Young Adults with Disabilities

Supporting Young Adults with Disabilities in Employment Programs

In a significant stride toward fostering inclusivity and empowering young adults with disabilities, the Commonwealth Corporation has announced the launch of the Request for Proposal (RFP) for partnerships under the Employment Programs for Young Adults with Disabilities (YAWD).

Monteforte Law, P.C. proudly supports this initiative and is committed to providing information and assistance to individuals interested in signing up for the program.

The YAWD program aims to enhance workforce outcomes for young adults with disabilities by offering approximately $900,000 in grant funding. Administered by the Commonwealth Corporation on behalf of The Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD), this state-funded initiative is a crucial step towards creating a more inclusive and supportive employment landscape.

Partnerships selected through the RFP process can benefit from grant funding ranging from $150,000 to $200,000. These funds are intended to support initiatives led by community-based organizations that have demonstrated success in preparing young adults with disabilities for employment and ensuring ongoing support for their professional development.

The primary objective of the Employment Programs for Young Adults with Disabilities is to facilitate the integration of individuals with disabilities into the workforce. By encouraging partnerships with community-based organizations, the program aims to identify and support initiatives that effectively prepare young adults for employment opportunities. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of ongoing support to promote retention and success in the workplace.

The program is funded through a General Appropriation Act in the Fiscal Year 2024 State Budget (7003-0607). This allocation underscores the government's commitment to fostering equal opportunities and creating a more inclusive job market.

Those who are interested in the program are encouraged to submit their applications by December 4, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. This deadline provides an opportunity for organizations to present their innovative approaches and strategies for supporting young adults with disabilities in their journey toward meaningful employment.

Monteforte Law is proud to express its support for the Employment Programs for Young Adults with Disabilities. As advocates for equality and inclusivity, we recognize the importance of initiatives that create pathways to employment for individuals with disabilities. We are more than happy to provide information and assistance to those interested in participating in the program.

Learn more and apply here.