Defend the PCA program

Defend the PCA program!

As many as 1,700 people are targeted to be cut from the PCA program. These medically-necessary services will be eliminated for people receiving less than 15 hours of services a month. People will lose assistance with bathing, dressing, and toileting. These are people with back injuries, diabetes, cancer, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, progressive diseases.

Speak out against PCA cuts!
Thursday, December 10, 12:00 noon
Governor Patrick’s Office, State House

Event sponsors include MWCIL, Stavros, Disability Policy Consortium, and ILCNSCA. Contact Boston Center for Independent Living at 617-338-6665, bhenning@bostoncil.org to sign on.

Zola Center Holiday Bazaar and Rummage Sale

Join the fight for the rights of people with disabilities in Massachusetts – join the DPC today for FREE at www.dpcma.org

The Disability Policy Consortium (DPC) is the only non-profit, statewide, cross-disability organization that actively engages the lawmakers and policy-makers in the Massachusetts government to fight for people with disabilities. We are one of the best-kept secrets in the world of people with disabilities-working for our civil rights, dignity, equality, welfare, and freedom from discrimination.
Please add your voice to our efforts to impact state and local government. With your help, we can do more.
Please join today for FREE by visiting www.dpcma.org.
All of our efforts go into promoting inclusion, independence, and empowerment by guiding policies that ensure programs and services enable people with disabilities to participate in the political, economic, and social mainstream of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
All members will have access to:
• Legislative Advocacy Training - Understand how bills become laws and how you can influence public policy decisions that affect you.
• Lobbying Leadership - Learn new skills for communicating, sharing, and advocating for yourself and others.
• Legislative Alert Service (email and by phone) - Receive vital up-to-date information regarding legislative and budget issues.
• Information on Issues of Importance - Receive information on relevant topics such as healthcare reform, accessibility issues, emergency planning, long terms supports and Medicaid.
People may join—FREE—online at www.dpcma.org (click join DPCMA). Together, we can make a difference!

Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts 2010 Schedule of Events

Please Join us for the Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Crowning Gala and disAbility Expo on Sunday November 15th 2009 from 10:30 - 4:30

at Carson Place in the Bayside Expo Center Complex, 180 Mt. Vernon Street Boston , MA 02125
disAbility Expo from 10:30 am - 3:oo pm will feature
Invacare Corp
TiLite Wheelchairs
Rehab Marketing
Pride Mobility Products
Permobil Inc

Mariposa Press
Kathleen Johnson

Wheelchair Recycler
Partners for Youth with Disabilities
Disability Policy Consortium

at 1pm we will have a very special presentation "Women of Strength" by Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2007, Ms. Wheelchair America 2008 Kristen McCosh

Crowning Gala
3:30 p.m.– 4:30 p.m.
PLATFORM SPEECHES
Each contestant will present a 2 minute platform speech.
ON STAGE JUDGING SESSION
Following the speeches the contestants will have a brief on stage interview with the judges.
FAREWELL ADDRESS
While the judges confer, Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2009 will give her final speech.
CROWNING CEREMONY
The runners-up will be named and the new titleholder crowned.
Crowning will be followed by desserts for the contestants, attendants, judges and guests.

The Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2010 Pageant and disAbility Expo

Disability Reframed: A Community Film Series

Saturday, October 24, 2009
Time: 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Location: West Cambridge Youth & Community Center
680 Huron Avenue, Fresh Pond
Cambridge, MA

Come to a FREE matinee screening of Billy Golfus’ remarkable documentary, When Billy Broke His Head & Other Tales of Wonder.
This autobiographical film tells the story of Golfus’ recovery from a motorcycle accident and his entry into the world of disability culture and politics. Golfus is an award-winning radio documentary producer whose first film is an unforgettable tribute to disability culture. The film will be followed by open audience discussion, moderated by Naomi Pinson.This is a scent free event. Out of consideration for people with environmental illness or multiple chemical sensitivity, please refrain from using perfume or other scented products. For sign language interpreters or other accommodations, please contact the CommissionforPersons with Disabilities by October 19 at 617 349 4692 (voice) or 617 492 0235 (TTY) or email mmuehe@cambridgema.gov.

