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June 06, 2011 
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Disability Policy Consortium Weekly Update
Greetings!
Saturday was a gorgeous day for the Accessible Recreation Fair sponsored by DCR on the banks of the Charles River in Brighton.
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| DCR's Gigi Tanno celebrates the day. |
It was a great turnout hosted by Tom McCarthy and Gigi Ranno.
Visit our Facebook page for more pictures from the day.
| SybilFelman_MaryLouMaloney |
Elsewhere you'll find two editorials. Don't spend too much time pondering the meaning of the first one. Hopefully, we'll be able to put a positive spin on it soon.
Bill Allan
Disability Policy Consortium
wfallan@dpcma.org| 617-542-3822
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Editorial: Encouraging Views on Duals
Last week included a meeting on the proposed Managed Care demonstration program for Dual Eligibles - people
many to address the policies, standards and practices that would be included in the roll-out of Managed Care.
P.S. To read what is missing, please log in to you DPC account at www.dpcma.org, the go to Members>DPCUpdate06062011. |
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Editorial: Wind Everywhere
The tornados that touched down brought death and destruction to large swaths of western Massachusetts. Shortly after 6 PM on June 1, I began receiving reports via email, text and telephone that Governor Patrick was on the news announcing a state of emergency...and that there wasn't an ASL interpreter in sight.
Surprised? Remember the May 9 DPC update where we printed the letter from the Governor's Legal Counsel replied to our Demand Letter by saying:
The Patrick-Murray Administration is committed to ensuring equal opportunity, access and independence for people with disabilities, including in these emergency situations. To accomplish these ends, the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
(EOPSS), along with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) have worked to ensure that American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters attending televised press conferences are visible to the audience. I enclose a letter dated February 1,201 1
from Kurt N. Schwartz, Director of MEMA, urging television news directors to ensure that viewers are able to see the ASL interpreter at all times during televised press conferences.
Again, we ask: How can the TV stations include an ASL interpreter in the picture when there isn't any interpreter present...trick photography?
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Advocates Corner: Working Hard
for us...
From: Morelli, Toby (HOU)
Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2011 5:18 PM
To: HOU-DL - HOUSE REPS; HOU-DL - HOUSE STAFF; HOU-DL - HOUSE AIDES
Subject: House Schedule 6/6/2011-6/17/2011
Dear Members & Staff:
Please be advised the schedule of the House for the next two weeks is as follows:
Monday, June 6th
11:00 AM: Informal Session
Thursday, June 9th
11:00 AM: Informal Session
Monday, June 13th
11:00 AM: Informal Session
Wednesday, June 15th
11:00 AM: Full Formal Session (roll calls will begin at 1:00 PM)
· Additional information regarding the session will be made available next
week. Members should also be prepared to take a 2011-2012 class photograph
at 1:00 PM in the House Chamber.
Thursday, June 16th
11:00 AM: Informal Session
As always please contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.
Respectfully,
Toby
Toby J. Morelli
Deputy Chief of Staff
Office of the Speaker of the House
State House, Room 356
Boston, MA 02133
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In Memoriam: Jimi Tierney
From Bill Henning, Executive Director, Boston Center for Independent Living
To friends of BCIL,
I am sad to report that Jimi Tierney died Saturday morning at home after a long battle with increasing health complications.
Jimi most recently was advising BCIL on policies and practices, and previously had served as co-director and deputy director. His spirited contributions to independent living for thirty-plus years were substantial, as noted by the following comments:
Jimi was a tremendous mentor to me and taught me most of what I know and value about the independent living philosophy. His tireless advocacy, work ethic, love and devotion to his family, and courage made him a role model for all of us. As a BCMG Board member, he was immeasurably supportive and constructive. A true pioneer....he will be missed.
- Mary Glover, NP, Executive Director, Boston's Community Medical Group
Jimi was a force in his own right. He played a pivotal role as BCIL transitioned to another level that needed someone with his personality and hard work to nurture it. I'll miss his wry smile and dark sense of humor. Rest in peace Jimi your struggle has ended but your memory lives on. Peace brother.
- Charlie Carr, Commissioner, Mass Rehab Commission
Jimi was... both a supervisor and mentor to me. He played a crucial role in the development of my understanding of the philosophy of independent living and our incredible responsibility to it. The value of what he taught me and many others at BCIL is truly immeasurable.
- Courtland Townes, Deputy Director, BCIL
Jimi was a great example of what you can do... making the best life for himself and his family not to mention all the people he helped. I'm sure his family is proud of him.
- Joe Tringali, Community Services Director, Stavros Center for Independent Living
What sad news, Jimi was an awesome guy and advocate, rest in peace.
- Paul Spooner, Executive Director, Metrowest Center for Independent Living
There will be a wake at Devito Funeral Home, 1145 Mass. Ave. in Arlington, from 4:00 to 8:00 on Tuesday, June 7.
With enduring respect for Jimi,
Bill
Bill Henning
Director
Boston Center for Independent Living
60 Temple Place, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02111-1324
617 338-6665, x 213;
617-338-6662 (tty)
617 338-6661 (fax)
www.bostoncil.org
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Managed Care for Duals:RFI Update
There are 51 responses posted on the DPC web site in response to the Request for Information on Managed Care for Dual Eligibles that were submitted on May 6, 2011. Fifty (50) are in Zip format.
www.dpcma.org (Issues>Health Care Reform II)
The Executive Office of Health and Human Services also issued a new Request for Information on Accountable Care Organizations. The RFI is on the left side of the same page in the link above. |
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On the Calendar: IRRA Conference
(these events are not on the DPC calendar)
Individuals Requiring Additional Assistance
School Emergency Preparedness
IRAA SEP is the exciting next step in building the capacity of schools, educators, parents and students with special needs to prepare, respond and recover from school-based emergencies or disasters.
