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Disability Policy Consortium Weekly Update
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On Friday the DPC is part of an important rally entitled "I'm A Healthcare Voter." We are joining other groups to remind policy makers on the state and federal level that healthcare is an important issue to us. We need you to join us to make our voices heard.
We are still recruiting at the DPC for our new project. Check out our job openings.
On the bad news front advocates were unsuccessful in getting more funding for the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind in the House Budget. Now it is on to the Senate. We will keep you posted.
Today we have a passel of stories from around the internet for you. It has been a while since we did one of these editions.
Until next week,
as always happy reading.
John Winske
Disability Policy Consortium
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Community Rally: I'm A Healthcare Voter
When: Friday, May 4, 2018, 11:00 A.M. - Noon
Where: JFK Federal Building, 15 Sudbury Street, Boston
We at the DPC are joining with the Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL), Health Care for All, 1199SEIU and many other organizations to make it clear that healthcare policy is a high priority when we go to the ballot box.
May 4th marks the date the U.S. House voted to gut Medicaid, rip healthcare away from 24 million Americans, increase healthcare costs by as much at 20% and put millions of individuals out of work. Although efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and dismantle Medicaid were not successful, threats to these programs continue.
Join labor, faith, and community allies to affirm our commitment to strengthening Medicaid, protect the Affordable Care Act, and to kick-off our healthcare voter pledge campaign.
The majority of Americans support affordable, accessible healthcare and will vote to protect and strengthen vital programs our families and communities rely on.
We hope we will take an hour out of your busy day to join us at this important event.
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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
[email protected]. 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.
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Net News: Deaf Softball Player Files ADA Lawsuit
According to the Boston Globe a softball player who is Deaf has filed an ADA lawsuit against Newbury College. Kayla Finacchiaro, currently a pitcher on the Framingham State softball team alleges that she was ridiculed and verbally abused by then coach Cassandra Moore. You can read more here.
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Net News: New York City Ballet Clinic for Youth with Disabilities
This is one of those stories that some with love and others will cringe and decry "disability porn." I personally like the story for three reasons. First the original request came from the parent of a young girl with cerebral palsy. Second it is interesting to watch the education of the dancers. Lastly the wonderful decision to encourage the children to take off their braces and to be who they are is so life affirming. Let me know what you think.
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Net News: Beware Observation Days
In this story NPR is shedding light on the increasing use of "observation days in the hospital. The problem, if you are on Medicare then services may not be payed for if you are not admitted, but "under observation." Under convoluted rules, patients and their families are having to spend thousands of dollars for medical care.
Read more here.
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Net News: We Feel the Same Way About Your Speeches Dude
The Hill is reporting that Paralympics fired back after President Trump told Olympians and Paralympians that "What happened with the Paralympics was so incredible and so inspiring to me," he said during his remarks. "And I watched - it's a little tough to watch too much, but I watched as much as I could." Funny I know many people who feel the same about the President's speeches. You
can read about it here.
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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:
[email protected].
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
[email protected] or via phone at 857-400-5502. Requests are due by May 3rd.
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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
[email protected]
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
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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
[email protected] or contact him by telephone at 617-727-0660.
Our thanks to MetroWest Center for Independent Living for sharing this with us.
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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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