Celebrate Disability History Month

Celebrate Disability History Month

State House Celebration
Please join us to recognize young advocates with disabilities who worked with
the Commonwealth to establish October as Disability History Month

Where: Massachusetts State House, Boston
Nurses Hall

When: Thursday, October 15, 2009
2pm to 3pm

· Join us and rally at the State House to advocate that public schools across the Commonwealth recognize October as Disability History Month
· Show your support for the next chapter of the Disability Rights Movement

This event is sponsored by Senator Steven A. Tolman & State Representative Barbara A. L’Italien

Act Today Influence-Tomorrow

Act Today Influence-Tomorrow celebrates
Disability History Month
Join us on Saturday October 17th for another celebration of this great achievement, and way to learn more about Act Today Influence Tomorrow.

Where: Easter Seals Boston
89 South Street, Boston

When: Saturday, October 17, 2009
1pm to 3pm

The Final Days

The last few days have been quite a whirlwind. First of all, I have been battling a stomach bug all week and unfortunately it caught up to me yesterday. I woke up to a racing heart and shortness of breath. I had to be taken by ambulance to Rapid City Regional Hospital and was given fluids. They also “paced” my heart by overriding my pacemaker so my heart rate is back to normal. I am very fortunate because the doctors took very good care of me. I missed my judging yesterday but the judges were gracious enough to let me make it up later this afternoon. So I’ll bring you up to speed on what’s been going on:
Thursday was the second day of judging. I was judged second at 8:30 a.m. Boy, was it an early morning! Then I went to a few workshops on what to expect if you win Ms. Wheelchair America and how to relate with the media. The first workshop was run by the current titleholder, Michelle, who had done more than a great job representing all people with disabilities! She gave some great tips on fundraising, PR, and what kinds of events to expect. It sure was great to hear all about her reign and how much she accomplished in only a year. The next workshop was on media and a local television anchor ran the workshop. It was a great discussion group and we all gave our opinions on what the responsibilities are of the media. The day wasn’t over then though.
We all lined up and walked to downtown Rapid City which was about 3 blocks away. There was a reception for all the state titleholders, companions, friends, families, and other supporters to celebrate what a great week we were having. After that, my mom and I went to dinner with Ms. Arkansas and Ms. Washington and their companions to a local restaurant that used to be a firehouse. We had a great time. By the end of the day, I was exhausted. I didn’t sleep well and had to go to the ER the next day. But everything worked out because I felt better and was able to do my platform speech last night. I spoke about how important it is that people with disabilities vote. We all have a voice that statistics show we are not utilizing. We may face barriers but not much has stopped us so this shouldn’t either. Everyone did a great job with their platform speeches which is a difficult thing to accomplish so we can all hold our heads up high.
Today we had rehearsal for the crowning ceremony. They will pick the top five finalists in random order. The top five will then have to perform their platform speech again (not judged) and will be asked a hard and “light hearted” question. There will be several awards given out, including Ms. Congeniality, and then the winner will be announced. I am so proud of all the women and whatever happens, we all have won with the experience of the week. I have to go get my hair and makeup done and get ready for tonight! I’ll let you know what happens!

The Judging Begins!

