December 2, 2005

MGH named Employer of the Year by Easter Seals

The MGH was named the Easter Seals Employer of the Year at the Easter Seals Massachusetts annual awards program Nov. 14. The award recognizes employers that are leaders in hiring people with disabilities.

Davis, right, accepts the Employer of the Year Award from Cheryl Mongell, an Easter Seals board member.

"While some employers are still struggling to comply with standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act, the MGH is figuring out ways to surpass them," said Regina Pisa, Easter Seals board chair. Two years ago, the MGH set out to create a more accessible and accommodating environment for people with disabilities. The hospital formed a Council for Disabilities Awareness, co-chaired by Carmen Vega-Barachowitz, director of MGH Speech, Language and Swallowing, and Oz Mondejar, formerly of MGH Human Resources who now serves as vice president for Human Resources at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.

The council has spearheaded a variety of significant initiatives, including a campaign entitled "Through the Patient's Eyes," an effort to learn about the MGH's surroundings and services from patients and visitors with disabilities. The council also sponsored an MGH presentation entitled "Employment: The Great Equalizer for People with Disabilities," by W. Roy Grizzard, Jr., EdD, assistant U.S. secretary for Disability Employment Policy. And the council continues to provide senior administration with recommendations for improving access and enhancing the overall experience of staff, patients and visitors to the MGH.

"Thank you on behalf of the MGH community, which strives to look beyond a person's disability to see their ability," said Jeff Davis, senior vice president for MGH Human Resources, who accepted the award.

For more information about the MGH Council for Disabilities Awareness, call (617) 724-0762 or send e-mail to cvegabarachowitz@partners.org.