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Disability Policy Consortium Weekly Update
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Another week, another setback in Washington. Last week the U.S. House of Representatives voted to gut the public accommodations section of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If this pile of poop known as legislation is brought up in the Senate, we will alert you.
This week, we have three job openings for you. By the way over the next two issues of this publication, I anticipate we will have postings for sixteen job openings at the Disability Policy Consortium. Polish those resumes.
Our calendar section has several events, including an upcoming series of hearings on proposed changes in the Architectural Barrier Board regulations.
Until next week,
good reading.
John Winske
Disability Policy Consortium
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Net News: H620 Passes House
As anticipated, H620 was brought to the floor last week. By a vote 225-192, the House voted to gut Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Here is a link to a Newsweek story which includes video of Representative Jim Lagevin of Rhode Island, a quadriplegic speaking against the bill.
The bill will need to pass the Senate to become law. We will keep you updated on the bill.
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Net News: Ohio State University Develops Smart Paint Help Mobility for the Blind
The
Ohio State University and business partners have developed a "smart paint" material which will assist people who are blind or visually impaired be able to safely navigate streetscapes. You can read about it here.
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Employment Opportunity: DPH Health and Disability Program Coordinator
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is searching for a new Program Coordinator for their Health and Disability Office.
Health and Disability Program Coordinator - (180000JV)
Description
The Office of Health Equity at the Department of Public Health is hiring a program coordinator to lead the Health and Disability Program. The ideal candidate will have experience designing, implementing, and evaluating disability, health and/or public programs, supervising staff, and liaising with internal and external stakeholders.
The Program Coordinator III (PC-III) provides consultation, training, and technical assistance on disability and accessibility issues to Department of Public Health (DPH) staff, vendors, and partners. The PC-III also oversees activities related to the Health and Disability Program's (HDP) grant on Improving the Health of People with Mobility Limitations and Intellectual Disabilities through State-based Public Health Programs.
The successful candidate will lead the HDP, supervising two staff, managing a subcontracted evaluation team, liaising with federal project officers, and supporting the Principal Investigator. The PC-III presents at and represents HDP on relevant work groups, committees, councils, boards, meetings, and events.
This position is funded by a five-year federal grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is currently in its second year. The HDP has been funded through a CDC grant since 1989. The Program Coordinator III will work with the Principal Investigator to produce grant-related reports and deliverables.
HDP resides within the Office of Health Equity (OHE) to champion the health of people with disabilities by promoting best practices and policies driven by the disability community and a commitment to the practice of "nothing about us without us." HDP works to improve health and prevent secondary conditions for people with disabilities through strong collaborations with internal and external public health programs and services, the disability community, state agencies, and other relevant stakeholders. HDP's work focuses on policy and systems change while maintaining a focus HDP is strongly committed to reducing health disparities for people with disabilities statewide.
For a
full job description and to apply please go to here.
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Employment Opportunity: Two Openings at United Spinal Injury - Boston
Enhanced Peer Mentor Job Posting
The Greater Boston Chapter of United Spinal Association has two exciting opportunities for individuals who is passionate about working with people affected by a life altering spinal cord injury. Join us as we implement an innovative approach to peer mentoring.
Position Summary
The Enhanced Peer Mentor is responsible for piloting an innovative peer mentor program which is more pro-active and patient centered than traditional peer mentoring. The Enhanced Peer Mentor will be actively involved with those who are newly injured with a life altering spinal cord injury, during their acute rehabilitation and for 90 days post discharge.
The Enhanced Peer Mentor is a component of the Chapter's nationally recognized Peer Mentor Program which works to enhance the quality of life for those affected by a spinal cord injury. The program embodies the concept that one learns best from someone in similar life circumstances acting as a role model and support.
The Enhanced Peer Mentor Program is a pilot program funded by the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation. This is a part time, 10 hours/week position, with specific days to be determined in conjunction with Chapter Coordinator. Please note the schedule each week may vary. The position is based out of the Chapter's Boston office located at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, MA.
The Greater Boston Chapter of United Spinal Association is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization founded over 25 years ago to assist people affected by a spinal cord injury to rebuild their lives and to live their fullest potential. The Chapter's provides peer mentoring, role modeling, education, resources, social activity, public awareness and advocacy.
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Calendar: Joint Committee on Ways and Means Hearing Schedule Released
Human Services testimony will be heard March 2nd at Roxbury Community College and March 12th at Berkshire Community College.
