Kristen Gripp, co-chair of the Disability Alliance employee-led group at Boston Children's Hospital, told members of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities' employment subcommittee that the group's mission is to "cultivate an inclusive, equitable, and supportive environment for all employees, focusing on persons with disabilities, including allies." Gripp said DAELG focuses on education, community and advocacy and uses monthly meetings, employee presentations and external speakers to raise awareness and improve accommodation processes.

Katie McCarthy, outreach and support services coordinator for the hospital's deaf and hard of hearing program, described DAELG's community-building work, partnerships with other employee-led groups and efforts to make workplace practices more accessible. McCarthy said Boston Children's used internal HR diversity resources and leadership sponsorship to establish the ERG, and that it took about a year to formalize the group's work. "We have an HR diversity department, and they help with the employee resource groups getting them started," Gripp said.

Commissioners asked about external partnerships and resources. The subcommittee recorded that Boston Children's is a member of the Work Without Limits business network and that the hospital has used the Disability Equality Index to guide improvements. A commission member posted a link to a Work Without Limits resource guide created by UMass Chan Medical School during the meeting and offered to share additional contacts and information.

Oz Mondehar, who identified himself as a former patient at Boston Children's Hospital, praised the group's work and offered introductions to contacts at Spaulding Rehabilitation, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham for further collaboration. The presentation concluded with an offer to add DAELG's materials to the commission's resource page.

The subcommittee's discussion covered practical advice for other employers: engage HR or DEI staff for sponsorship, secure leadership buy-in, document goals and allow time for establishment. The presenters said they welcome recommendations and external partners to support education for managers and recruitment practices.

The subcommittee did not take formal policy action on the presentation; the meeting moved on to its next agenda item after the Q&A.