New York opened a two-day disability employment symposium Wednesday with a career fair, resource fair and assistive-technology demonstrations. The state also plans to light the Fairport Lift Bridge red, light blue and gold or yellow Wednesday night as part of its recognition of Disability Rights and Employment Awareness Month.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the fifth annual DREAM Symposium on Oct. 14. The governorās release says the free event brings job seekers with disabilities together with employers, state agencies, nonprofit groups and providers of workplace resources. Cornell Universityās Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability is among the participating organizations.
The release identifies the event as a two-day symposium but does not provide a complete public schedule or registration instructions. People interested in attending should confirm the location, session times and accessibility arrangements with the stateās Office of the Chief Disability Officer before traveling.
Jobs, technology and public benefits
The first day features a career fair, resource fair and assistive-technology demonstrations, according to the state. Planned breakout topics include hiring in the private sector, workplace design, transitions through different life stages, community participation, public benefits and financial literacy, self-advocacy and employment in the 21st century.
The Office of the Chief Disability Officer is leading the event with state partners including the departments of Labor and Civil Service, the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, the Office of Mental Health, the State Education Department and the Division of Human Rights. Employers, advocates, families, researchers and service providers are also expected to participate.
The governorās office describes the symposium as part of New Yorkās Employment First initiative, which aims to make competitive, integrated employment a priority for people with disabilities. Hochul has also proclaimed October Disability Rights and Employment Awareness Month in New York, aligning it with National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Fairport landmark among those to be lit
The Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal is one of the landmarks the state says will be illuminated Wednesday. Others on the governorās list include the State Fairgroundsā main gate and Expo Center and the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. The state did not specify a lighting start or end time in the announcement.
The Fairport lighting is the releaseās direct Finger Lakes connection; the broader employment event is a statewide program. The governorās office says state agencies are working to expand access to employment, training and public-service jobs for people with disabilities. Those policy goals are separate from any individual job offer or benefit eligibility, which attendees would need to confirm with the relevant employer or agency.
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