Disability Policy Consortium Weekly Update
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Joint Ways & Means Public Hearing
The Joint Ways & Means Public Hearing is this Friday, March 5, 2010, beginning at 10:00 a.m. It is being held in the Gardner Auditorium at the State House. Individuals wishing to testify are encouraged to arrive early to sign up. Communication Access Requests: Please contact State House ADA Coordinator, Carl Richardson at carl.richardson@state.ma.us.
Importance of Writing Letters to the Editor
Writing letters to your local newspaper’s editor is an incredibly easy and effective way to advocate for the needs of people with disabilities. Here is a great example: http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100223/OPINION/2230329.
Nothing About Us Without Us, So Count Us!
The U.S. Census will be arriving in people’s mailbox beginning March 15th. The DPC strongly urges all members to complete the form. To request materials in alternate formats or to complete the Census by telephone, call the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance Center at 1-866-872-6868 or via FedRelay 1-866-783-2010 (for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing). For more information on Census assistance available for people with disabilities, visit www.2010.census.gov or www.dpcma.org.
Budget Advocacy Training
Although we are in the middle of the Budget process, it is not too late to make a difference! The Governor has proposed his budget for FY11 and now is the time to communicate your concerns to the legislators about disability issues. Don't miss this important training! Come learn:
What's included in the budget proposal for people with disabilities
How decisions made by your state representatives will affect your services
How you can best communicate your concerns to your elected officials
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
1:00p-3:00p
State House, Room B-1
Please RSVP to Robyn Powell by March 19, 2010 rpowell@dpcma.org or 617-542-3522. Please contact Robyn Powell immediately to request accommodations, such as ASL Interpreters, CART, or alternate formats for handouts.
SB812
SB812, An act ensure the availability of medications in time of an emergency, was recently reported favorably as amended by the Joint Committee on Public Health.
Think Beyond the Label
DPC encourages members to check out this new website about employment of people with disabilities: http://www.thinkbeyondthelabel.com.
Deaf-Blind Awareness Day
Date: March 16th, 2010
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: State House – Grand Staircase
Description
The critical services of more than a dozen deaf-blind-related agencies and organizations will be on exhibit. A short program will include remarks by EOHHS Assistant Secretary Jean McGuire, MCB Commissioner Janet LaBreck, and MCDHH Commissioner Heidi Reed. Awards will be given to honor individuals whose contributions to the Deaf-Blind community are particularly noteworthy. The afternoon allows for visits with State Representatives and Senators.
Program
10:00–1:00 Exhibits
12:00 Presentations
1:00–3:00 Visits with Legislators
Communication Access Requests by MARCH 1: Please contact State House ADA Coordinator, Carl Richardson at carl.richardson@state.ma.us.
For more information please visit www.necdbp.org (website for the Massachusetts Deafblind Project) or call 617-972-7514 and leave a message.
Second Annual Blind Legislative Informational Networking Day
Date: April 5th, 2010
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: State House – Great Hall
Description
Advocating for the maintenance funding for vital blindness services from the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and for the Massachusetts Talking Book Program libraries at the Worcester Talking Book Library and the Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library. Reinforcing the importance of specialized services for people who are blind, visually impaired and deaf-blind.
Program
11:30 Registration and technology demonstrations in the Great Hall
12:00 Lunch available
12:15 Speakers and Program
1:00 Legislative Issues Briefing
1:15-2:00 Afternoon visits with legislators
Communication Access Requests by MARCH 20: For all communication access requests, please contact State House ADA Coordinator, Carl Richardson at carl.richardson@state.ma.us.