Here's the Latest News from our Departments

Phone: (508) 696-0020 
Hours of Operation: M–Th 9-5
Friday & Saturdays by appointment.
Access Program And Social Security Team Up to Review Transition to Medicare for Town Employees

There will be a presentation on Medicare with a representative from the Social Security Administration and Mary Leddy, Assistant Director of the Access Program, Thursday Sept. 19th from12:30 to 2:00 at the Katherine Cornell Theater. The presentation is for all Town Benefit Coordinators to better understand transitioning to Medicare for town employees, retirees and their spouses.
giving-hands-together.jpg

Phone: (508) 696-3844                   
Hours of Operation: Monday, Thursday & Friday 9-4
Tuesday & Wednesday 9-2:30

Dukes County Social Services is hiring!
 We are looking for a Social Services Caseworker to provide direct client services by accessing essential self-sufficiency resources and public benefits including Fuel Assistance and SNAP. The position includes client casework, public benefits applications and assistance, information and referral and outreach. This is a 30-hour/week benefitted position. For more information please contact Sarah:  skuh@mvhealthcareacess.org

Jo Ann Murphy
Phone: (508) 693-6887   
JoAnn Murphy, who has served as the Dukes County Veterans Services Officer for the past 18 years, will be retiring on October 1st 2019. She was a great advocate for all island veterans, providing them with the benefits and supports they needed and always ready to help. We thank JoAnn for all her years of dedicated service and wish her all the best in her retirement.

The US Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) released a notice that the VA is extending Agent Orange presumption to ' Blue Water Navy" Veterans.  Eligible Veterans may be entitled to disability compensation benefits. These service members served offshore the Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962 and May 7,1975. They may be eligible for presumption of herbicide exposure via a new law which goes into effect January 1 2020. Blue Water Navy Veterans are encouraged to submit disability compensation claims for conditions presumed to be related to Agent Orange exposure. For more information about Agent Orange and Blue Water Navy Veterans visit  www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agnet-orange/navy-coast-guard-ships-vietnam
Or contact the local Veteran's Agent
‌
Dukes County Disability Committee

Priorities for Upcoming Year

The top priorities for the Dukes County Disability Committee will be posted on the County website. The Committee has begun working on several items including making sure public and commercial buildings have appropriate signage to alternative accessible entrances.

Next Meeting of the Committee at Edgartown Library from 1 to 2:15 on October 2.

Requests for reasonable accommodations to Dick Cohen at  racohen65@aol.com or to 508-687-9330.

Kudos and Commendations !

 * Sheriff's Meadow Foundation and others for installing over 80 benches on trails throughout the Island to enable people who require intermittent rest to access and enjoy the trails.
 * To Black Dog Bakery in Vineyard Haven for their newly renovated accessible front entrance.
 * MV Steamship Authority to their overall customer service to travelers with disabilities.  https://www.steamshipauthority.com/writable/versioned_downloadable_forms/path/customer_handbook_-_2018-06-21_version.pdf
Thank you to our Funders
Our Community Partners and Affiliates