The Work Without Limits Initiative

A Massachusetts Disability Employment Initiative

The Work Without Limits Initiative is a public/private partnership bringing together people with disabilities and their families, policy researchers, policy makers, service planners, employment service providers, employers, and other stakeholders. Our mission is to strengthen the Massachusetts workforce and advance work opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities in Massachusetts.

Our funding

Work Without Limits is a Massachusetts Disability Employment Initiative developed with support from the the Massachusetts Medicaid Infrastructure and Comprehensive Employment Opportunities Grant (MI-CEO), funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CFDA No. 93.768).

Our partnership

The MI-CEO grant and Work Without Limits are housed at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and managed in partnership with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services.

• the Commonwealth Medicine Center for Health Policy and Research at the University of Massachusetts Alexis Henry, Sc.D., OTR/L, Principal Investigator;
• the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services Lynn Gonsalves, Ph.D., OTR/L, Senior Program Director.

Learn more about the Work Without Limits Initiative here.

“What Can YOU Do?” Campaign for Disability Employment in Massachusetts

Work Without Limits is partnering with the US Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy in promoting the national "What Can YOU Do?" Campaign for Disability Employment in Massachusetts.

The national Campaign for Disability Employment is a collaborative effort between disability and business organizations to promote positive employment outcomes for people with disabilities by encouraging employers and others to recognize the value and talent they bring to the workplace. For more information on the national campaign visit www.WhatCanYouDoCampaign.org.

About Work Without Limits
Work Without Limits is a public/private partnership whose mission is to strengthen the Massachusetts workforce and advance work opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities in Massachusetts. For more information on Work Without Limits, visit www.workwithoutlimits.org

Universal Design and Assistive Technology Expo

On September 23, 2011, an expo and conference ‘Products and Technologies that Change People’s Lives – Universal Design and Assistive Technology in Massachusetts’ will take place at the Hynes convention center in Boston, MA. This event will showcase state-of-the-art technologies and products that assist people to work, live, learn and play across the spectrum of ability and age. The event aims to provide insight into the way that design, science and engineering are helping people to live more full and independent lives.

The expo will take place from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

Come and explore the latest technologies and get to know cutting-edge companies that are leading the way in this field. The expo will include multiple exhibitors with a wide range of consumer products, information and communication technology, sport and recreation equipment, furniture and new trends in wheeled mobility. There will be a large hands-on demonstration area where people can test out products and experience whether they work for you.

Learn more here.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)

Held each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a national campaign that raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities.

NDEAM's roots go back to 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to "National Disability Employment Awareness Month." Upon the agency's establishment in 2001, ODEP assumed responsibility for NDEAM and has worked to expand its reach and scope ever since.

Although led by ODEP, NDEAM's true spirit lies in the many creative observances held at the grassroots level across the nation every year. Employers, schools and organizations of all sizes and in all communities are encouraged to participate in NDEAM, and ODEP offers a variety of resources to help them do so. Activities range from simple, such as putting up a NDEAM poster, to comprehensive, such as implementing a disability education program. Regardless, all play an important part in fostering a more inclusive America, one where every person is rightly recognized for his or her abilities — every day of every month.

3rd Annual ANCOR Technology Leadership Summit: Technology Solutions for Tough Times

Date:
Friday, October 14, 2011 (All day)
Location:
The Westin Westminster Hotel :: 10600 Westminster Boulevard :: Westminster, CO 80020

ANCOR is again partnering with the Coleman Institute in hosting a technology summit. Make plans today to attend this two-day event.

Day One

The Coleman Institute's conference will address economic perspectives on disability as they relate to federal funding, state budgets, the effect on people with cognitive disabilities and the role technology can play.

Day Two

Session breakouts:

• CMS and Managed Care's new emphasis on technology
• Small Provider Panel regarding their use of and funding technology
• Outcome Presentation pertaining to obtaining a return on investment by using technology. Vendors are encouraged to participate in conference sessions to learn of provider needs to then develop applications to enhance services and supports
• Ensuring privacy, avoiding legal pitfalls and leading edge compliance measures when using technology from the Human Resources and legal perspective
• How agencies strategically approach technology: Developing an agency roadmap for implementing assistive technology
• Participants must also register separately for the Coleman Conference (which is free). This event is very popular, so don't wait to sign up.

Learn more about the conference here.