By David Temelini

On December 4, the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) hosted an open house to highlight its many programs focused on creating greater opportunities for people with disabilities. Speakers at the event included Chancellor Gora and ICI director William Kiernan, who spoke about ICI's growing relationship with UMass Boston and highlighted new projects and grants. Paul Mattera, a senior vice president of Liberty Mutual Group and chairman of the New England Council, a business organization that partners with ICI, also discussed the connections between the disability and business worlds as more companies focus on maintaining employees who acquire or age into disability.

Exhibits throughout the ICI's offices at 20 Park Plaza featured the institute's work. For instance, Sue Cusack and Jeff Coburn demonstrated accessible web design and technology solutions to help students with disabilities succeed in school; the National Service Inclusion Project showcased its work with AmeriCORPS and other federal community service programs to include people with disabilities as service members and volunteers; and the research department displayed findings from national studies of state workforce and disability agencies. Visiting attendees included members of the UMass Boston community, local businesses, local and national agency leaders, and disability leaders.

Image: William Kiernan, director of the institute, and Chancellor Gora talk at the ICI Open House held on December 4. (Photo by Harry Brett)