Showing posts with label disability. Show all posts
Showing posts with label disability. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Crowd sourced info for navigating with disabilities: "Boston entrepreneur looks to build a ‘Waze for accessibility’"

"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.”
Continue reading the article at the Boston Globe (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/04/29/business/after-harrowing-life-journey-boston-entrepreneur-looks-build-waze-accessibility/

Crowd sourced info for navigating with disabilities: "Boston entrepreneur looks to build a ‘Waze for accessibility’"
Crowd sourced info for navigating with disabilities: "Boston entrepreneur looks to build a ‘Waze for accessibility’"

Monday, May 1, 2023

Talking with Ali Rheaume on disability, art, and the Disability Expo - 04/25/23 (audio)

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!

------------------


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

Talking with Ali Rheaume on disability, art, and the Disability Expo - 04/25/23 (audio)
Talking with Ali Rheaume on disability, art, and the Disability Expo - 04/25/23 (audio)

Thursday, April 13, 2023

2023 Disability Expo - scheduled for Saturday, May 20, 2023

The 2023 Disability Expo is scheduled for individuals with disability, support persons, community partners, and more. It will be held at the Franklin Senior Center on Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 11 AM to 2 PM.

Representatives are scheduled to be on site to share a variety of resources regarding disability services that are available.

Questions? call Disability Chairperson Mary O'Neill at 508-440-1265

Download the flyer to share or as your reminder

2023 Disability Expo - scheduled for Saturday, May 20, 2023
2023 Disability Expo - scheduled for Saturday, May 20, 2023


Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Franklin Commission on Persons with Disabilities - Mar 2 at 7 PM

Franklin Commission on Persons with Disabilities
1000 Central Park Terrace Franklin, MA 02038
Regular Meeting of the Board
March 2, 2023 - 7:00 PM


AGENDA

OLD BUSINESS:
1.) 2023 Summit event for area persons with disabilities and challenges

NEW BUSINESS:
1.) Future guest speakers

CORRESPONDENCE:
1.) None.

Respectfully Submitted by Randy Jay, Clerk


Franklin Commission on Persons with Disabilities - Mar 2 at 7 PM
Franklin Commission on Persons with Disabilities - Mar 2 at 7 PM

Friday, February 10, 2023

Our Franklin SEPAC discussion can create the adjacent possible for you - 02/07/23 (audio)

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"


Our Franklin SEPAC discussion can create the adjacent possible for you - 02/07/23 (audio)
Our Franklin SEPAC discussion can create the adjacent possible for you - 02/07/23 (audio)

Sunday, December 4, 2022

Adaptive Hockey Games at BFCCPS scheduled for week of Dec 5

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


Volt Hockey wheelchair
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

Friday, November 4, 2022

MA Senate Passes Legislation to Help People with Disabilities Live Independently, now sent to MA House for their review

The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday passed two bills to help people with disabilities live independently in Massachusetts. First, An Act expanding wheelchair warranty protections for consumers with disabilities takes steps to ensure that people with physical disabilities who rely on wheelchairs are not stranded for long time periods in the event of the breakdown of an in-warranty wheelchair. Second, An Act relative to supported decision-making for agreements for certain adults with disabilities recognizes supported decision-making as an alternative to guardianship, allowing certain people with disabilities to retain greater decision-making power over their lives.

Having passed the Senate, the bills now go to the House of Representatives for consideration.

"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.


An Act expanding wheelchair warranty protections for consumers with disabilities

An Act relative to supported decision-making for agreements for certain adults with disabilities

Senate Passes Legislation to Help People with Disabilities Live Independently
Senate Passes Legislation to Help People with Disabilities Live Independently

Sunday, October 9, 2022

Helping Voters with Disabilities Participate in Our Democratic Process

During the 2022 midterm election, 38.3 million voters with disabilities will have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process. These voters may include you, one of your friends, or a family member.

Voters with disabilities face unique obstacles when casting their ballots. The Help America Vote Act ensures that all voters with disabilities have the right to mark, cast, and verify their ballots privately and independently.

The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) helps voters with disabilities register to vote and understand their options to cast ballots. 

Helping Voters with Disabilities Participate in Our Democratic Process
Helping Voters with Disabilities Participate in Our Democratic Process

Continue reading this article -> https://blog.ssa.gov/helping-voters-with-disabilities-participate-in-our-democratic-process/

What is Franklin TV, radio and News doing in this arena?
Election interviews in particular are shared in video and audio formats where possible. If needed, a transcript of either can be made available. We are working towards making the combination an 'automatic' production so in the meantime, feel free to ask for a transcript.

