|
Disability Policy Consortium Weekly Update
,
Wow. Summer made an early appearance last week. All of us were reminded how much fun life can be without five layers of clothing.
First of all, thank you to all of you who wrote to me after viewing the story about the NYC Ballet in a recent newsletter. I heard from nine of you and all of you loved it. Thank you for the feedback it helps me in deciding on stories for future issues of this publication.
The Commissions on Disability Alliance (CODA) is teaming up with the Boston Commission on Disability to offer a free training on how to review an Architectural Barriers Board (AAB) variance request. CODA is organized by the DPC to assist local Commissions on Disability, in the Commonwealth, with sharing common concerns and information.
We have several stories from around the internet for you. Also our calendar has a few new events.
Until next week,
as always happy reading.
John Winske
Disability Policy Consortium
|
|
Free Training: Reviewing an AAB Variance Request
When: Friday, May 18, 2018, 1:30 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Where: Piedmonte Room, 5th Floor, Boston City Hall,
Boston, MA
Commissions on Disability Alliance
(A Program of the Disability Policy Consortium) and
The Boston Commission on Persons with Disabilities,
Mayor Martin J. Walsh present:
Reviewing an AAB Variance
Presenting, Tom Hopkins, Executive Director
Massachusetts Architectural Access Board
- The goal of the training is to enable commissions on Disability (CODs)/ADA coordinators to exercise their opportunity to weigh-in on the variance review process, by participating and expressing support for, or opposition to, variance applications in their localities.
- A Variance is official permission from the state to not comply with the Architectural Access Board (AAB) regulations. A variance can be granted, denied, or granted with conditions by the AAB.
Wheelchair Accessible, ASL, CART and Scent Free
|
Employment Opportunity: Jobs, Jobs, Jobs, We've Got Them!
Some weeks ago, I mentioned that the DPC would have positions available. Today, I can officially announce that we have 18, yes 18, positions available.
All positions will be open until they are filled.
Candidates should send their cover letter and resume to
akalogeropoulos@dpcma.org. Please put the positions you are applying for in the subject line.
You can also mail your cover letter and resume to:
Amy Kalogeropoulos
Director of Operations
DPC
11 Dartmouth Street, Suite #301
Malden, MA 02148.
Again, please indicate the position for which you are applying.
People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
The DPC is a AA/EEO employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual preference or disability.
|
Net News: Trump Administration Seeks to Bar Immigrants with Disabilities.
In full keeping with it's anti-disability practices, the Disability Scoop is reporting that the Department of Homeland Security is moving to make it more difficult for immigrants with disability or their families to get a visa or attain permanent residency in the United States. You
can read more here.
|
|
Net News: DPC Board Member Heather Watkins Appearing on United Shades of America
DPC Board Member, Heather Watkins, has been gaining increasing recognition as an expert on intersectionality and people with disabilities. She is making an appearance on CNN's United Shades of America with W. Kamau Bell. The show airs on Sundays at 10 P.M. on CNN. Here is
a link to her interview.
|
|
Net News: The Ride Hires New Vendor for Paratransit Dispatching
This week, the MBTA Oversight Board hired a new vendor called Transdev to oversee dispatching and scheduling of RIDE service. Last fall, the MBTA announced that it was ending its contract with Global Contract Services early by mutual agreement. You can
read more here from Commonwealth Magazine and
here from the Boston Globe.
|
|
Net News: Marrakesh Treaty Moves Forward in Senate
The American Council of the Blind was pleased to announce, in March, the introduction of the Marrakesh Treaty Implementation Act (S. 2559). The legislation, introduced by Sens. Grassley, Feinstein, Hatch, Corker, Harris and Menendez, demonstrates the current bipartisan support for improving access to print material around the world by individuals who are blind or have other print disabilities.
At the time this issue went to press, the Senate was slated to hold a hearing on the treaty, where it could be voted out of committee. It would then require a two-thirds majority of the U.S. Senate to fully enact the treaty.
Once passed, it will implement the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Treaty. The treaty will help to overcome the current accessible media shortage around the world for people who are blind or who have other print disabilities.
We're extremely excited that the Senate Committees on Judiciary and Foreign Relations have come together in a bipartisan manner to tackle the book famine existing across the globe for people who are blind and trying to obtain accessible materials. As a librarian, I'm far too familiar with the hurdles individuals who are blind in other countries face when trying to get books in braille or in audio formats from international publishers. Those obstacles will be wiped away as more and more countries ratify the treaty.
ACB has been actively involved with treaty advocacy since its inception and was represented in Marrakesh on June 27, 2013 when the final treaty document was passed by WIPO. Commonly referred to as the Marrakesh Treaty, it aims to facilitate access to materials in a specialized format to eligible individuals. Publishers, libraries, and authorized entities would then cooperate to support acquisition of accessible materials from a wide variety of international sources. It is estimated that only 5 percent of printed materials around the world are available in an accessible format. The Marrakesh Treaty will help improve the coordination and availability of accessible materials by removing copyright restraints that have previously made it difficult to share U.S. published works abroad in alternative formats.
This story was passed on by ACB President Kim Charlson and appeared on the Braille Forum.
|
Calendar: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Constituents' Day at the State House
When: Thursday, May 17, 2018, 10:00 A.M. - Noon
Where: State House, Boston
Hosted by the Statewide Advisory Council
A gathering of Statewide Advisory Council members, community members, legislators, and state agency directors.
