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Disability Policy Consortium Weekly Update
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There are more big changes happening at the DPC. First, a secret that we have been sitting on for a few months. I am pleased to announce that today, Colin Killick is returning to the DPC as our Deputy Director.
Colin will be leading our advocacy efforts beginning immediately. He will also be helping edit
this
newsletter.
We also have a new job opening. Amy Kalogeropoulos, who has served as our Director of Operations, is leaving the DPC later this month. Amy has been offered an incredible job opportunity in New York City. We will truly miss her. For four years she has been my "right hand" and kept me running on time.
We want to remind you that we will be hosting our
DPC Annual Meeting on June 5th. We are going to have a wonderful BBQ dinner and even giving away a several door prizes. Also, it'll be an opportunity to meet several new DPC staff members.
We will have a discussion about Long Term Services and Supports and the future of MassHealth. Contact us by email to register or call us at 617 542-3822.
We hope you will join us
We also some truly thought provoking stories from around the internet for you.
Until next week,
as always happy reading.
John Winske
Disability Policy Consortium
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DPC News: Colin Killick Named Deputy Director of the DPC
One of the nicest feelings in life is welcoming back a member of the family. We at the DPC are pleased to announce that Colin Killick is returning to the DPC as the Deputy Director. Colin will begin today in his new capacity and will start by leading our advocacy efforts. He will also be helping to edit the Weekly Update with me.
Colin worked as an organizer at the DPC from 2014-2016.
For the past two years Colin has been completing his Master's Degree at the Kennedy School of Government.
Even at Harvard, where it is difficult to shine, Colin found a way by winning the Robert F. Kennedy Public Service Award for pushing Harvard to improve accessibility and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
While in school Colin worked a few hours a month with us staffing the Commissions on Disability Alliance, which brings together local Disability Commissions to share their experiences and knowledge with one another.
Welcome back, Colin.
John Winske
Executive Director
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DPC Annual Meeting: Join Us
When: Tuesday, June 5, 2018, 5:30 P.M. - 7:45 P.M.
Where: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, 101 Huntington Avenue, Prudential Complex, Boston
Join us for our annual meeting, enjoy a southern BBQ dinner and find out what is new at the DPC.
- We are being joined by Chief of Long Term Services and Supports at MassHealth. She will present on MassHealth's vision on the future of PCA and other Long Term Services and Supports in Massachusetts.
- Dennis Heaphy of the DPC will present on the potentials and the pitfalls of LTSS for consumers.
- Meet our newest staff members.
We will also be giving away two door prizes, Visa gift cards of $50 and $25.
Please inform us of any reasonable accommodation or dietary needs no later than Wednesday, May 23rd.
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Employment Opportunity: Director of Operations at the DPC
The DPC is seeking a proven leader to join our Senior Management Team as the New Director of Operations. After four years of keeping me and others running on time and in a straight line, Amy Kalogeropoulos is moving on to a new opportunity.
Here is a
copy of the job description. If you think you are up to the challenge, please submit a cover letter, resume and writing sample to
jwinske@dpcma.org.
As always, individuals with lived experience of disability our encouraged to apply. All postings at the DPC remain posted until filled. No phone calls please.
John Winske, Executive Director
DPC
11 Dartmouth Street, Suite #301
Malden, MA 02148.
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.
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Employment Opportunity: National Consumer Law Center Has Two Openings
The National Consumer Law Center is hiring for two full time administrative positions in our Boston office. PDF job descriptions are attached. Interested applicants should send a resume and coverletter to
careers@nclc.org
The
Publishing Operations Assistant ensures the proper operation of the publications e-commerce platform and assists with publications accounting, customer service, budgeting, and marketing tasks.
The
Digital Content & Operations Assistant will provide administrative and technical support to attorneys and other staff including uploading website content and the designing, editing, and production of documents and reports.
Tashia Graham
Human Resources Manager
National Consumer Law CenterĀ®
7 Winthrop Square, 4th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
(617)542-8010
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Advocacy Opportunity: Stories Needed, Snap Shots of Our Lives
The National Organizing Project, a collaboration between ADAPT and NCIL, is asking for your help in collecting stories that we can use on the Hill talking with legislators.
Stories about Community Living
We are looking for are stories depicting the importance of Community Living. We would like to be able to use these stories when talking about the Disability Integration Act, the Empower Care Act, the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Settings Rule, Money Follows the Person, and other related legislation and policies aimed at ending the institutional bias. We are looking for:
- Stories from people stuck in facilities waiting to get out
- Successful transitions out of nursing homes or other institutional facilities to the community (please include specific programs that were used, including HCBS Waiver programs, Money Follows the Person, etc.)
- Successful diversions from facilities through use of HCBS Waivers and related services, and
- Stories from people on waiting lists for services.
Stories about the ADA
We are also looking for stories about the Americans with Disabilities Act. We are looking for:
- Stories about persistent access barriers that are preventing full participation, and
- Stories about how the ADA has allowed folks to live fully included lives in the community.
While we recognize that there are many areas of access that need addressing, currently we are focusing on Title III (physical access to public spaces) because of the recent threats to Title III of the ADA with "notice and cure" type bills. If you are sending a story about physical access barriers, please send a picture with your story if possible.
Our goal is to get at least three stories for each topic per legislator. You can help us reach that goal!
