What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, November 7, 2024 ???

Thursday, November 7

7am Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)

8am Franklin Downtown Partnership General Meeting (Dean college)

9am Fallen Hero: Lawrence J. Clark (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

4pm Artsy Afternoons (Franklin Public Library)

5pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)

5pm Barefoot Ballet (Franklin Public Library)

6:3pm Knife Skills with Chef Tom (Franklin Public Library)

7pm Musical Bingo: Dean POM Team vs Teddy Gallagher's (Teddy Gallagher's Pub)

7pm 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting (FUSF) 

7pm LGBTQ Monthly meeting (Franklin TV and Radio Studio) 

9pm David Weber (live music) (3 Restaurant)

**   Town Meetings today   **

Commission on Persons with Disabilities agenda (Central Park Terrace)

Event Date:  Thursday, November 7, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/agenda_-_11-07-24_-_franklin_disability_commission_meeting.pdf

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting  (remote meeting)

Event Date:  Thursday, November 7, 2024 - 7:30pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/11.7.24_zba_agenda.pdf

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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Why are there multiple calendars?

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Rise Up this Saturday, October 19 at 10 AM

Hi friends!

I'm so excited for Rise Up this Saturday! We will be joined by Waypoint Adventure , an organization that provides opportunities for adaptive recreational opportunities such as kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, and more!

Date: Saturday, October 19th

Time: 10am-11am

Location: Franklin United Methodist Church, 82 West Central St, Franklin, MA (parking/ramp/entrance on left side)

Agenda: 

- Open social time

- Group discussion and activity with Waypoint

- More open social time

- Wrap up/end

**Please help keep this a fragrance-free environment.

I look forward to seeing you on Saturday!! :)

Ali Rheaume

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This one-hour social meet-up is intended to be a safe space for:

• individuals navigating life with disability to meet others they can relate with
• community partners to learn more about the population and share resources
• support persons to meet other support persons

For additional information about this event, please visit ->  https://alirheaume.com/rise-up

Navigating life with disability? Check out the Rise Up group meeting Saturday at 10 AM to see if it is for you

Rise Up this Saturday !!! Sep 21, 2024 at 10 AM

Hi friends!

I'm excited to see you this Saturday for our next Rise Up gathering!! 

- Date: September 21st

- Time: 10 AM

- Location: Franklin United Methodist Church, 82 West Central St, Franklin, MA (parking and ramp/entrance on left side)

Agenda: 

- Open social time

- Group social time and clay craft (if you choose to)

- Announcements & Wrap-up

*Please help us maintain a fragrance-free environment for allergy reasons (no perfume, cologne, etc.)

It would be fantastic if you could share this with your networks, as anyone 18+ is welcome to attend - disability or not!

See you then!

Ali Rheaume

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This one-hour social meet-up is intended to be a safe space for:

• individuals navigating life with disability to meet others they can relate with
• community partners to learn more about the population and share resources
• support persons to meet other support persons

For additional information about this event, please visit ->   https://alirheaume.com/rise-up

Navigating life with disability? Check out the Rise Up group meeting Saturday at 10 AM to see if it is for you

Rise Up celebrates 1 year anniversary

Via Ali Rheaume:

Today (8/17/24) is Rise Up's one year anniversary 🎉

Rise Up celebrates 1 year anniversary

I took a chance in August 2023 to start something our community was missing, and it has paid off!!

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Rise Up is a social hour intended to connect the community with those navigating life with disability.

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Anyone 18+ is welcome to join us, disability or not.

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We've had so much fun and are looking forward to another year, so come join us!

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Special Thanks to:

- all the attendees who show up

- my mom and dad for always taking me and helping me run it 

- Steve Sherlock for the continued support and community connections 

- Franklin EMS and Police Dept for joining us and educating us

- Representative Roy and James Gay for joining and supporting us

- Lisa for joining us and sharing your Merge resource with us 

- Franklin United Methodist Church for providing us space to host

»

This is what community is all about!!

