work is attending program graduations. Being able to celebrate participants’ hard work and accomplishments, as well as the hard work and dedication of our grantees, is always a joy and an incredibly rewarding experience.
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