"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!!"
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| Save the Date -> Disability Expo - May 4 |
Yes, may the fourth be with you!
"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
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| Fundraising for Paige W's Worksman Side-By-Side Electric |
Franklin United Methodist Church
82 West Central Street, Franklin
*Entrance on the left, with a ramp available
We will be joined by Franklin Police Dept, who will hang out with us, have open discussion and Q&A time, and also talk to us about personal safety with disability.
PS, You'll really want to save the date for April 20's Rise Up because I've collaborated with some town personnel for an amazing social opportunity... more info to come!
"Walkers and wheelchairs with missing parts or improvised upgrades crowd the floor of the workshop on the outskirts of Worcester.At the facility, one of four Assistive Technology Centers run by the state, designers and technicians customize and adapt equipment, from shower chairs to iPads, to make them safer, more comfortable, or easier to use for people with developmental disabilities. The solutions can be as complicated as rebuilding a motorized chair, or as basic as laminating a cardboard box, as one of the adaptive equipment designers, Gabrielle Reis, discovered during weeks of trial and error as she attempted to build a tray for a wheelchair.“Some of the hardest situations have some of the easiest solutions,” said Reis, 30, of Boston.Massachusetts is among the few states with facilities dedicated to devising creative solutions to accommodate the unique needs of people with developmental disabilities, according to officials with the state’s Department of Developmental Services, or DDS. About $2 million is budgeted annually for the program, though it has other funding sources, including insurance payments and donations."
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| RISE Up - next social hour gathering Saturday, Nov 11 at 10 AM at Franklin TV |
"The commission has now officially turned the page. Last month, Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh replaced D’Arcangelo with John Oliveira, a veteran worker whose appointment prompted sustained applause during a staff meeting when it was announced, according to union representatives.Head of Massachusetts child welfare agency to leave for D.C. advocacy organizationOliveira, 62, is respected and well liked, said people who fought to oust the previous commissioner, but his appointment alone won’t rebuild an agency that remains plagued with slow service and overwhelming case loads.“It took a long time for the commission to deteriorate as much as it did,” said Amy Ruell, a Maine-based national advocate for blind people with impaired vision who until recently lived in Massachusetts. “It’s going to take a long time for it to recapture some of its power and service delivery.”
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| John Oliveira, the new commissioner of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind.LANE TURNER/GLOBE STAFF |
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| Rise Up scheduled for Saturday, at 10 AM at the Sculpture Park |
"Disabilities are usually categorized as visible or invisible — but what about the in-between? I was born with a congenital foot deformity that affects the muscles, bones, and tendons. But thanks to early surgeries and years of casting, I look pretty normal to the average person. The only catch? Chronic pain, limited mobility and a “special occasions” wheelchair that my friends and family have never seen."
"July 26, 2023, marks the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).This landmark civil rights law protects millions of people with disabilities across the country.The Access Board is celebrating accessible design features encountered in everyday life that benefit everyone, not just those with disabilities. Read on to learn more!"
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| SSA: The ADA Benefits All People, Not Just “Americans with Disabilities” |
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| Franklin Matters Radio podcast page |
"Great ideas sometimes come to people in the shower or while stuck in traffic. For Jake Haendel, lightning struck when he was accidentally locked in a bathroom stall at a nightclub near North Station.Haendel, 34, suffers from a rare neurological disorder, has trouble with fine motor control, and needs an electric scooter to get around. After being unable to grasp and unlock the stall door, he had to text his friends at their table in the restaurant next door, Guy Fieri’s Tequila Cocina, to come help.“It’s definitely not funny, but I do laugh about the absurdity of it,” he told a Globe reporter in recounting the incident, which happened in September 2021. “Places are called ‘accessible,’ but in this meaningless, broad term.”
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| Crowd sourced info for navigating with disabilities: "Boston entrepreneur looks to build a ‘Waze for accessibility’" |
FM #983 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 983 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 Tuesday, April 25, 2023.
Our conversation introduces Ali to the community as she shares some of her story living with a brain injury. We talk about her art work, and in particular, about the forthcoming free Disability Expo scheduled for Saturday, May 20 at Franklin Senior Center from 11 AM to 2 PM.
The recording runs about 25 minutes so let’s listen to my conversation with Ali Rheaume. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-983-ali-rheaume-on-disability-and-the-disability-expo-04-25-23
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Ali Rheaume’s Embracing Unique page -> https://alirheaume.com/embracing-unique
Town calendar - (not on there yet)
Disability Expo - May 20 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/04/2023-disability-expo-scheduled-for.html
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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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| Talking with Ali Rheaume on disability, art, and the Disability Expo - 04/25/23 (audio) |
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| 2023 Disability Expo - scheduled for Saturday, May 20, 2023 |
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| Franklin Commission on Persons with Disabilities - Mar 2 at 7 PM |
FM #938 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 938 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with two Franklin Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC) board members; Arielle Shearer and Patty Middelmann.