»

If you're interested in joining and/or want to be a guest speaker/resource, message me.

»

Learn more about Rise Up and sign up for emails -> 

https://alirheaume.com/rise-up

 

View Instagram reel -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-xs0w3OpC9/?igsh=MTk4dXIydWloOHlkeA%3D%3D

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/AAjYJuSU2hVeprUd/

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission: "From Elementary Physical Education Teacher to Award-Winning Artist: A Brain Injury Survivor's Journey"

In 2016, Ali Rheaume sustained Traumatic Brain Injuries, along with having a severe medication reaction that caused rare Tardive Dyskinesia and Serotonin Syndrome. This all landed her in the hospital at a 10% functioning level. She was unable to talk, walk, eat, or do anything herself. She couldn’t color a simple children’s coloring page and struggled to even pick one crayon out of a box. 

Ali found herself increasingly connected to the disability community as she navigated her journey, which included Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Auditory Processing Disorder, Narcolepsy with Cataplexy, Dysautonomia, and more—all diagnosed after her brain injury. During her recovery, Ali not only persevered but also unearthed new talents and purpose. She began exploring art as a calming, seated activity and a means to enhance her visual perception, fine motor skills, and decision-making abilities. Starting with crayons and pencils, Ali gradually advanced to mastering acrylics and watercolors.

Now, Ali is a member of the Franklin Art Association and created her own art business called Embracing Unique. Her main work is “painting things that are important to people”, where someone will give her a photo of importance, and she will create a watercolor painting of it - a house, an engagement capture, a pet, a wedding moment, family photos, and more. She also specializes in unique sepia tone paintings created from handmade black walnut paint, foraged in Franklin, MA. 

In addition to art, Ali is a public speaker and a disability advocate. She serves on the Brain Injury Council of Massachusetts and the Franklin Disability Commission. Ali hosts “Rise Up”, a free in-person social hour for individuals navigating life with disability, and “Life After Concussion”, a free virtual growth mindset group to help regain life after a concussion. Her mission in life is to multiply hope, to encourage people to be their true selves, and to turn mourning into dancing.

Ali hosts “Rise Up”, a free in-person social hour for individuals navigating life with disability

Follow Ali's journey on Instagram: @alison.rheaume & @embracingunique and on Facebook: Ali Rheaume & Embracing Unique. 

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission 

"The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) provides services that break down barriers and empower people with disabilities to live life in their own terms. Our programs focus on training and employment, community living, and disability determination for federal benefit programs. We are change agents and community builders. And we put the people we serve at the heart of everything we do."

shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/SS6maQLik1yqZFQy/

Talking accessibility enhancements with Ali Rheaume - 07/25/24 (audio)

FM #1253 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1253 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversation with Franklin resident, artist, and disability advocate Ali Rheaume. We had our conversation via the Zoom conference bridge on Thursday, July 25, 2023. 

Our conversation covers the accessibility enhancements 

• to the MBTA Franklin/Dean Station

• other Franklin Projects (parks, trails, etc.)

• American Disability Act signing anniversary, July 26

We also talk about the Rise Up group meeting monthly on the 3rd Saturday for those navigating life with disability. The group is also open to advocates and community members.

The recording runs about 30 minutes so let’s listen to my conversation with Ali Rheaume. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1253-ali-rheaume-disability-enhancements-07-25-24/

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MBTA press release on Franklin/Dean raised platform

https://www.mass.gov/news/mbta-wins-67-million-federal-grant-to-improve-green-line-accessibility-for-people-with-disabilities 

Rise Up group page -> https://alirheaume.com/rise-up 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Ali awaiting a train at the MBTA Franklin/Dean Station

The fenced area pending the new high rise platform at Franklin/Dean Station

Mass Cultural Council launches d/Deaf & Disability Equity Plan

Mass Cultural Council’s first-ever d/Deaf & Disability Equity Plan (FY25-28) went into effect on July 1. This marks the culmination of an inclusive planning process leading us to this key moment in the Agency’s work.

