New York City is ramping up efforts to create a more inclusive workforce, focusing on expanding opportunities for residents with disabilities.
The Adams administration announced on Thursday that it had surpassed its initial hiring goals and is launching new initiatives to further support this community in finding meaningful employment.
The city plans to implement the New York Systems Change and Inclusive Opportunities Network (SCION) at 18 Workforce1 Career Centers. This program, funded by a $1.5 million investment from the New York State Department of Labor, is intended to enhance staff training to serve better individuals with disabilities seeking career opportunities.
Additionally, the Partnership for Inclusive Internships (PII) program is set to expand, offering 100 more paid internships to New Yorkers with disabilities over the next three years. The ultimate goal is to transition these interns into full-time employment.
Mayor Eric Adams expressed his commitment to inclusive economic growth, stating, “For too long, people with disabilities have either been left behind or entirely forgotten as the city developed its workforce. In our administration, we have brought everyone to the table to learn from the past so we can build a better, more inclusive future.”
The city has already made significant progress, connecting over 500 individuals with disabilities to jobs – far exceeding its first-year target of 350.
This achievement puts the administration ahead of schedule in its three-year goal of placing 2,500 New Yorkers with disabilities in good-paying jobs and careers.
Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer highlighted the importance of these efforts, saying, “Connecting New Yorkers with disabilities to career track employment is crucial to this administration’s vision for an inclusive workforce. Today’s milestone makes clear that this administration is tireless in its effort to ensure all New Yorkers can reach their full potential.”
Christina Curry, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, emphasized the collaborative nature of these initiatives. “By breaking down barriers and investing in tailored support, we are not only exceeding our goals, but also paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable workforce,” Curry remarked.
The announcement comes as part of a broader push by the Adams administration to improve workforce development across the city. This includes progress on the goal of creating 30,000 apprenticeships by 2030 and the recent launch of the New York City Workforce Development Council.
To further support these efforts, the Center for Workplace Accessibility and Inclusion (CWAI) will oversee programming and work across various sectors to identify and eliminate barriers for people with disabilities. An advisory council, chaired by Angela Lean from Microsoft, will guide city agencies on workforce development strategies and help create an accessibility framework for employers.