Today was the first official day of judging so it seemed like everyone was both excited and nervous. The judging sessions for today was determined by alphabetical order of the states. So my session was the first after lunch. But the start of the day began with a workshop. It was headed up by Crystal, the state coordinator of Nebraska and Autumn, our very own state coordinator from Massachusetts! They planned a “team building” workshop. We began by getting assigned an animal. We had to then make the sound of the animal to find our partner. Luckily, or unluckily, I was a cow so I put out my best moooo to find my partner who ended up being Danielle, Ms. Wheelchair Ohio. We filled out a questionnaire and presented it to our group. We then partnered up with Ms. Wheelchair Texas and New York to come up with some great ideas of what we believe should be the future of the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant. It happened to include a flying wheelchair.
After lunch, I went to wait outside the judges room to be called in. An exciting part of this week that I forgot to mention yesterday is the entire pageant is being taped for a documentary! So I was filmed before and after my interview. Although I cannot reveal the questions, I felt confident in my answers as they were true to myself. It felt relieving to get the first session over with. The second half of the day we were treated to a presentation by Dallas about how he can up with the accessible campground “Meeting the Need” and his other disability organizations. He was very inspiring. The next and final workshop of the day was taught by several martial arts instructors who showed us some interesting self defense maneuvers. I learned that there are pressure points behind both your ears that would drop to you to your knees if I hit them in the right spot. So watch out!
The day ended with the 50’s sock hop night. Everyone looked wonderful with their poodle skirts and colorful scarves. “Shelvis” performed some Elvis/Grease hits and got everyone out on the dance floor. All the contestants danced the night away and seemed to have a great time. I’m off to bed because I have an early judging session and more workshops. I’ll let you know how tomorrow goes!

South Dakota Day 1 and 2

My mom and I started our voyage to S. Dakota yesterday at 6:30 a.m. I had the unfortunate bad luck of being up since 2:00 a.m. since I did not feel good. My mom came over early to help me finish packing and looking at me, asked, “Do you still want to go?” For a second, I did not think she was serious. There would be nothing short of death to prevent me from traveling to the competition. We left at 7:58 a.m. and flew into Denver, Co and met two of the contestants while we waited to board our flight into Rapid City. We were fortunate enough to share our plane ride with Ms. Wheelchair Washington and Arkansas. We finally got to the hotel and settled in while we waited for dinner. We had dinner and orientation and got prepared for the next day.

Today was our “fun” day excursion through S. Dakota. We all traveled in accessible vans and even had a police escort through town! I think we all felt like royalty. We first laid eyes on Mt. Rushmore as we drove around the final of many bends in the road and the monument looked like it was almost not real. We gathered for our group picture which was fabulous yet chaotic. Seeing the monument close up was breathtaking. It truly is a treasure of the United States. As a politics junky, seeing such a great historical masterpiece was absolutely fantastic. We then had lunch and went to the gift shop. My favorite part of the day was when multiple Massachusetts-ites came up to me and wished me good luck. They all were happy to see their home state represented and I was proud to be their representative. We then were treated to a great show by a local Native American young woman who shared her extraordinary story with us. We also were given a brief history of Mount Rushmore. Did you know that the monument was originally supposed to be a carving of the Presidents’ body as well? I did not!
We packed back into the vans and were taken to “Meeting the Need” which is an all accessible old tin mine which has been turned into a campground. We had a big “cowboy” style meal with our meat and potatoes along with a delicious dessert. Our entertainment for the night was an all-female group called T.R.A.S.H. (Truly Rational and Sane Humans) who put on a great show and even sang an original song for us and did a roast of the current titleholder. By the end of the day, we were all exhausted and are getting prepared for tomorrow. The competition is officially going to start so I guess it’s time to put the game face on :)

Welcome Ms Wheelchair America 2010

A HUGE Thank You to All!

Hey everyone! I wanted to thank everyone who was able to attend my fundraiser on August 1st, 2009. It was a great success and I had a lot of fun. We held it at Bostonville Grill in Lynnfield, MA which happens to be where my sister works. The owner, Dawn, was very gracious in letting us use one of their function rooms and made sure everything was accessible. She even wrote “Congratulation Ashley!” on the sign out front.

