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Great resource to find adapted versions of popular literature for students with complex disabilities |
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Great Resource - Part 2: Sherlock Center listing for MASS
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Great resource to find adapted versions of popular literature for students with complex disabilities
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Great resource to find adapted versions of popular literature for students with complex disabilities |
Monday, April 21, 2025
I can’t go everywhere my daughter goes – and it’s heartbreaking | Well actually | The Guardian
"We met K when she was a week old. We were foster parents and not expecting a call about a newborn. Despite becoming her mom with just 12 hours’ notice – we adopted her the next year – my early months with her felt so natural.
I had been disabled for six years. While on a hike, I developed dysautonomia, which is secondary to a genetic connective tissue disorder called hEDS [hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome]. I experience a great deal of daily pain and can’t stand for more than a minute or sit upright unsupported for more than five.
As a result, I spend most of my day reclined. Her high need for physical contact in infancy fit my need to rest all day. She didn’t need a mom who could pace. She needed a mom who didn’t get bored lying on the sofa. We were a perfect match.
After a few months with K, we started to make plans. The first was a trip to a small island called Lummi off the coast of Washington state. We flew out of Oakland; a friend drove us to the airport and helped us check the bags. David pushed me in my wheelchair, and I carried K on my lap. Once in the air, we learned the hard way that air pressure changes can contribute to diaper blowouts, but the flight was, generally, fine."
For some disabled or chronically ill people, leaving the house isn’t possible at all. But for others, the barriers are structural. Composite: The Guardian/Getty Images
Friday, February 14, 2025
Rise Up meeting on Saturday, Feb 15 feaures "special discussion about disability awareness & advocacy"
- 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
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Rise Up meeting on Saturday, Feb 15 feaures "special discussion about disability awareness & advocacy" |
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Rise Up this Saturday 🌄, January 18, 2025 at 10 AM
- 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
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Navigating life with disability? Check out the Rise Up group meeting Saturday at 10 AM to see if it is for you |
Thursday, January 2, 2025
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, January 2, 2025 ???
- Fiber Art Installation Franklin Public Library
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What's happening today in Franklin? |
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars
Thursday, November 7, 2024
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, November 7, 2024 ???
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Rise Up this Saturday, October 19 at 10 AM
- 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
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Navigating life with disability? Check out the Rise Up group meeting Saturday at 10 AM to see if it is for you |
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Rise Up this Saturday !!! Sep 21, 2024 at 10 AM
- Date: September 21st- Time: 10 AM- Location: Franklin United Methodist Church, 82 West Central St, Franklin, MA (parking and ramp/entrance on left side)
- Open social time- Group social time and clay craft (if you choose to)- Announcements & Wrap-up
- 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
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Navigating life with disability? Check out the Rise Up group meeting Saturday at 10 AM to see if it is for you |
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Rise Up celebrates 1 year anniversary
Today (8/17/24) is Rise Up's one year anniversary 🎉I took a chance in August 2023 to start something our community was missing, and it has paid off!!
Rise Up celebrates 1 year anniversary »Rise Up is a social hour intended to connect the community with those navigating life with disability.»Anyone 18+ is welcome to join us, disability or not.»We've had so much fun and are looking forward to another year, so come join us!»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
Saturday, August 17, 2024
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission: "From Elementary Physical Education Teacher to Award-Winning Artist: A Brain Injury Survivor's Journey"
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Ali hosts “Rise Up”, a free in-person social hour for individuals navigating life with disability |
"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."
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
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
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"
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Ali awaiting a train at the MBTA Franklin/Dean Station |