This week the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the request of ten states too impose work requirements on able-bodied recipients of Medicaid.  (You can see the letter here.)  Governor Baker is opposed to the requirements.

Mike Ervin of Progressive.org  thinks plenty of people with disabilities will be negatively impacted.

In a hearing recently, Senator Warren questions two witnesses about the law that allows people with disabilities to be paid less than the minimum wage.  You can see the video here.

Although Massachusetts has delayed implementation of Electric Visit Verification (EVV), officials have noted that they will have to meet Federal requirements.  Recently, Ohio began rolling out EVV.  Here is a blog post by the mom of a child with Autism.  You can read it here.

The American Council of the Blind (ACB) seeks a dynamic and engaging individual to join our team at our national office in Alexandria, Virginia. This individual will take on the role of Advocacy and Outreach Specialist, providing valuable service to ACB's affiliates, members, and to national and regional disability rights advocates. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to make a real impact in the lives of Americans who are blind or visually impaired and to be a part of the larger conversation in our country encompassing disability rights.

When:  Saturday, January 20, 2018, 10 A.M. - Noon

Where:   College of the Holy Cross, Hogan Center, Room 320. 1 College Street, Worcester, MA 01610.

MCDHH will hold a public hearing for MCD06, the new contract for American Sign Language Interpreters and Transliterators for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. 

This contract will replace MCD01 when it ends on June 30, 2018. 

This hearing will allow stakeholders an opportunity to comment on the proposed MCD06 contract. Comments and signed videos may also be submitted by email to: jane.sokol.shulman@massmail.state.ma.us  (deadline for comments: 5:00 p.m. on  Tuesday, February 13, 2018 .)

When:   Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Save the Date

Where:  Four Points by Sheraton

1125 Boston-Providence Turnpike

Norwood, MA 02062 

13th Annual "Focus" on Vision Impairment & Blindness Conference: Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Intellectual Disability & Vision Loss

Registration Forms available now from "Training": www.focusonvisionandvisionloss.org/conferences--workshops.html

Meg Robertson COMS MA
Director Orientation and Mobility Department
Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
600 Washington Street 3rd Floor
Boston MA 02111
617-626-7581
Meg.Robertson@massmail.state.ma.us