New York State Department of Civil Service

The Disability Rights and Employment Awareness Month (DREAM) Symposium is a two-day, in-person event designed to unite advocates, employers, and community members. It aims to champion workplace inclusion and empower individuals with disabilities. The symposium features inspiring keynotes from national leaders in disability advocacy and inclusive employment, interactive workshops providing practical tools for building accessible workplaces and advancing careers, and networking sessions to connect with forward-thinking employers, agencies, and change-makers. Attendees can also participate in a Career Fair to engage with businesses seeking to build inclusive workforces, a Technology Fair showcasing developments in assistive technology, and a Resource Fair to explore support services for improving inclusive work and community life outcomes for people with disabilities. Topics covered typically include transition planning for students with disabilities, rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act, assistive technology, working while on public benefits, advancing employment opportunities for the deaf, and leveraging college accommodations for academic and workplace success. The event emphasizes connecting New Yorkers with disabilities to inclusive employers and promoting the 'Employment First' initiative.