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Disability Policy Consortium Weekly Update
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With certainty, I can say that things are not boring around here.
We have a summary of our
Disability and Intersectionality Summit which drew more than 120 people in person and another 30 or so live streaming.
ADAPT visited Massachusetts last week to team up with Mass ADAPT. True to form, the group made their presence felt and garnered plenty of media attention.
We have some news from the U.S. Supreme Court. We also have two job openings at the DPC. So if you know people looking for work, please pass the word.
Lastly, and most importantly, we remind you to vote on Tuesday.
As always, happy
reading.
John Winske
Disability Policy Consortium
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DPC Event: Disability and Intersectionality Summit
On Saturday, more than 120 advocates gathered at the Non Profit Center in Boston where they heard from a stellar line-up of speakers from across the United States. Keynote speaker and DPC Board member, Heather Watkins, started the day as the keynote speaker. She was followed by nine other speakers, all of whom represented communities which are confronted with multiple oppressive forces including race, gender identity, language, sexual preference as well as disability.
The conference is believed to be one of the first in the United States centered on this timely topic. DPC would like to thank Sandy Ho and Lydia X. Z. Brown who led the all volunteer effort to organize the summit.
We would also like to thank the following organizations which sponsored the summit:
Disability Law Center
National Council on Independent Living
Stavros Center for Independent Living
Easter Seals Massachusetts
Boston Center for Independent Living
Multicultural Independent Living Center of Boston
Association of University Centers on Disabilities
Matthew V. Joslin Fund
ARC of Massachusetts
Independent Living Center of Cape Ann & North Shore
Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council
Disability Visibility Project
We would also thank
VSA Massachusetts for hosting a an art exhibit for more than two months that featured artists with disabilities who are also members of other communities.
We hope to make the Disability and Intersectionality Summit an annual event.
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Community News: ADAPT Makes Their Presence Known
National ADAPT flew into Boston a week ago to join Massachusetts ADAPT in a series of high visibility protests.
The festivities began with a rally and march through downtown Boston.
On Monday, more than 100 protesters rallied at the Judge Rotenberg Center to protest the institution which continues to use painful electric shock aversives on people with disabilities as a behavior modification tool. The Rotenberg Center remains as the only institution in the United States to use this abhorrent technique.
On Tuesday, more than 150 people attended a rally
at the Executive Office of Health and Human Services at One Ashburton Place. It became a protest after negotiations with EOHHS fell apart.
On Wednesday, ADAPT rallied at the Massachusetts State House.
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Employment: One Care Ombudsman Two Temporary Positions Available
The DPC has two temporary positions available. These positions are for grant funded positions through May 31, 2017. There is a possibility that these positions could be extended if funding is acquired.
Looking to make a difference in the lives of others? Exciting Advocacy/Health Care Opportunity! - One Care Ombudsman Office SPANISH BILINGUAL OMBUDSMAN provides mediation and negotiation Ombudsman services for Spanish speaking members of new health care initiative One Care for persons with disabilities in Massachusetts. $42,000 - $45,000 based on qualifications | Worker's Comp, Health Insurance Premium Coverage: 50% Family and 75% Individual, Sick Leave, Telecommuting, Vacation Pay, Business Travel Mileage Reimbursement | Travel required - minimal. DISABILITY POLICY CONSORTIUM: 617-542-3822. Send cover letter and resume to akalogeropoulos@dpcma.org.
Looking to make a difference in the lives of others? Exciting Marketing and Outreach Opportunity! - One Care Ombudsman Office COMMUNICATIONS OUTREACH MANAGER coordinates program messaging and outreach to general public and members of new health care initiative One Care for persons with disabilities in Massachusetts. $42,000 - $45,000 based on qualifications | Worker's Comp, Health Insurance Premium Coverage: 50% Family and 75% Individual, Sick Leave, Telecommuting, Vacation Pay, Business Travel Mileage Reimbursement | Travel required - minimal. DISABILITY POLICY CONSORTIUM: 617-542-3822. Send cover letter and resume to akalogeropoulos@dpcma.org.
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Justin Dart was known for saying, "Vote as if your life depended on it. Because it does." I learned years ago not to argue with Justin. This statement may have never be more true than it is this year. We at the DPC urge you to vote on Tuesday, November 8th.
If you are a registered voter, live in Massachusetts and you don't know where
to vote please click here.
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DPC Partner News: Survey for Voters with Visual Disabilities
Election Day 2016 marks the tenth year in which voters with disabilities have been able to cast a ballot using accessible voting terminals. How well are they working in Massachusetts? How well are they working in your polling place?
The Bay State Council of the Blind (BSCB) is conducting a brief, online survey of voters with all types of disabilities who used, or attempted to use, an accessible terminal to cast a ballot during the November elections. The goal is to hear from voters in as many polling places as possible throughout the Commonwealth. The BSCB will give the survey results to the Elections Division in order to improve the voting experience in future elections.
Your feedback is greatly appreciated! To participate,
Take the BSCB voting survey
The link will be active until November 18th, so please circulate it within your networks! Please note that the National Federation of the Blind is also conducting a voting survey. The NFB survey is a separate and important initiative with a slightly different focus. Blind voters may participate in both.
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Net News: Supreme Court Hears Major Case on Service and Guide Dogs
Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court heard the case of Ehlena Fry and her service dog, Wonder. Ehlena's school would not allow Wonder to attend school with her. We have two articles about the case for you. This
one is from Nina Totenberg at NPR. This
one is by Scotusblog.
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Calendar: BCIL Annual Meeting
When Thursday, November 17, 2016, 6:00 P.M.
Where: Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, Boston
In the past year we have advocated to protect Ride services and the PCA program, for a consumer voice in health reform, and for affordable and accessible housing. We've also again provided vital services to people with disabilities across Greater Boston.
Please join us as we look back on important successes and look ahead to another year of service and advocacy for independent living.
On the meeting agenda, after a light meal, will be brief business reports, a review of the past year, and the presentation of an award to a member who has been a strong advocate on health care issues. Our keynote speaker will be Dan Tsai, Director of MassHealth, who will address MassHealth topics.
If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Susan Smith at BCIL for planning and food purposes:
ssmith@bostoncil.org or 617-338-6665, x232. Also, please let us know by November 9 if you'll need an accommodation.
Should you wish to obtain a proxy ballot for board elections if you are unable to attend the meeting, please contact Shawn Kelley by phone at 617-338-6665, x201 or at
skelley@bostoncil.org.
Your support in the past and for the coming year is much appreciated!
We hope to see you on the 17th for a fun and spirited evening.
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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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