Panelists at commission event urge networking, employer flexibility to improve disability employment

At a hybrid “Strength and Support” event hosted by the Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities, panelists described how job coaching, networking and small employer accommodations can help youth and young adults with disabilities find and keep work. The event was introduced by Commissioner Jassy Burks Abbott, co-chair of the Disability Employment Subcommittee, who opened the program and noted the session was being recorded and live streamed on the Massachusetts legislators website.

The session brought together people with lived experience, job coaches and service providers to share specific employment successes, common roadblocks and practical strategies. Panelists emphasized that many candidates succeed when employers take modest steps — offering initial on-site coaching, flexible schedules and clearer onboarding — and when jobseekers build local networks and incremental workplace experience.

Speakers described concrete successes. Sarah, a communications and social media intern with…