The hearing on March 19th at Gardner Auditorium will also be an open session where testimony is open to any line-item.
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Calendar: Disability and Public Service: Advocating When Everything is at Stake
When: Wednesday, February 28, 2018, 1:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M.
Where: Land Hall, Beifer Building, 4th Floor, Kennedy School of Government, 79 JFK Street, Cambridge 02138
From the current protests to protect the ADA to last year's successful defense of Medicaid, many disabled Americans believe, with good reason, that they must continually speak up to ensure the public programs that help them stay healthy, stay housed, and often stay alive remain funded. It is no wonder then that there are many exemplary people with disabilities in the field of public service. Join a distinguished panel including:
Clyde Terry, Chair of the National Council on Disability,
Tom Sannicandro, Director of the Institute for Community Inclusion and former MA State
Representative,and
Colleen Flanagan, co-Executive Director of Disability Action for America (the Nation's only disability rights political action committee)
Join us, for a passionate discussion of what it means to be an advocate for disability rights in the public sphere.
Moderated by Colin Killick, chair of the Kennedy School's student Disability Justice Caucus.
Free and open to the public
Light Refreshments Provided
This event is wheelchair accessible.
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Calendar: One Care TeleTown Hall
When: Tuesday March 27, 2018, 1:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M.
Join us on the phone.
Tell the Implementation Council:
What is working?
What needs to be fixed?
Call Toll Free 1 (877) 300-1240.
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Calendar: Architectural Access Board Public Hearing Dates 521 CMR
Below you will find the dates and locations for the public hearings on the proposed changes to 521 CMR. They are also on the AAB website.
The proposed updates are online at
We have been advocating for these changes for a long time. Compliance with these regulations should make more housing accessible and remove barriers for employment for people with disabilities. Please attend a hearing, and let the AAB know that we support these changes.
March 22, 2018 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Fall River Government Center
The Atrium
1 Government Center (if this address doesn't come up on GPS use 30 Third Street, building is across the street)
Fall River, MA
Parking: Third Street Parking Garage, 157 Third St, Fall River, MA 02721
1 Government Center Fall River MA
March 29, 2018 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
UMass Amherst
Lincoln Campus Center
1 Campus Center Way, Room 163C
Amherst, MA
Parking: The parking garage is located next to the Campus Center
UMass Campus Maps
April 5, 2018 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
One Ashburton Place
21st Floor, Conference Rooms 1 and 2
Boston, MA
April 12, 2018 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
Worcester State University
May Street Auditorium
May Street Building
280 May StreetWorcester, MA
Parking: There is on-street parking located around the May St. Building
April 26, 2018 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Salem State University
Petrowski Room
Marsh Hall #210
71B Loring Ave, Salem
Parking: Follow signs for Enterprise Center parking
Salem State University Campus Map
May 24, 2018 8:30 - 12:30
Cape Cod Community College
Science Lecture Hall C
2240 Iyannough RoadWest Barnstable, MA
Parking: Lots 8 and 9
Cape Cod Community College Campus Map
Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request (note that CART and ASL services have been requested from MCDHH). Include a description of the accommodation you will need,
including as much detail as you can. Also include a way we can contact you if we need more information.
Please allow at least two weeks (14 days) advance notice. Last minute requests will be accepted, but may be impossible to fill. Send an e-mail to Thomas Hopkins at
Thomas.hopkins@state.ma.us or contact him by telephone at 617-727-0660.
Our thanks to MetroWest Center for Independent Living for sharing this with us.
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Calendar: Our Space, Our Place
We have two upcoming workshops about which we would like to let you know:
1. Be.You.tiful
Empowering Girls, Breaking Barriers and Building friendships.
Date:
April 17, 18
and 19
Location: The Nonprofit Center, 89 south Street, Boston MA.
A workshop for girls in middle and high school.
2. Coding Camp
Date:
July 9 - 13
A workshop for students curious about coding.
Best,
Cheryl
www.ourspaceourplace.org
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DPC Needs your Help!!!
The DPC uses the PayPal PayFast system for your tax deductible charitable donations. You do not need to have a PayPal account to use this system because credit card payments are also accepted.
The DPC also uses the Causes program for recurring donations (as well as one time donations). This is a great way to make a smaller monthly donation.
Donate by Mail
Make check or money order payable to:
Disability Policy Consortium
11 Dartmouth Street
Suite 301
Malden, MA 02148 |
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