It was so inspiring to see all my friends and family who attended. We had 62 people come to the event! From long time friends, former and current co-workers, family, kids I used to babysit for, and more, it sure was a night to remember. We also had a 50/50 raffle which raised an additional pot of money. Everyone stuffed themselves with pizza, chicken pasta, salad, and soda. I even saw a few friends on the arcade games and they returned with huge smiles with the cool prizes they had won. I really feel blessed to know that I have so many people that support and love me. I also appreciate all those who were not able to attend who still donated. A big thank-you to all of you as well!

Autumn and I are gearing up for South Dakota! It is less than two weeks away now and the stress is starting to build up. It is the kind of stress though that excites me because I am so anxious to meet all the wonderful women who are such great role models for women with disabilities. I am preparing my speech and hope to convey my message of how important voting is for people with (and without) disabilities. With everything happening with health care reform, no matter what your opinion is, make sure it is heard! This time is so important in our lives and we must not be left out of one of the most important discussions of our time! And as always, feel free to email me with event ideas/questions/concerns at mswheelchairma09@yahoo.com. See you all soon!

Free Soccer Clinic

Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital is offering a free soccer clinic for youth with disabilities and their siblings on Friday, August 28 from 2:00 – 4:00 at Gillette Stadium Game Field. It’s a great opportunity to play soccer and meet the NE Revolution players and coaches.

To attend, please contact:

Glenn McKenney
pccevents@partners.org
617 573 7177

Forwarded on behalf of Partners for Youth with Disabilities

Wheelchair Football Clinic

Wheelchair Football Clinic
Date: Saturday August 22, 2009 Rain or Shine

Gillette Stadium Parking lot
1 Patriot Place,
Foxboro, MA 02035

Wheelchair football is an adaption of American football that gives people with physical disabilities such as SCI, amputees, spina bifida, etc as well as the able-bodied a chance to play in this exciting sport.

The purpose of the clinic is to introduce participants to wheelchair football and to organize a wheelchair football program. Event is FREE!

To register for clinic, please contact NEPVA at 508-660-1181 or see www.nepva.org for registration forms.
10:00 - 10:30am Registration
10:30 - 12:30pm Mobility skills, Rules of the game, and football drills
12:30 - 1:30pm Lunch
2:00 - 4:00pm Exhibition Games against NY Giants Wheelchair football team

Check out there website http://www.nepva.org/files/Football_flyer_BW.pdf

Sponsored by New England Patriots and New England Paralyzed Veterans of America
For more information, please check www.nepva.org or contact
Thomas Dodd
Assistant Sports Director
New England Paralyzed veterans of America
508-660-1181
ThomasD@nepva.org

Originally posted by CHD's Disabilty Resource Program

Happy 19th Anniversary ADA

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release

July 24, 2009
ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2009
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Today we celebrate the 19th anniversary of the enactment of the historic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Signed into law on July 26, 1990, this landmark legislation established a clear mandate against discrimination on the basis of disability so that people with disabilities would have an equal opportunity to achieve the American Dream.

Our Nation is once again poised to make history for people with disabilities. I am proud to announce that the United States will sign the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in New York on December 13, 2006. The Convention is the first new human rights convention of the 21st century adopted by the United Nations, and it represents a paradigm shift in protecting the human rights of 650 million people with disabilities worldwide. We proudly join the international community in further advancing the rights of people with disabilities.

As we reflect upon the past and look toward a brighter future, we recognize that our country has made great progress. More than ever before, Americans with disabilities enjoy greater access to technology and economic self-sufficiency. More communities are accessible, more children with disabilities learn alongside their peers, and more employers recognize the capabilities of people with disabilities.

Despite these achievements, much work remains to be done. People with disabilities far too often lack the choice to live in communities of their choosing; their unemployment rate is much higher than those without disabilities; they are much likelier to live in poverty; health care is out of reach for too many; and too many children with disabilities are denied a world-class education.

