Your Winter Update from MOD | |
Message from the Executive Director | |
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Dear Friends,
As Black History Month comes to a close, I'd like to start this bulletin with a note of appreciation and recognition of the civil rights leaders who paved the way for the disability rights movement and the work we are able to do at MOD today. Many of the Black historical figures we admire - such as Harriet Tubman, Maya Angelou, and Muhammed Ali - were members of the disability community, and we owe a debt of gratitude to those who recognized early on that disability rights are civil rights, and all are welcome in the disability community.
Happy Black History Month from all of us at MOD!
Mary Mahon McCauley
Executive Director
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Five years of improving access: A look back at MOD’s Municipal ADA Improvement Grant Program | |
Since 2017, MOD has been fortunate to have funding to assist local communities across the Commonwealth with improving access to services, programs, and activities through the competitive Municipal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Improvement Grant program.
Since the grant program’s inception in FY2017, MOD has reviewed over 450 grant applications, awarded over $7.3 million in funding, and seen a significant increase in ADA Title II compliance and community accessibility.
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Upcoming Trainings and Events | |
Work Experience Program
This program provides an opportunity for people with disabilities to get real-world experience working in state government. Host agencies have the opportunity to meet job-ready candidates and expose them to the important work of their agencies.
June 13 - 16, 2022
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Hosts must be agencies of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. You must have your supervisor's permission prior to applying.
Host Agency Deadline: April 1
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Participants must be 21 years of age or older, identify as a person with a disability, and meet minimum education requirements. See the application for more information.
Participant Deadline: April 15
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Workshop Series: Disability in the Workplace
The Client Assistance Program (CAP) at the Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) has some free monthly workshops coming up for employees and jobseekers with disabilities and their advocates! Our workshops will help you to know what your rights are when it comes to disability disclosure, reasonable accommodations, and discrimination in the workplace.
Space is limited to 7 attendees per workshop, so register soon! Several dates available.
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Level Up to Equality: Training Municipal ADA Coordinators
Municipal ADA Coordinators play an important role in making sure the cities and towns across the Commonwealth are accessible and welcoming to residents with disabilities.
Our Level Up to Equality training will provide information for municipal leadership and staff on municipalities’ obligations under the ADA, and the role of the ADA Coordinator in supporting ADA compliance in municipal employment and in municipal facilities, programs and services.
Tuesday, April 26, 1 - 2 PM
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Advocate for accessibility in your community: Community Access Monitor (CAM) Training
CAM Training is designed for both the individual who wants to advocate for increased access in their community as well as for the individual who wants to better understand their obligations to provide access to the disability community. This training benefits both professionals and the individual who is interested in learning more.
Community Access Monitors play an important role in encouraging access improvements. Our CAM training will teach you how to advocate for accessibility improvements, conduct building assessments, and review the various codes that apply to buildings constructed throughout the Commonwealth so that your community is more accessible to people with disabilities.
Upcoming Trainings:
Hosted by the Natick Commission On Disability:
Day 1 - Wednesday, June 8: 9 AM - 2 PM
Day 2 - Wednesday, June 15: 9 AM - 2 PM
Email us to be notified when registration opens up:
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Funding for reasonable accommodations for state employees
MOD is accepting applications for funding from the Reasonable Accommodation Capital Reserve Account (RACRA) through May 1. RACRA funds cover the cost of certain capital expenses related to reasonable accommodation requests from employees with disabilities. Executive Branch Agencies, Independent Agencies of the Executive Branch, and Constitutional Officers of the Executive Branch are eligible to apply for RACRA funds.
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Spotlight on: Support groups
Support groups are an excellent way for people with disabilities and their loved ones to connect with others, learn from their shared experiences, and find out about helpful resources. Here are just a few professional and peer-run support groups in Massachusetts that may be helpful. MOD does not maintain a list of support groups. This is not a comprehensive list. Please search online to find a support group that best fits your needs.
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From denial to pride: Mary Mahon McCauley’s journey with disability and identity
As a child in the mid-1960s, staff in my school realized that I had difficulty seeing. This realization was the result of an in-school vision exam that led to eight years of medical and paramedical professionals trying to determine my diagnosis and, in turn, any prognosis. I felt confused and wasn’t sure what to expect. These years were full of frustration and anger and the feeling that no one believed in me.
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Internship Opportunity: Client Assistance Program (CAP)
MOD is seeking a summer intern for our Client Assistance Program (CAP). The intern will be responsible for creating an electronic desk guide for CAP advocates regarding vocational rehabilitation and independent living regulations, policies, and best practices. This internship is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in vocational rehabilitation policy.
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Rob Dias, Assistive Technology Information Specialist
Rob Dias has worked at MOD in a variety of capacities, beginning as a volunteer in 2008. He quickly transitioned into full-time employment as a member of MOD’s Disability Rights Unit (DRU).
In November 2021, Rob transitioned to his new role as MOD’s Assistive Technology Information specialist. As an experienced screen reader user himself, Rob serves as a resource to Executive Branch agencies and governmental officials who wish to assess the level of accessibility with their current and future digital offerings, helping to ensure an equitable experience for all.
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Welcome new MOD staff!
Camille Karabaich joined MOD's Disability Rights Unit as an Information Specialist in January. Camille was first introduced to the disability rights space via her work with the special education clinic at William & Mary Law School and she looks forward to bringing her passion for people to her new role providing technical guidance and creating guidance materials.
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Lilia Melikechi joined MOD in January as the Communications and Training Manager. Lilia most recently worked at Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC) as the Communications Manager, helping the organization advance their mission to remove barriers to education for children and youth. | |
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Ashley Santana joined MOD in September as an Access Specialist, Program Coordinator I. As an Access Specialist, Ashley coordinates and assists in the planning, organizing, and presenting of the Community Access Monitor Program, Advance Community Access Monitor Program, and regional Commission on Disability (COD) Meetings. She also provides technical assistance and policy guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act, Massachusetts Architectural Access Board Regulations, state and federal housing laws and other pertinent laws to state agencies, municipal officials, businesses, non-profit organizations, individuals with disabilities, and other members of the public at large. | |
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