Despite tremendous global progress in disability health and equity made since the disability rights movement began, people with disabilities still face significant societal barriers, especially in finding stable and fulfilling employment.
AHRC NYC’s Partnership for Inclusive Internships (PII) is a public-private partnership fostering diversity and inclusive hiring within New York City and State government. On December 3, we proudly celebrated placing 250 total interns in NYC government, spread among 16 city agency partners, with 320 average hours per internship. More than 40% of interns have moved into competitive employment. Now funded as a demonstration project through NYC Talent, PII partners with New York State ACCES-VR and the NYS Commission for the Blind to support participants and help agencies host interns effectively.
One intern reflected, “I had an incredible experience interning. The support from the PII program meant the world to me. It provided me with everything I needed to succeed in my internship and gave me hope.”
Closing the Gap
“This partnership came out of the idea that we can all be better together,” said Marco Damiani, CEO of AHRC NYC. Jennifer Shaoul [Executive Director of Disability Affairs at the New York City Human Resources Administration] approached us and explained that the problem is a lot of people want internships here at the Department of Social Services [DSS], and we’re giving them internships, but guess what? It’s just becoming too big. The demand is too great. And we need a partner to help us propel this opportunity to something truly meaningful and impactful.” With support from the Taft Foundation, that partner was AHRC NYC.
Additional speakers included Steve Towler, Senior Vice President for Employment and Day Services; Kimberly Hill Ridley, New York State’s first Chief Disability Officer; Andy Sink, the state’s inaugural Employment First Director; and Molly Wasow Park, Commissioner for NYC DSS.
Internship reflections were provided by Zubaida Ramirez, Case Manager with the Office of Rehabilitation Services at DSS, and Malikah M. Constantine, Assistant Deputy Commissioner in that office. Malikah supervised Zubaida during the latter’s internship, which led to full-time employment with the city.
Special awards were given to Jennifer Shaoul for her continued advocacy of the PII program, and to Mirta Radkov, Assistant Deputy Commissioner-Revenue Office, NYC Human Resources Administration, for being PII’s Outstanding Supervisor in 2025.
Marco summed up the day by adding, “Senator Tom Harkin said, ‘Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not. Our work is to close the gap.’ You’re all closing the gap here today.”