Endorsed by a vote of our governing Council, the d/Deaf and Disability Equity Plan joins a suite of plans developed by the Agency and its stakeholders to center equity as a guiding principle and a strategic practice; directing Agency advancement and investment.

Rooted not only in compliance, the plan incorporates the experiences, responses, and perspectives of people with disabilities. It has been developed in response to the recommendations of people with disabilities at every juncture. People with disabilities were leaders in the research and development of surveys, evaluations, audits, and site visits. People with disabilities were on both sides of the data gathering process.

Shared from -> https://massculturalcouncil.org/blog/planning-for-access-announcing-our-d-deaf-disability-equity-plan/

Direct link to the actual plan (Word doc) -> 

https://massculturalcouncil.org/documents/dDeaf_Disability_Equity_Plan.docx

Part of the plan includes a guidebook for organizations to use in planning their event for accessibility (from the National Endowment for the Arts) ->   https://www.arts.gov/about/publications/design-accessibility-cultural-administrators-handbook

Elson Fortes paints in his studio at Humphreys Street Studio during Dorchester Open Studios. Photo: Annielly Camargo.

Social Security Matters: Celebrate the ADA and Ticket to Work During Disability Pride Month

July is Disability Pride Month, a month-long celebration to commemorate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The landmark legislation was signed into law on July 26, 1990. It guarantees that people with disabilities can enjoy the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

The law prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in schools, workplaces, transportation, and other spaces and places open to the public.

Our Ticket to Work program relates to the employment piece of the ADA. It celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. President Bill Clinton signed the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 that created the program. The goal is to help more people with disabilities go to work, reach financial independence, and reduce or eliminate their need for benefits.

Continue reading the article at the Social Security Matters blog -> 

https://blog.ssa.gov/celebrate-the-ada-and-ticket-to-work-during-disability-pride-month/?

Social Security Matters: Celebrate the ADA and Ticket to Work During Disability Pride Month

 

Government Programs for Children With Special Needs

"For parents of a child with special needs, providing the support and resources their child requires can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, there is help. Let’s explore the most popular government programs available.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI provides payments to adults and children who have disabilities or blindness.

You can learn more on Social Security’s SSI for Children page. For more information about services and supports for SSI transition-aged youths (ages 14 to 17), visit the Youth Resources page."

Continue reading the article on the SSA page -> https://blog.ssa.gov/government-programs-for-children-with-special-needs/

Government Programs for Children With Special Needs

TV settings change to make it easier for setting options for closed captions

"Watching television for those with hearing-impairments will become a bit easier following adoption July 18 of a Federal Communications Commission Report & Order (R&O) that gives viewers greater control over the display of closed captions.

The R&O, the third by the agency to make television more accessible to those with disabilities, puts in place a “readily accessible” requirement for the display of closed captions that makes it simpler for viewers to access the settings of many covered devices to adjust the font, size, color and other features of the captions.

Besides televisions and set top boxes, covered devices include any device manufactured or used in the United States that is designed to receive or play back video transmitted with sound.

While closed captions help all viewers in certain circumstances, such as when actors have accents, they are “vital for the 48 million Americans who are deaf and hard-of-hearing,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel in a statement released following the vote to adopt the R&O."

Continue reading the article about the change:

https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/fcc-adopts-rando-to-make-closed-captioning-settings-easy-to-access

The FCC Press Release -> https://www.fcc.gov/consumer-governmental-affairs/commission-adopts-closed-captioning-display-settings-order

TV settings change to make it easier for setting options for closed captions

Changes To Past Relevant Work and Disability Determinations

Via Social Security Administration: 

"In general, Social Security finds adult applicants to be disabled only if they have a severe medical condition that either prevents them from doing any substantial work for at least 1 year or is expected to result in death.

