PYD’s project to expand disability inclusion in Boston

Steve presenting in front of a group

The American’s with Disabilities Act promotes legal nondiscrimination, but PYD aspires to push everyone an important step beyond that. We push others toward full inclusion.

Are you looking to make your work and workplace more inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities? If so, you have come to the right place. PYD’s Boston Inclusion Community was established in efforts to create a world where young people with disabilities can lead lives filled with dignity, pride, and purpose by assuring that many organizations, workplaces, and communities are trained to be as fully inclusive as possible. 

In 2018, we established a cohort of 25 individuals from 17 different organizations in the Boston area that completed over 150 hours of training. This year, thanks to funding from NBCUniversal, PYD will select another 25 individuals from Boston-area organizations that show interest in better including people with disabilities in their work and workplaces. 

Keep in mind that registration is not restricted to youth-serving organizations! Any organization that demonstrates high-need for training as well as high potential impact will be prioritized in our selection process.  

Steve presenting John Kotter's 8 step change model at a Boston Inclusion Community presentation in 2018

Steve presenting John Kotter’s 8 step change model at a Boston Inclusion Community presentation in 2018

You may be wondering what exactly this project includes for the organizations accepted into the program, and what is expected of them. During the 3 months of our program, each organization is expected to:

  • Complete 6 online courses
  • Participate in a minimum of 2 webinars and an online discussion forum
  • Attend 2 in-person meetings between October and November
  • Create an inclusion Action Plan
  • Complete all courses and project evaluations
  • Share what you learn with your agency

Our program also gives you the opportunity to meet with colleagues and disability inclusion experts to apply what you learn to your work, as well as learning more about topics like inclusive language and etiquette, creating inclusive programs, activities, and events, inclusive marketing and outreach, intersectionality, and more!

For more information please contact Derek Shields at dshields@pyd.org.

Space is limited! The application deadline is August 16th. To learn more and sign up: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BIC-2019