Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities

08/28/2026

Meet Carl Richardson, one of our panel co-moderators!

Carl Richardson will serve as a co-moderator of our Artificial Intelligence, Disability, and the Future of Work panel on October 7.

Carl identifies as DeafBlind and serves as the ADA Coordinator/504/Diversity Officer for the Massachusetts State House, where he works to help ensure the State House is an accessible, inclusive, and welcoming environment.

Carl is also a Commissioner and Co-Chair of our Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) and Health Equity Subcommittee. His extensive work in accessibility and disability advocacy will bring an important perspective to the conversation as we explore the opportunities, challenges, and questions surrounding AI, disability, accessibility, and the future of work.

Wednesday, October 7 | 2–3:30 PM

Massachusetts State House, Room 428 & Zoom

Register here: https://masstreasury.formstack.com/forms/commission_nomination_form_2026

08/26/2026

Meet Rachel Stanton, one of our panel co-moderators!

Rachel will help lead the conversation at our Artificial Intelligence, Disability, and the Future of Work panel on October 7.

As a Commissioner and former Co-Chair of our Disability Employment Subcommittee, Rachel brings her longstanding commitment to disability employment and accessibility to the conversation. In her role at the Office of the State Treasurer and Receiver General, she brings expertise in communications and graphic design, with a strong focus on accessibility and transparency in the public sector.

Join Rachel and our panelists for a conversation about the opportunities, challenges, and questions surrounding AI, disability, accessibility, and the future of work.

Wednesday, October 7 | 2–3:30 PM

Massachusetts State House, Room 428 & Zoom

Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/m2sx4rh/lp/13de05e6-c5e6-4924-90fc-f8dd31dd84f4

08/26/2026

One week left to submit an employer self-nomination!

The deadline for our 2026 NDEAM Employer Recognition Awards is September 2.

We want to hear from Massachusetts employers creating more accessible and inclusive workplaces for employees with disabilities. This year, we’ll recognize two small to mid-size organizations and one large organization at our October 7 NDEAM Celebration at the Massachusetts State House.

Each honoree will also receive an original piece of artwork created by an artist from Gateway Arts.

Tell us what your organization is doing to advance disability inclusion.

Submit a nomination: https://masstreasury.formstack.com/forms/commission_nomination_form_2026
Learn more about NDEAM and register for NDEAM 2026: https://www.mass.gov/news/2026-national-disability-employment-awareness-month-celebration

08/21/2026

Meet our panelist Ashley Bloom, Chief IT Accessibility Officer at the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security!

Ashley has more than 20 years of experience in accessibility, including developing and leading accessibility programs and strategy in higher education and corporate environments.

Ashley will join us for Artificial Intelligence, Disability, and the Future of Work, bringing her perspective on accessibility strategy and the importance of taking a proactive approach to accessibility as technology and digital processes continue to evolve.

The panel is part of the Commission’s 2026 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Celebration at the Massachusetts State House and on Zoom.

When: October 7 | 2:00–3:30 p.m.

Where: Massachusetts State House, Room 428 + Zoom

Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/m2sx4rh/lp/13de05e6-c5e6-4924-90fc-f8dd31dd84f4

Alt text: Blue, white, and gold promotional graphic for the “Artificial Intelligence, Disability, and the Future of Work” panel. Large text reads “Meet Ashley.” The graphic describes Ashley Bloom’s more than 20 years of personal and professional experience in accessibility, including leading accessibility programs and strategy and working across the Commonwealth to build accessibility into digital processes and purchasing. The panel will take place October 7 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Massachusetts State House, Room 428, and on Zoom. A QR code to register appears at the bottom.

08/20/2026

Meet our panelist Alexandra DeVoe!

Alexandra is the Lead Accessibility Engineer on the Accessibility Center for Consulting, Education and Support Services (ACCESS) team at the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS).

With more than 20 years of experience in web design, front-end engineering, and accessibility, Alexandra brings a technical accessibility perspective to Artificial Intelligence, Disability, and the Future of Work. We’ll hear from her about the role accessibility plays as new technologies are designed, developed, and introduced.