Based on this strict definition of disability for both SSDI and SSI, it’s not surprising that Social Security’s disability application focuses on a person’s illnesses and injuries, limitations, treatment, and work history.

But recalling the details of 15 years of employment – job titles, duties, dates, etc. – can be a major challenge. At the Urban Justice Center, our clients often struggle to provide accurate information from their past. To improve their work history narrative while their disability application is pending, we routinely help them to update and clarify information about their previous jobs."

Continue reading about this important change -> 

https://blog.ssa.gov/changes-to-past-relevant-work-and-disability-determinations/

Related Press Release copy -> https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2024/#6-2024-3

Changes To Past Relevant Work and Disability Determinations

🌄 Rise Up with Special Events this Saturday July 20

Hi friend!

I'm so excited for Rise Up this Saturday, with two special happenings, including free clothes!!

Here are the details:

- Date: Saturday, July 20

- Time: 10-11 AM

- Location: Franklin United Methodist Church

82 West Central Street, Franklin (parking and entrance on left side) 

Agenda:

  - Open social time as people come in

  - Group introductions and special visit with Lisa Drennan from Merge Consulting, about community inclusion

  - More open social time and free clothes shopping from the church's Community Closet (we are having an accessible shopping experience where we meet on the first floor, as the clothing is usually located on the second floor, but volunteers will be bringing some down for us) ***

***If you have any particular clothing items you would be looking for, please reply by Wednesday evening with your item and size preferences, so the church can pull some items down for you

Example: size small women's tank tops or size large men's shorts

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This one-hour social meet-up is intended to be a safe space for:

• individuals navigating life with disability to meet others they can relate with
• community partners to learn more about the population and share resources
• support persons to meet other support persons

For additional information about this event, please visit ->  https://alirheaume.com/rise-up

Rise Up with Special Events this Saturday July 20

Navigating life with disability? Check out the Rise Up group meeting Saturday at 10 AM to see if it is for you

Hi friend!!

Rise Up is tomorrow, Saturday, May 18th: so exciting!!! 

Time: 10am-11am

Location: Franklin United Methodist Church

82 West Central St, Franklin

*Parking and entrance/ramp on left side

Note: Dean College commencement is tomorrow at 11am, so I encourage you to arrive to Rise Up for 10am if you can (I'll be there at 9:50am to unlock the door)

**Reminder to please help keep this a fragrance-free space (yes, deodorant is okay lol)

If you need anything tomorrow, feel free to call or text me at 508-954-7641

See you tomorrow!!

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This one-hour social meet-up is intended to be a safe space for:

• individuals navigating life with disability to meet others they can relate with
• community partners to learn more about the population and share resources
• support persons to meet other support persons

For additional information about this event, please visit ->  https://alirheaume.com/rise-up

Navigating life with disability? Check out the Rise Up group meeting Saturday at 10 AM to see if it is for you

Save the Date -> Disability Expo - May 4

"Save the Date!! 

Last year's expo was well attended the entire time, and this year is even bigger, so be sure to join the fun, hosted by the Franklin Disability Commission!!"

Save the Date -> Disability Expo - May 4

Yes, may the fourth be with you! 

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/4p4L3NPdAUbWtj3Z/

Fundraising for Paige W's Worksman Side-By-Side Electric

"I work with special needs students. There’s a little girl in my classroom that entered a fundraiser to win a bike to improve her quality of life.  

I’m sending you the link to it in hopes that you can reach your followers and I’m hoping with your assistance we can win this child her first bicycle!  

Donations aren’t necessary unless people feel inclined to! If she gets enough votes and places 1st in her bike category; she’ll receive one!  

Pedaling our way to a victory! Please help us"

Link -> https://www.greatbikegiveaway.com/paigeypie

Fundraising for Paige W's Worksman Side-By-Side Electric