Last Sunday night a thunderclap went off through the community of people with disabilities. The 2019 Tony Award, for featured actress in a musical, went to Ali Stroker, a wheelchair user.  It was for her take on Ado Annie Carnes in Oklahoma!- the musical revival.   You can see People Magazines take on it here .

You can watch her performance here.

In accepting the award, Ms. Stroker spoke to children with disabilities watching her.  In many ways  her speech was the pure embodiment of  disability pride.  You can see it here. 

The award was more remarkable because Ali was playing a character that does not have a disability.  The character, in this rendition of the musical, is overtly sexual and Ms. Stroker plays the role with a gusto.  Watching her performance and her acceptance speech, there was a momentary feeling that we may be turning a corner here.

The next day NBC had a video of Ms. Stroker's acceptance speech and reactions from a number of children.  It was clear that her message had found it's target.  The video featured children in wheelchairs turning to their parents saying "She is talking to me."

Later that night, Oklahoma! won an award for the best revival of a musical.  One could not help but notice there was no sign of Ms. Stroker, as the cast and crew assembled on stage.

We found out then in an article on HuffPost, that the stage at Radio City Music Hall did not have a ramp.  Not even temporary access had been built for the night.  Ali had waited backstage, after her performance, in case she won.  Later, when the show itself won the award, she could not get on stage to participate.  It was a sad reminder of the work that remains.  Like many accomplishments, it felt like a mirage appearing in a desert of struggle.  A momentary glance at nirvana.  How fitting it came on Broadway.

In all it, was a stunning win, a momentary sense of elation, followed by a cold splash water, not Champagne.

John Winske

[email protected] 

Hello, All:

I would appreciate if all on the leadership list could spread this email far and wide.

As chair of the video working group for the FCC, I have been asked to gather some data for the group. We are currently looking into whether or not we can require those under the CVAA who have to provide audio description to also provide an accurate listing of what shows are audio described as well. We would like to make it easier for the blind and low vision consumer to know what to watch when and where.

It would be helpful if anyone who uses audio description can answer the following questions:

1.  Where do you go to see what is on the broadcast networks and cable stations to see which shows are audio described?

2.  Are the listings accurate?

3.  Are the listings accessible?

Please email answers to [email protected].

I appreciate your support on this.

Carl Richardson

When:  Tuesday, June 25 at 11 a.m.

Where:  Gardner Auditorium,  State House, Boston

(Bowdoin Street entrance)

In spite of losing in a statewide election in 2012, the assisted suicide bill ( HB 1926 and S1208 ) has been resurrected. The new bill is called "The End-Of-Life Options Act", and has changed from the original ballot question. More protections have been added, but the disability community needs to determine whether these are adequate. At MWCIL, we still have concerns.

In MetroWest, some of our legislators have already signed on to the bill. On the surface, this initiative feels like it has more widespread support than the 2012 ballot question. In other words, if you have an opinion on this topic, please share it at the hearing!

We hope that people with disabilities will testify at the hearing as we have a unique perspective on this issue. Oral testimony will probably be limited to 2 or 3 minutes, but anyone can provide written testimony.

Written testimony should be sent to the chairs of the Joint Committee on Public Health, Senator Jo Comerford and Representative John Mahoney.

J [email protected]  

[email protected]

We thank the MetroWest Independent Living Center and Not Dead Yet for this notice.

We at the DPC recognize there are differing views on this initiative within our membership and our community.  However you feel please take this opportunity to influence the process.

The Disability Law Center (DLC) is looking for your expertise on the issues you face as a person or a family member of a person with a disability. We will be using the information you provide us for our annual priority setting process.

Thursday, June 27
10 am - 3 pm
Suffolk University - Sargent Hall
120 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02108

A light lunch will be provided **

Please submit any accommodation requests to Amanda at 617-315-4440 or [email protected].

RSVPs are encouraged in order for us to have an accurate number for materials and food. You can RSVP by calling Amanda at 617-315-4440 or emailing her at [email protected].

Visit our 2019 Priorities Page

Take our 2020 Priorities Survey

Disability Law Center

When:  Friday, June 28, 2019,  2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Where: Suffolk University Law School, 

120 Tremont St, Boston, Massachusetts 02108

Do you have concerns, questions, or comments on a disability issue in Boston?

We want to hear from you!

• Provide input to the City of Boston's Annual Accessibility Agenda
• Hear updates from Disability Commissioner Kristen McCosh
• Meet members of the Boston Disability Commission Advisory Board
• Make your concerns about accessibility known to City Officials
• Network with Disability Community Friends over Free Food & Drinks

ASL and CART have been requested for this event.

To request an accommodation, contact us by June 14th at:  [email protected] or call 617-635-3682 / 

617-635-2541 TTY

Pre- Register and request accommodations online.

* Pre-registration is not required to attend

ASL and CART provided.

Event Webpage is here. 

When:  Saturday, August 3, 2019, Ticket Booths Open 9:00 A.M. to 4 P.M.

Rides and Waterpark Only

Tickets are $39 per person, Children under 2 are Free!

To learn more please click here .