We discuss the creation of SEPAC which dates back to the education reform efforts in the early 1990’s where each community getting special education funding in MA needs to have this committee to work with the School District.
Our wide ranging discussion centers around education and accommodations for special needs kiddos, some of the many ways on how the support group helps other parents, and that the group is also open to the entire community as we are “interested parties.”
The audio recording runs about 36 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Arielle and Patty about SEPAC and how you might get involved. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-938x-franklin-sepac-discussion-call-to-action-02-07-23
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Franklin SEPAC links & information
Website -> http://www.franklinsepac.org/
Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/franklinsepac
Mailing List and Survey -> https://forms.gle/TYuAJLeqvLzKNbNb8
SEPAC September Flyer https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cEFAFNI_Cwg7uz45nFCwPYy6kunR8c0I/view?usp=share_link
Franklin SEPAC Spring Letter https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qcis7TW6uxBML1xkEUI_t-tu2AxRSYz5/view?usp=share_link
Contact Email: FranklinSEPAC@gmail.com
504 plan info -> https://www.understood.org/en/articles/504-plans-a-guide-for-teachers
Federal IDEA legislation -> https://sites.ed.gov/idea/about-idea/
MA Behavioral Help Hotline -> https://www.masshelpline.com/
The "adjacent possible" comes from this book mentioned during the conversation: Steven Johnson - Where do Good Ideas Come from (TED Talk) -> https://www.ted.com/talks/steven_johnson_where_good_ideas_come_from
Where do Good Ideas Come from Book link -> https://www.amazon.com/Where-Good-Ideas-Come-Innovation-ebook/dp/B0046ZRZ30
--------------
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!
------------------
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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| Our Franklin SEPAC discussion can create the adjacent possible for you - 02/07/23 (audio) |
Students in Grades six through eight at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School will participate in an adaptive sport called Volt Hockey during the week of December 5th.
"Volt Hockey, played in power wheelchairs in Europe and Canada, came for the first time to the United States with chairs to Boston on November 8, 2021. There are very few sports that allow individuals with disabilities with both upper and lower body mobility impairments to compete. Volt Hockey, being brought by the nonprofit Boston Self Help Center, is expected to excite and encourage individuals with disabilities to play this indoor, 4 on 4, street hockey like game. Expectations are high that this will then spread across New England and the United States as did a similar sport that the nonprofit sponsors, power wheelchair soccer." (source: https://bostonselfhelpcenter.org/adaptive-sports)
The opportunity has been coordinated by Helena and Helge Liedtke, parents of two BFCCPS students and founders of SPace2Thrive,as well as Christopher Heater the Director of Co-Curricular Education and the Physical Education Coaches Patrick Anderson, Julie Bradley and Marjorie Burke. Equipment has been donated for the event courtesy of the Boston Self Help Center and Boston Whiplash team. You can learn more about this adaptive sports program on this flyer
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| Volt Hockey wheelchair |
This activity has been arranged to help all students feel included, most especially BFCCPS' own Vivienne Liedkte, a member of the BFCCPS Grade 8 class who shares. "I love Volt Hockey because I am free to be myself and I feel like I can actually do something good as an equal team member."
The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School is an inclusive, vibrant learning community where integrity, knowledge and resourcefulness define our students and empower them to serve the greater community with confidence. As part of our school's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) and in line with our school's pillar of character education, we are thrilled to offer this opportunity to our students as a demonstration of the virtues of both justice and fortitude.
You can learn more about SPace2Thrive and their mission to create spaces where children with and without disabilities and their families can connect and engage in a way that creates an environment of compassion and equality for everyone to thrive, learn from each other and grow beyond limitations. (source: http://www.space2thrive.org/mission)
About the Benjamin Franklin Charter School
The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School's mission is to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing students with a classical academic education coupled with sound character development and community service. Our mission is supported by four distinct, yet interconnected pillars that provide for a collaborative, rigorous education for all students. These pillars guide, direct and define the school in all it does. www.bfccps.org
"I have fought my entire career to make Massachusetts a more inclusive place for people of all abilities to live, work, and play," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "It is especially fitting that the Senate has passed these bills on the same day that we adjourn in memory of Paul Spooner, a committed and tireless disability rights and inclusion activist working in MetroWest and a dear friend of mine. By helping us move closer to our goal of ensuring that all people have opportunities to live independently, we honor Paul's legacy and make the Massachusetts a more compassionate and accessible Commonwealth. I want to thank the many Senators who worked to ensure the passage of these bills, including Senators Rodrigues, Lovely, Cronin, Moran, and Gomez."
