October, 2020

We are excited about being able to change the name on our Facebook page from INDEX/Shriver Center/UMass Medical School to Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center/UMass Medical School. This change will allow us to reach a wider audience and to highlight all of the programs that we have to offer.

INDEX provides up-to-date information about programs, agencies, physicians, consultants, and dentists serving people with all disabilities in Massachusetts. We offer information and referral by email and phone. INDEX is only one of 11 programs of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center.

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center creates and delivers training programs that teach and train those who want to enhance the lives of people with disabilities. We develop and provide a range of information and resources to individuals with IDD and autism spectrum disorder and their families – plus clinicians, educators, and human services agencies.

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center was founded in 1970 in Waltham, MA, with a mission to improve the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The Center was named in honor of Mrs. Shriver and her lifelong commitment to championing the rights of individuals with IDD, and to influencing public perception of their value and potential contributions to their communities.

In 2000, the Shriver Center merged with the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, enhancing its resources and expanding its expertise. In 2013, the Center relocated to two locations in Massachusetts, in Worcester and Charlestown. That move increased the statewide impact of the Center’s programs, expanded access to clinical and research populations, and has enhanced development of its training and service programs. Being part of the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester has further strengthened our ties to the entire state of Massachusetts.

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary and its 20th anniversary of being part of the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

We look forward to sharing Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center news and events with you. We also look forward to continuing to post news and information about programs and services available to people with all disabilities in Massachusetts.

Please continue to like and follow our Facebook page.

For a person with a disability, how and when to disclose that disability, can be a sensitive issue. The first thing you should ask yourself is “Can I do the job?”. If your disability doesn’t affect job performance, then don’t include it on your resume. Don’t bring it up at an interview unless you have to. People with noticeable disabilities may want to disclose the disability at an interview. Each person needs to do what they feel comfortable with. INDEX has put together some resources to help you with making that decision.

Self-identification is up to each person. Some things to think about disclosure include reasonable accommodations, visible disabilities and company culture. When—if ever—to disclose your disability to a potential or current employer is one of the most difficult issues people with visual impairments and disabilities deal with during the employment process.

Job seekers, has disability disclosure been hard for you to decide? Has it been difficult to talk about job accommodations you might need?

INDEX Work, Disability Disclosure and Self-identification

Month: October 2020

Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center News

Work, Disability Disclosure and Self-identification