Special Award Presentation:
The Diane L. Nettles Outstanding Advocate:
Dennis Heaphy
Outstanding Service Provider:
Road to Deaf Interpreting
Outstanding Organization:
Watertown Public Library
Outstanding Young Advocate:
Austin Henry
For more information and/or to request close vision/tactile interpreters:
Ami.Hanigan@MassMail.State.MA.US.
Deadline for communication access requests is: 3/19/18
Afternoon Legislative Visits:
Meet with your legislators to discuss community concerns and bills of interest. Schedule your visits in advance: find your legislators' names and contact information on the web at
malegislature.gov.
To request communication access: contact the ADA Coordinator at the State House by email at
carl.richardson@state.ma.us or via phone at 857-400-5502. Requests are due by May 3rd.
|
Calendar: Rev-Up Meeting
When: May 18, 2018, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center,
Marlborough, Massachusetts 01752
Even without a presidential election,
2018 is an extremely important year for people with disabilities. Many (if not all) supports, services and civil rights have been under attack. While we have been protected in Massachusetts, voting has never been more important. Multiple studies have shown that people with disabilities are under-represented, and could make a difference in many contests if they showed up at the polls.
The confirmed speakers for the conference are:
1. Commissioner Hicks, U.S. Election Assistance Commission will address: voter accessibility, voter registration, and increased HAVA funds for the states
2. Michelle Tassinari and Bridge Murphy from Secretary Galvin's Office will be presenting on their efforts to ensure equal access for all
3. Zach Baldwin, AAPD will present on national REV UP efforts to allow people with disabilities to fully participate in the political process.
4. Anne Fracht & Juliana Huerena, Vote Team with See Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) - they will be presenting and discussing the results of their 2016 Voter Election Survey Report and the services that they offer to election officials and people with disabilities to make voting accessible for all citizens.
Lunch will be provided!
Register by May 11th at the link below.
Contact Amanda at
mail@dlc-ma.org or 617-723-8455 x 123 if you have any questions or need any type of accommodation
** Please Note This Is A Scent-Free Event **
CART and ASL Interpreters have been requested
More information and Register Online
Disability Law Center
|
Calendar: Architectural Access Board Public Hearing Date 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.
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.
|
Calendar: Department of Conservation and Recreation Universal Access Recreation Fair
When: Saturday, June 2, 2018, 10:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M
Location: Herter Park. Artesani Playground, Brighton, MA
The Department of Conservation and Recreation's (DCR) Universal Access Program (UAP) is offering a free, fun-filled day celebrating accessible outdoor recreation in Massachusetts State Parks!
Family-friendly, accessible, and inclusive activities include: cycling with an assortment of adaptive cycles, hiking and letterboxing with all-terrain wheelchairs and walkers, face painting and kite decorating, golf and other equipment demonstrations, bubble blowing and games, music and dancing, and much more. Be sure to check out our new games area, and take part in a cake walk or two!
Light refreshments will be available, generously provided by Big Y Supermarket, Shaw's Supermarket, and Whole Foods.
Come meet an array of regional adaptive recreation organizations and learn about accessible, adaptive, and inclusive recreation opportunities in the greater Boston area and beyond. Sign up for upcoming summer programs! Enjoy socializing on the banks of the Charles River and networking with adaptive recreation providers.
Join us rain or shine (call 413-545-5760 for recorded status in case of severe weather). Pre-registration is highly recommended, especially for use of equipment. To register, call Donna at 413-545-5760 or email
donna.hubbard@state.ma.us.
Please RSVP to request an ASL interpreter or other accommodations.
Volunteers are also welcome! For volunteer opportunities, contact Rachael at 413-992-8048 or rachael.lee@state.ma.us.
The UAP is committed to providing outdoor recreation opportunities in Massachusetts State Parks for visitors of all abilities. Accessibility to our State Parks is achieved through site improvements, free specialized adaptive recreation equipment, and free or low-cost accessible recreation programs. The UAP strives to increase participation in indoor and outdoor recreational activities in integrated settings.
The Program offers accessible cycling, sailing, boating, hiking, and horseback riding programs in the summer and fall, as well as adaptive skiing, skating, snowshoeing, and other winter activities at various Massachusetts State Park facilities.
For more information on DCR's Universal Access Program and a schedule of activities, call 413-545-5760 or visit
www.mass.gov/dcr/universal-access.
|
Calendar: Massachusett Statewide Independent Living Council Hearing
When: Tuesday, June 5, 2018 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M
Location: Mattapan Branch Boston Public Library, 1350 Blue Hill Avenue, Mattapan, MA 02126.
The Massachusetts Independent Living Council is seeking input on a potential amendment to the State Plan for Independent Living regarding the Network of Independent Living Centers described in Part 2 Section 3 of the State Plan for Independent Living.
** Please Note This Is A Scent-Free Event **
Please refrain from wearing personal care products with fragrance when attending this meeting.
Please request communication access accommodations by May 22, 2018.
Please request materials in alternative format by May 22, 2018.
All requests should be made to: SILC office,508-620-7452 or
sadie@masilc.org.
For more information please go to
https://www.masilc.org/cal
|
|
| |
| |
|
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 |
|
