September 6, 2016
Disability Policy Consortium Weekly Update

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There are a lot of things happening at the DPC.  Last Thursday, more than 50 of us marched on the Governor's Office to express our opposition to the new regulations which will almost eliminate all PCA overtime hours.  

The primary election for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is Thursday, September 8, 2016.  Don't forget to VOTE!  Get more information here.

In two weeks. our first art exhibit opes.  It is in cooperation with Very Special Art Massachusetts.  In October, we will be hosting our Fourth Annual Reception and Awards Ceremony.  In November, we will host the first conference in New England on Disability and Intersectionality.  Are you tired yet?

It promises to be a busy and exciting fall. 
  
Have a good week and a s always, happy  reading.

John Winske
Disability Policy Consortium
DPC News: More Than 50 Advocates Visit Governor's Office Regarding Overtime

Many advocates and PCA's demonstrated their opposition to new regulations by marching on Governor Baker's office.  These regulations will all but eliminate overtime for Personal Care Attendants and became effective on Thursday, September 1, 2016.  The impact will not be immediate since EOHHS is delaying enforcement for at least two months.

DPC's Charles Carr and Robyn Powell prepare to help lead protesters into the Governor's Offuce
DPC News: Visit to Governor Covered by Press

The State House News Service ( see coverage here) and the Daily Hampshire Gazette ( coverage here) ran stories about the our visit and potential impact of severely limiting PCA overtime.
DPC News: DPC and VSA Art Show to Open

As part of our Disability and Intersectionality Conference on November 5th, we are co-sponsoring an art exhibit with Very Special Arts Massachusetts.  The exhibit will open on September 16, 2016 and will run through the conference.  The exhibit is at VSA Massachusetts at 89 South Street in Boston.  Twenty pieces from artists around the world are on display.
Calendar: Abilities Expo Boston

When: September 16-18

Where: Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Hall C 

The largest show of products, services and technology for people with disabilities comes to Boston for three days.  Come and be a part of the excitement.  Be sure to stop by the DPC booth.
Calendar: PCA Program Rally

Overtime, Not Nursing Homes! 
 
When:  Tuesday, September 20, 11:00 a.m. 

Where:  State House, Boston 
 
PCA work hours will be restricted. The authorization process for consumer PCA hours may change. Rally for the PCA program! Visits with legislators directly after the Rally. 
 
One story about the overtime cap: 

An elderly veteran, with a range of disabilities, including cancer, gets over 60 total PCA hours per week.  In response to the mailing he received from the state, telling him he can't have his one PCA work more than 40 hours/week, he said, "I might as well pack up my house and move into a nursing home." 

Rally sponsors include: DPC, BCIL, MWCIL, Stavros, Mass Home Care, 1199SEIU, IA, NE Arc, OCES, CLW, UCP of Metro Boston, CP MA, GSES, Enable, Inc., Easter Seals, NILP, more wanted.
 
For more information contact: 

Charlie Carr, [email protected],  
Bill Henning,   [email protected] 
Al Norman, [email protected]
Jennifer Lee, [email protected], or 
David Correia, [email protected].
Calendar: Disability Law Center Annual Benefit & Auction   

When:  Thursday, September 22, 2016, 6:00 - 9:00 P.M.

Where:  Royal Sonesta Hotel, Cambridge, MA

Join us and our Master of Ceremonies, Susan Wornick, as we honor our accomplishments and individuals who are working to support our mission.

For more information please go to http://www.dlc-ma.org/benefit/ .
Calendar: One Care Information Sessions

MassHealth wants to help you understand the benefits of One Care. Join us at one of the information sessions listed below to learn more about this important program. 

Drop by to talk one-on-one with MassHealth, Commonwealth Care Alliance (CCA), and Tufts Health Plan representatives about One Care.

Suffolk County:

Monday, September 12, 2016
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Boston Health Care for the
Homeless Program
780 Albany St.
Boston, MA 02118

Saturday, September 17, 2016
11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Upham's Corner Health Fair
Strand Theater
543 Columbia Rd.
Dorchester, MA 02125

Worcester County:

Tuesday, September 20, 2016
1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Community Healthlink
68 Jacques Ave.
Worcester, MA 01610

Friday, September 23, 2016
11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Worcester Public Library
Banx Room
3 Salem St.
Worcester, MA 01608

For more information about these events, call Kate at 617-886-8280  or email us at: [email protected]
Calendar: Our Space, Our Place Schedule

With the beginning of school comes the start of the Our Space Our Place after school and career exploration program for middle and high school students who are blind. Below are important dates.

Call us to register and to ask about transportation.
Phone: (617) 459-4084

Saturday September 17

Join us, MAB and Delta Gamma for a Walk, yoga and pizza.

Thursday September 22

Join us at the Tobin Community Center for the start of the after school program. Theater, dance, cooking classes, walking/running club, and much more.

Saturday October 1 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Sign up for the Coding Camp- Create your own website, meet professionals in the tech field.

We will meet the first Saturday of each month from October - March. Lunch is provided.

Saturday October 8, 10:00 AM - Noon

Have fun writing and reading. Join us every second Saturday of the month. Write a song, haiku, poetry, a play, express your opinion, and share your ideas on an issue important to you. Working on a piece of writing for school and want a little help? Join us every second Saturday of the month from October - June.

To register and to ask about transportation call:

Phone: (617) 459-4084
In This Issue
DPC Needs your Help!!! 
PayPal link
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.

Causes Logo
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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