The panel is part of the Commission’s 2026 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Celebration at the Massachusetts State House and on Zoom.
When: October 7 | 2–3:30 p.m.
Where: Massachusetts State House, Room 428 + Zoom
Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/m2sx4rh/lp/13de05e6-c5e6-4924-90fc-f8dd31dd84f4

Alt text: Blue and white promotional graphic featuring a headshot of panelist Alexandra DeVoe, who has shoulder-length reddish-brown hair and is wearing a black top. Large text reads “Meet Alexandra.” The graphic identifies her as a seasoned accessibility engineer and Lead Accessibility Engineer on the ACCESS team at the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS), with more than 20 years of experience in web design, front-end engineering, and accessibility. She will join the “Artificial Intelligence, Disability, and the Future of Work” panel on October 7 from 2 to 3:30pm at the Massachusetts State House, Room 428, and on Zoom. A QR code to register appears at the bottom.

08/13/2026

We had the chance to check out some of the accessible voting equipment being considered for Massachusetts today at Perkins School for the Blind!

The Accessible Voting Equipment Vendor Fair brought together voters, members of the disability community, local election officials, and vendors to try out different machines, ask questions, and share feedback. These fairs are part of the process to replace Massachusetts’ existing accessible voting equipment.

It was great to see people getting hands-on with the different options and having their voices be part of the process.

Tomorrow’s fair will be at:
Blackstone River Greenway Visitor Center from 10am to 1pm
3 Paul Clancy Way
Worcester, MA 01607

Learn more about accessible voting in Massachusetts: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/voting-information/voters-with-disabilities.htm

08/13/2026

Meet our next panelist, Greg Mazzeo, PsyD.!

Greg is an organizational psychologist, leadership advisor, and founder of Nourishment Consulting LLC. With a focus on human-centered leadership and organizational culture, Greg will join us for Artificial Intelligence, Disability, and the Future of Work to bring an employer and leadership perspective to the conversation, including how workplace culture and decision-making can shape the way AI is introduced and used.

The panel is part of the Commission's 2026 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Celebration at the Massachusetts State House and on Zoom.

When: October 7 | 2:00–3:30 p.m.
Where: Massachusetts State House Room 428 + Zoom
Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/m2sx4rh/lp/13de05e6-c5e6-4924-90fc-f8dd31dd84f4

Alt text: Blue and white promotional graphic featuring a headshot of panelist Greg Mazzeo, PsyD, smiling, with short hair, wearing a white collared shirt. Text reads “Meet Greg” and identifies him as an organizational psychologist, leadership advisor, and founder of Nourishment Consulting LLC. He will join the “Artificial Intelligence, Disability, and the Future of Work” panel on October 7 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. There is a QR code to scan to register at the bottom.

08/12/2026

Meet our panelist Rania Kelly, MPA, M.Arch.!

Rania is President of MassFamilies, Director of Family Engagement at Perkins School for the Blind, and a LEND Fellow.
Bringing her experience in disability, accessibility, family engagement, and inclusive design, Rania will join us for Artificial Intelligence, Disability, and the Future of Work to explore the opportunities AI may create for people with disabilities and the importance of keeping their needs and experiences at the center of the conversation.

The panel is part of the Commission's 2026 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Celebration at the Massachusetts State House and on Zoom.

When: October 7 | 2–3:30 p.m.
Where: Massachusetts State House Room 428 + Zoom
Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/m2sx4rh/lp/13de05e6-c5e6-4924-90fc-f8dd31dd84f4

Alt text: Blue and white promotional graphic featuring a headshot of panelist Rania Kelly, MPA, M.Arch., smiling and wearing a black top. Text reads “Meet Rania” and identifies her as President of MassFamilies, Director of Family Engagement at Perkins School for the Blind, and a LEND Fellow. She will join the “Artificial Intelligence, Disability, and the Future of Work” panel on October 7 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. There is a QR code to scan to register at the bottom.

07/31/2026

07/31/2026

Does this sound like your organization?

In this short video, Massachusetts employers and employees from Old Colony YMCA, Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, and MicroTek-Cables share what disability inclusion looks like in practice, and why it matters.

If your organization is creating opportunities for employees with disabilities and building a more inclusive workplace, we encourage you to share your story.
We've extended the nomination deadline for our 2026 National Disability Employment Awareness Month Employer Recognition Awards through September 2. This year, we'll recognize two small to mid-size organizations and one large organization at the Massachusetts State House on October 7.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/ol2b_y2IV6E?si=rcXilxOpDnU50hZA

Submit a nomination: https://masstreasury.formstack.com/forms/commission_nomination_form_2026

Register to attend our event: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/m2sx4rh/lp/13de05e6-c5e6-4924-90fc-f8dd31dd84f4