DPC News & Updates

Advocacy, Legislation Emily Combs Advocacy, Legislation Emily Combs

7004-9030: Incorporate Language Changes and Increase Total Funding for AHVP to $30M ($18.8M + Prior Appropriations Continued)

It can be especially difficult for people with disabilities to find homes that meet their access needs. The Accessible Affordable Housing Grants (AAHG) offers developers and landlords grants to create or rehabilitate physically accessible housing that prioritizes AHVP recipients. This program has funded projects across the state since its inception a few years ago. The Governor’s budget eliminated this program. 

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Legislation David Spratte Legislation David Spratte

H.1360/S.869: An Act relative to preventing discrimination against persons with disabilities in the provision of health care 

People with disabilities are frequently the victims of explicit and implicit bias in the healthcare system–all based on the presumption that the lives of disabled people have less worth than the lives of nondisabled people. This can have harmful and deadly consequences. Some disabled patients have been denied treatments, medications, and even removed from life support, while others have been pressured to sign do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders.  HD.2485/SD.1130 protects people with disabilities from life-threatening discrimination in our healthcare system

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Get Involved Guest User Get Involved Guest User

Documenting Disability History Project - News Release

According to Sandy Novack, the Vice President of the DPC Board of Directors, not many people with disabilities show up in history books. DPC wants to change that by documenting as much as possible the lives of people with disabilities in Massachusetts so that future generations will have role models, not feel as isolated with their disabilities as many feel now, and learn how others have or have not handled life's challenges. People with disabilities and able-bodied people can get exposure to the variety of disabilities people can have, and all the ways that people with disabilities have lived that have not been documented.

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Advocacy R Feynman Advocacy R Feynman

State Budget Report

Last week, Governor Healey released her version of the state budget. This kicks off a 5-month (or longer) budgeting process which happens every year. The House and the Senate will make significant changes before it returns to her. The Governor’s budget helps advocates see where we need to focus our energy in the coming months.

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Advocacy Emily Combs Advocacy Emily Combs

Personal Emergency Preparedness Plan

Cities and town governments are responsible for planning and responding to a disaster. Individuals should also prepare themselves, their families, and their caregivers. We offer guidance on what to think about, record, and practice to complete your emergency preparedness plan.

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Advocacy Emily Combs Advocacy Emily Combs

H.1168/S.726: An Act Protecting the Homes of Seniors and Disabled People on MassHealth

Estate recovery is the practice of MassHealth recouping the cost of medical services from the deceased enrollee's family. While mandated by federal law, estate recovery is made even more aggressive by requirements under Massachusetts law. It can result in the sale of the family home, causing excessive financial burden and perpetuating poverty, especially among communities of color and people with disabilities.

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