Comment on this post to request a transcript of an interview, or send an email to sgsherlock@franklinmatters.org

Friday, September 2, 2022

2022 Virtual Disability Forum, with Candidates for Governor of Massachusetts - Sep 8

Via HMEA

We’re pleased to be sponsoring ' Virtual Disability Forum with candidates for Governor of Massachusetts taking place 9/8. 
You’ll be able to listen to candidates answer questions about issues important to the disability community.  
Register here: https://arcmass.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LlkkTKvnQoiANwtpP5J1lg
2022 Virtual Disability Forum, with Candidates for Governor of Massachusetts - Sep 8
2022 Virtual Disability Forum, with Candidates for Governor of Massachusetts - Sep 8

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

MA Senate Passes Legislation Supporting Special Needs Trusts for Disabled Seniors

The Massachusetts State Senate on Tuesday passed legislation to promote the wellbeing of senior citizens with disabilities by clarifying their right to create and access pooled trusts while also receiving MassHealth benefits. Pooled trusts can provide funding to help seniors with disabilities to pay for items and services which are not covered by MassHealth, such as home care services, uncovered medical, dental and pharmacy costs, transportation, clothing, and household items.

 

“MassHealth serves some of the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable residents,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Senior citizens and people with disabilities deserve to be able to save and make smart financial decisions for their living expenses without having to worry about their eligibility for MassHealth. I want to thank Senator Jehlen for pushing for this legislation and Senator Rodrigues for his committee’s review.”


“The passage of this legislation today strengthens our support for our older disabled population by improving their quality of life and makes aging in Massachusetts a more caring experience for this population in need,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “I would like to thank the Senate President for her continued support, along with Senator Jehlen and others for their advocacy, ensuring we help to preserve funds for this vulnerable population, while protecting their eligibility for public benefits.”

 

"For decades, disabled people have been able to use special needs trusts to pay for important services not covered by MassHealth," said Senator Patricia B. Jehlen (D-Somerville), lead sponsor of the bill. "The trusts allow them to qualify for MassHealth while preserving enough assets to pay for items not allowed by Medicaid rules, such as home care, transportation, dental care, clothing, and personal care items.  When the beneficiary of a special needs trust dies, any remaining assets are returned to the Commonwealth.  Millions of dollars are recovered from these trusts each year."

 

Pooled trusts, which are managed by nonprofit organizations, combine the resources of many beneficiaries for the purposes of administrative cost-effectiveness and investment optimization. In Massachusetts, they have been used to give people with disabilities a way to access health care benefits, such as those offered by MassHealth, while depositing additional funds into the trust to pay for items and services not covered by those benefits.

 

Historically, disabled individuals of any age have been permitted to join pooled trusts without interfering with their MassHealth eligibility. In 2019 however, a federal court decision held that a Medicaid penalty may be imposed on a senior who creates a pooled trust account which is not regarded as a ‘fair-market value’. This makes it possible for MassHealth to penalize disabled individuals aged 65 and over who set up a pooled trust. This legislation would prevent this by requiring MassHealth to regard all pooled trusts as ‘fair-market value’.

 

Having passed the Senate this legislation now goes on to the House of Representatives for enactment.


Link to legislation -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H4792


MA Senate Passes Legislation Supporting Special Needs Trusts for Disabled Seniors
MA Senate Passes Legislation Supporting Special Needs Trusts for Disabled Seniors

Sunday, July 24, 2022

Social Security Celebrates the Americans with Disabilities Act

This year, we celebrate 32 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). At Social Security, we're committed to the principles and spirit of the ADA, and the many ways it improves the lives of our beneficiaries. That's why we're celebrating and sharing Matt's story. As a job seeker who is deaf and needs accommodations, Matt story.

As a job seeker who is deaf and needs accommodations, Matt was reluctant to tell prospective employers about his disability. He worried that employers would not hire him if they knew about his disability.
Matt's story
Matt's story


That’s when Matt connected with our Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program. This program supports career development for people ages 18 to 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, approved service providers offer supports and services as participants move toward financial independence through work.

Continue reading the article


Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Liturgy of Easy Walks: a conversation with Marjorie Turner Hollman - 03/28/22 (audio)

FM #764 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 764 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with local area author Marjorie Turner Hollman. Our conversation was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.


We had an easy conversation catching up with Marjorie since we had last talked in Sep 2020. Marjorie has just released a new book now, My Liturgy of Easy Walks. More of a memoir than an easy walk guide, she gets into the back story on how and why she developed easy walks in a series of essays as she recovered. 


Let’s listen to my conversation with Marjorie which runs about 20 minutes.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-764-liturgy-of-easy-walks-with-marjorie-turner-hollman-03-28-22


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Links to 


The video links to our walk and conversations around the Sculpture Park in Franklin

https://youtu.be/IBYcPoNICv0   and Choate Park in Medway https://youtu.be/aGrspVpaMs4 


--------------


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 https://www.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 with your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Liturgy of Easy Walks: a conversation with Marjorie Turner Hollman
Liturgy of Easy Walks: a conversation with Marjorie Turner Hollman