Please send stories by June 15, 2018 to
sheryl@ncil.org. Please include your first name (or initials), your city and state, the names of your Senators and Representative, a photo (preferred but optional), and 2-3 paragraphs concisely telling your story. Please also note that we are regularly meeting with legislators and may contact you for stories before the 15th in order to bring those stories into meetings with us.
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Training Opportunity: How to Be A Tenant Living with Autism
Autism Housing Pathways is seeking five individuals interested in helping us with a pilot project. Participants will complete a 7 module online course on how to be a tenant. Each module comprises 6-10 lessons. While the course is intended to be self-driven, participants may find it helpful to touch base with a coach (whether a family member, life coach, teacher, etc.) during the process. This course is part of a grant from the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council.
The goal is for participants to complete the course by mid September.
Participants need to commit to completing the course, and answering a one-page follow up questionnaire. Participants must be able to read at at least the 8th grade level.
If you are interested, have a family member who might be, or work with someone who might be, please contact me ASAP at
AHPhousing@comcast.net.
Thanks,
Cathy Boyle
www.autismhousingpathways.org
building roads to home
617-893-8217
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Net News: We Are the Original Life Hackers
Those of you with disabilities who have been alive for more than 40 years will, like me, remember a time when Occupational Therapist used to wrap foam and tape around utensils to make them easier to grip for people with disabilities. Heck, I remember forks being used by quads to hold cigarettes, as a teen at Mass Hospital School, but that is a story for another time.
All through our lives as people with disabilities, we find creative ways to accomplish every day tasks. That is why
this article from the NY Times caught my eye. I think you will enjoy it.
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Net News: The Largest Health Disparity We Don't Talk About
Americans who have "serious mental illness", die 15 to 30 years younger then those who do not. According to an article in the NY Times, this is "
a disparity larger than for race, ethnicity, geography or socioeconomic status. It's a gap, unlike many others, that has been growing ...."
Despite this growing disparity there has been relatively little research into this issue. This
article delves into some of the disturbing barriers to bringing about change.
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Net News: Curiosity and What Equality Really Means
The New Yorker Magazine had the text of Dr. Atul Gawande's commencement address at UCLA Medical School on their web site. Dr. Gawande is a surgeon at Brigham and Women's Hospital and a professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at Harvard.
His address is one of the best pieces I have read on inequality. You
can read it here.
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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
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Calendar: Beacon for Inclusion Awards Luncheon
When: Wednesday, June 6, 2018, Noon - 2:00 P.M.
Where: State House, Boston, MA
The Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) will be hosting the Beacon for Inclusion Awards Luncheon as part of the its 50th Anniversary celebration. ICI will be recognizing five individuals for their contributions to disability rights and inclusion.
ICI's Director, Tom Sannicandro will present the Beacon for Inclusion Award to Oahn Thi Thu Bui, Robert DeLeo, Colleen Flanagan, Ludwik Szymanski and Abdirahman Yusuf. To register and learn more about the awardees go to
https://conta.cc/2wPD1S6
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Calendar: Intelligent Lives
The Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI), as part of its 50th Anniversary Celebration, is hosting "Intelligent Lives" at UMass Boston on June 7th from 6-9:15. This event is free of charge but registration is required.
Intelligent Lives follows the stories of three pioneering young adults with intellectual disabilities - Micah, Naieer, and Naomie - as they challenge perceptions of intelligence while navigating high school, college, and the workforce.
Learn more about the film, connect on social media and view a clip at
www.intelligentlives.org.
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Calendar: Public Meeting - Accessibility at the MBTA
When: Wednesday, June 13, 2018, 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
Where: 10 Park Plaza, 2nd Floor Board Room, Boston, MA
Judge King will be hosting a public meeting to discuss the MBTA's progress towards complying with the MBTA/BCIL settlement agreement and recent improvements to accessibility. Please join us to share any feedback you have.
Click the following link for more details, including how to request an accommodation.
Also, be sure to check out our new "What's Trending in Accessibility" page a few days before the meeting when we will be posting an updated version of our Access Initiatives report:
https://www.mbta.com/accessibility/whats-trending
Hope to see you there!
Laura
Laura Brelsford
Assistant General Manager, System-Wide Accessibility
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
Ten Park Plaza, Suite 4470
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-222-1688
Fax: 617-222-4394
Email:
lbrelsford@mbta.com
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Calendar: One Care Implementation Council/MassHealth Dual Demo 2.0 Presentation
When: Thursday, June 14, 2018. 2:30 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Where: One Ashburton Place. 21st Floor, Boston, MA
MassHealth's proposal to CMS for new demonstration authority for One Care and the Senior Care Options (SCO) program. The Council, MassHealth, and CMS look forward to sharing updates on the proposal with stakeholders, and to hearing from stakeholders and members of the public about the proposal.
We welcome attendance from all stakeholders and members of the public with an interest in One Care and SCO. Reasonable accommodations will be made for participants who need assistance. Please send your request for accommodations to Donna Kymalainen at
Donna.Kymalainen@state.ma.us.
Please note that One Ashburton Place has now implemented security procedures requiring a photo ID to enter the building. Please allow extra time. The DPC is fighting this exclusionary policy.
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Calendar: Deaf Awareness Day at Six Flags
When: Saturday, August 4, 2018
Where: Six Flags New England, 1623 Main St,, Agawam, MA 01001
Come join us for the 23rd Deaf Awareness Day. For more
information please see here.
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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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