IRAA SEP will provide information and resources for:
· Personal Emergency Plan (PEP) guidelines for special needs students, parents/guardians and advocates
· IRAA SEP District Emergency Plan guidelines for administrators and educators
· Classroom emergency preparedness
· Communication emergency preparedness
· Transportation emergency preparedness
· Collaboration: First Responders, Educators, Parents, Community Members, Advocates
· Legal issues awareness
· Opportunities to network with colleagues from various disciplines to identify and implement best practices for student safety
This conference is offered free of charge anda light meal will be served.
REGISTER FOR TRAINING:
CHICOPEE:
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Registration begins at 3:30 pm
Conference 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Chicopee Public Library
NORTHAMPTON:
Monday, June 20, 2011
Registration begins at 11:00 am
Conference 11:30 am - 4:00 pm
Smith College Conference Center
SPRINGFIELD:
Friday, June 24, 2011
Registration begins at 10:30 am
Conference 11:00 am - 3:30 pm
PIoneer Valley Planning Commission
LENOX:
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Registration begins at 10:30 am
Conference 11:00 am - 3:30 pm
Cranwell Resort
GREENFIELD:
Thursday, June 30, 2011
11:00 am registration
Conference 11:30 am - 4:00 pm
Greenfield Community College
Downtown Center, 2nd floor
270 Main Street (NOT THE MAIN CAMPUS)
Please RSVP with your preferred location to:
Hope Bodwell, IRAA SEP Associate
chbodwell@gmail.com
413-636-8839
http://www.WesternMassREADY.org/IRAA/
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On the Calendar: Consumer
Conference
"Beyond Independence"
A Conference sponsored by MRC, MCB, MCDHH, and SILC
Wednesday, June 29th and Thursday June 30th, 2011
Four Points Sheraton, Norwood
1125 Boston Providence Turnpike
To Register, please e-mail consumer.involvement@mrc.state.ma.us
To obtain this brochure in an alternative format
or language, contact us at: 617-204-3638 TTY/V
or e-mail consumer.involvement@mrc.state.ma.us
Please Note: You must register by Tuesday, June 1st to attend the Conference (DPC received this on June 2).
There is a limit of 350 registrants. Any registrations received after the deadline (or after all slots are full) will be placed on a waiting list. If you register, and then must cancel, please let us know as soon as possible. You are not registered until you receive a confirmation letter from us.
Due to some individuals' medical conditions, we are requesting that attendees refrain from wearing fragrances and scented products at this conference.
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On the Calendar: Elder MH Conf
SAVE THE DATE!
Massachusetts Association of Older Americans, Inc.
and
Massachusetts Department of Mental Health
Announce an Aging & Mental Health Conference
in partnership with:
Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc.
SAGE - Boston (Stop Abuse Gain Empowerment)
MCOA (MA Association of Councils on Aging)
June 27, 2011 from 8:45- 3:30pm
Elder Abuse and Domestic Violence: Protective Services and the
Mental Health of Older Adults
Where: College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA
Watch for program and registration information coming soon!
Contact Advocacy@maoamass.org for additional information
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On the Calendar: DEAF, Inc Picnic
DEAF INC'S
5TH ANNUAL
DEAF COMMUNITY PICNIC
WHEN: Saturday, July 30, 2011
Time: 11:00am-3pm
WHERE: Castle Island, Boston
It cost 3 dollars an individual and Kids are free. Deaf Inc will provide the food and drinks. Bring your own chair if you wish to sit off the ground. Hot dogs, burgers and Vegetarian foods will be available. Castle Island has strict rules in regards to any alcohol beverages they are not permitted in the park at all. Pets are welcome but they must be on leash our under strict control (Guide dogs always welcomed as well as service animals.)
There will be activities to do as well such as walking, swimming and a play ground for the kids.
Want to volunteer to help or, if you have any questions or needs such directions, a guide or communications please contact Deaf Inc at jglinos@deafinconline.org
Or call Deaf Inc and ask for Jen Glinos at 617-254-4041 TTY/V
If you should require guides please inform Deaf Inc ASAP at least two weeks before the event thank you and hope to see you there.
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News from the Net: Summer Jobs
MASSACHUSETTS REHABILITATION COMMISSION
Transition Works Grant
2011 Youth Summer Employment Initiative
"State as a Model Employer"
The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission 2011 Youth Summer Employment Initiative is a unique public partnership that creates valuable opportunities for students with disabilities in Massachusetts.
This Program enables students to gain valuable experience in a work setting and to meaningfully contribute to the operations of a government agency. It is a fact that early work experience leads to long term vocational success, and that students with disabilities often face greater challenges getting that first work opportunity. Through this Initiative, which provides a paid internship to the student, interns will acquire work skills and experience that will help them to launch a successful career in the world of work with a focus on public service.
The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, Vocational Rehabilitation Division, through the Transition Works Grant selects qualified high school and college students who seek valuable work experience and then matches them to appropriate State Agency internships. The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission will provide a stipend for each student as well as any adaptive technology necessary to perform their job duties.
For more information regarding the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission's Transition Works Grant 2011 Youth Summer Employment Initiative, please contact Sandra Jones at 617-776-1181 x: 1339 or by email at: Sandra.jones@mrc.state.ma.us
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| Happy Birthday: John Winske |
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