"The passages of these bills today speak volumes of the Senate's long and unwavering commitment to making life better for people with disabilities," said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "Thank you to Senate President Spilka for her steadfast leadership for putting the issues of accessibility and inclusion front and center, ensuring we do what's right for our people, and thank you to Senators Lovely, Cronin, and Moran for your leadership on these critically important bills. Because of our collection today to support wheelchair users and recognize supported decision-making agreements, we have made our Commonwealth stronger and more inclusive."
Expanding Wheelchair Warranties
Wheelchair repair poses substantial problems for people with physical disabilities in Massachusetts. In the event of a wheelchair breaking or otherwise failing to function, it is not uncommon for those who use wheelchair to need to wait for weeks for repairs, including for wheelchairs under warranty. This leaves these individuals stranded at home and unable to go to work, school, medical appointments, grocery shopping, or elsewhere. This creates a crisis for individuals and families and often exacerbates other health conditions. Existing state law does not set any timeline for assessing repairs or require dealers to offer wheelchairs on loan within a fixed time period.
Legislation passed by the Senate today addresses these problems by strengthening consumer protections for those who use wheelchairs. The legislation requires that wheelchair manufacturers, lessors and dealers provide consumers with written notification of the warranty for their wheelchairs, and increases the minimum duration for an express warranty on wheelchairs to two years. If an in-warranty wheelchair stops functioning, the bill requires that manufacturers, lessors, and dealers assess the wheelchair within three days, provide a temporary wheelchair on loan within four days, and cover collateral costs to the user.
"I am so grateful to Senate President Spilka for her commitment to expand consumer protections to support the independence and dignity of our disability community. This bill's passage is an important step forward to protect wheelchair users and their families,"" said Senator John J. Cronin (D-Lunenberg), chair of the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government. "The bill implements critical protections in the law to prevent wheelchair users from being stranded in their homes for prolonged periods when their wheelchair or mobility device becomes inoperable."
To enforce these new requirements, the bill authorizes the state attorney general and consumers to commence legal actions against any violation of provisions protecting wheelchair users from unfair and deceptive business practices relating to warranty-fulfillment.
Independent living through supported decision-making agreements
Supported decision-making is an alternative to guardianship for individuals with an intellectual or development disability, dementia, or mental health diagnosis. Unlike in traditional guardianship, where a guardian makes medical, financial, or other life decisions for a person with disabilities, supported decision-making allows an individual with a disability to make his or her own decisions with the support of a designated person or team of trusted supporters. In such an agreement, 'supporters' assist in communicating and understanding decisions but cannot override an individuals' own choices.
"I am incredibly proud that this life-changing legislation has advanced through the Senate," said Senator Joanne B. Lovely (D-Salem), chair of the Senate Committee on Rules. "Supported decision-making agreements maximize the dignity, freedom, and independence of persons with disabilities and provide a proven, cost-effective, and less restrictive alternative to guardianship. Thank you, President Spilka, Chair Rodrigues, and the many advocates who worked tirelessly to move this bill forward. Everyone should have the opportunity to be the decision-maker of their own lives, and this legislation will empower many for whom that was not previously possible."
"People with disabilities deserve the freedom to maintain their independence and dignity," said Senator Susan L. Moran (D-Falmouth), chair of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. "I'm proud to vote for this bill to enable supported decision making for people with disabilities, and take another strong step in supporting residents with disabilities in the Commonwealth."
"I have had the opportunity, as the Senate Chair of Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities to meet with many individuals across our state who are both strong advocates for supported decision-making and could greatly benefit from this bill," said Senator Adam Gomez (D-Springfield), Chair of the Senate Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities. "Supported decision-making is a no brainer that allows individuals, including those with disabilities and elders, to maintain their rights and independence, allowing them to choose one or more trusted advisors to provide assistance in making decisions about their lives. I am thrilled that this legislation is moving forward and I know it will change many lives."
The legislation passed by the Senate today legally recognizes supported decision-making agreements, acknowledges them as a viable alternative to guardianship for some individuals, and establishes guardrails to ensure that these agreements keep an individuals' best interests at heart. In cases where there is evidence of undue influence or coercion, the law renders such decision-making agreements invalid. The legislation permits members of the public, and requires mandated reporters, to petition the Probate and Family court to revoke or suspend a supported decision-making agreement in cases where there is suspicion of abuse, neglect or exploitation.
Under the bill, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services will create training on supported decision-making, and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will assist in informing students and their families or guardians about supported decision-making as needed.
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| Senate Passes Legislation to Help People with Disabilities Live Independently |