My Administration has met these challenges head-on. We have launched the "Year of Community Living" to help people with disabilities live wherever they choose. We have nearly doubled the funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. I was proud to sign the groundbreaking Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act and the Children's Health Insurance Reauthorization Act, which provides health insurance to millions of additional children. I also lifted the ban on stem cell more research. These measures demonstrate our commitment to leveling the playing field for every person with a disability. My Administration will not rest on these accomplishments, and we will continue to focus on improving the lives of people with disabilities. I encourage States, localities, and communities across the country to cultivate an environment in which the 54 million Americans living with a disability are valued and respected.

Americans have repeatedly affirmed the importance of protecting the human rights and dignity of every member of this great country. Through the steps we have taken, we will continue to build on the ADA and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to promoting, protecting, and ensuring the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by people with disabilities.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 26, 2009, as the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I call on Americans across our country to celebrate the progress we have made in protecting the civil rights of people with disabilities and to recognize the step forward we make with the signing of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Inspired by the advances of the last 19 years, let us commit to greater achievements in the years ahead.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

originally posted http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Presidential-Proclamation-19th-anniversary-of-the-Americans-with-Disabilities-Act/

Access To Theatre - Free Performances July 31st

Access to Theatre
Boston Center for the Arts
Performances on July 31 at 2:00 and 7:30



BOSTON, MA – In partnership with the Boston Center for the Arts’ (BCA) Cyclorama Residency Series, Partners for Youth with Disabilities, Until Tomorrow Productions, and VSA arts of Massachusetts, Access to Theatre will present an original production on July 31, 2009 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm, in the Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont Street in Boston’s South End.

Created by, with, and for young people (ages 13-24) with and without disabilities, Access to Theatre (ATT), provides fully accessible participatory theater arts experiences, enabling youth to develop creative expression, self-esteem, friendship, and leadership skills. Participants work with professional artists to stage and create original theater productions.

A Cyclorama Residency Series Program at the Boston Center for the Arts since 1997, Access to Theatre has worked with over 600 young people in over 42 original productions for 30,000 audience members. Through these programs, participants explore movement/dance, music, spoken word and the countless combinations that can be created in an artistic experience that will be influenced by the audience.

Access to Theatre will be in residence at the BCA from July 13 – July 31, 2009, and will culminate in two performances of an original production on Friday, July 31, at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm. All performances are wheelchair accessible, ASL interpreted and Audio Described. Performances are free and open to the public; donations are accepted.

Originally posted by Alex Freeman Partners for Youth with Disabilities

My First Two Events!

Going to my first event as Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts emanated feelings of both excitement and nervousness. My first event was at Faneuil Hall in Boston to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) in their “fill the boot” fundraiser. Upon arrival, I met a friendly Boston firefighter named Dennis. Dennis was shouting “Help us fill the boot!”. I waited to meet Kate McTighe, who was the coordinator of the event, to find out how I could help. The weather was perfect—sunny and warm. There were streams of people continuously flowing toward Faneuil Hall. In these tough economic times, it seems hard to be able to fundraise since everyone is watching every nickel and dime. But, to my surprise, they were many people who came up to Dennis and I to donate. It was a testament to the generosity of people.

Kate arrived and told me to help out with whatever I wanted. I started off at the table with Dennis but slowly moved over to the antique fire engine where the little kids raced to be the next one to put on a fire fighters jacket and get in to “drive”. I brought my dog, Jackson, as an ice breaker to meet people and start a conversation. It worked and many people approached me to ask me questions. I try to be as open as I can so I shared my story of being diagnosed with MD and how it has affected my life thus far. The event seemed to be a success and many people were able to give to a great cause. I hope to work with Kate and the MDA again.

My second event happened to occur the next day. I traveled to Boston again to the Children’s Museum and their “Access Ability” exhibit. I met with Ellen Thompson who brought me up to the exhibit and showed me around. The exhibit was fantastic! There were all kinds of sensory and interactive ways to learn about people with disabilities. My personal favorite (and maybe I’m biased) was when kids could sit in a child-sized wheelchair, wheel up a ramp, open a door, and then try to retrieve something on a shelf. Kids seemed to have fun with this but also experienced first hand what it’s like to be in a wheelchair. I met many kids from all over—North Carolina, Virginia, even Great Britain! The kids were so enthralled with the exhibit and seemed to gain knowledge about people with disabilities (even if they didn’t realize it!). Ellen also explained that this exhibit would be traveling the country to give other museums an opportunity to expose kids to the experience. It was a great event and something that is very important to disability awareness.

As Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts, I am grateful to be able to participate in such great events. I look forward to seeing you all at the next one!

Ashley

Help Send Ashley to the Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant

Ashley's family and friends are putting on a fundraiser to send Ashley to South Dakota to compete in the Ms. Wheelchair America 2010 pageant in August.

When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday August 1st, 2009
Where: Bostonville on Rt. 1 in Lynnfield, MA
What: $20 for all you can eat pizza, chicken/broccoli/ziti, salad, and soda.
Why: Ashley has won the title of Ms. Wheelchair MA! Come out and support her quest to nationals in South Dakota. There is plenty to do: arcade games, watch the Red Sox in HD, and great food!

If you are unable to attend but would still like to make a donation, please mail check or M.O. to:
Ms. Wheelchair MA Foundation P.O. Box 168 Raynham, MA 02767-0168. Please include Ashley's name on the memo line.

Support the Disability History Bill

The Disability History Bill hearing will be tomorrow at 12pm in Room B-1 at the State House in Boston MA.
Please spread the word and try to be there to testify in support of this bill.
Also contact both your Senator and Representative and ask them to go to the hearing and support the bill.

Orginally posted on Facebook by Stacy Rogers

Beware: Fraudulent Email Is Circulating About Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation regarding fundraising

There has been a fraudulent email circulating about the Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation (MWMF) in recent weeks.

Please disregard any emails you receive that say the Attorney General is investigating the Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation for illegal fundraising (you may also want to ask the sender to remove your email from the spam list).

THIS IS NOT TRUE

The source of this email is claiming that MWMF has not registered as a "Public Charity," and therefore has no "Certificate of Solicitation" to fundraise. However, the MWMF is registered as a public charity, AG#049560 and does have a Certificate for Solicitation.

In addition, MWMF is actually exempt from having a Certificate of Solitation because we meet the requirements of section 2 below.

Please see the following statute which exempts our organization from needing this certificate.

Overview of Solicitation: "M.G.L. c. 68, s. 18, defines commercial co-venturer, professional fundraising counsel, professional solicitor, and solicitation.The following two categories of charitable organizations are not required to have a “Certificate of Solicitation”:

1. An organization that is primarily religious in purpose; or

2. An organization that does not raise or receive contributions from the public in excess of $5,000 during a calendar year or does not receive contributions from more than ten persons during a calendar year, if all of their functions, including fundraising activities, are performed by persons who are not paid for their services and if no part of their assets or income inures to the benefit of, or is paid to, any officer or members (M.G.L. c. 68, s. 20).


Please feel free to contact the Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation if you have any questions regarding this spam, or visit www.mass.gov/ago . And remember, you can't believe everything you read in unsolicited bulk emails.

Help Ashley and Boston Fire "Fill the Boot"

On July 11th from noon to 3pm Ashley will assist Boston Fire with a Boot Drive at Faneuil Hall to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. In addition to Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2009 , MDA State Goodwill Ambassador Emma Russell will be there. Entertainment will include bagpipers and an antique fire engine on display.

access/Ability

From now until the end of August the Boston Children's Museum is offering an interactive exhibit called access/Ability

On Sunday July 12th from 11am - noon, Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2009 Ashley Speicher will be available for a "Meet and Greet" at the exhibit. Please bring your family by to check out this informative exhibit and meet Ashley.

From the Boston Children's Museum website

access/ABILITY is a highly interactive, yet sensitive, disability awareness exhibit that delivers the message to visitors that as human beings, we are more alike than different. This unique exhibit presents people living with disabilities as participants in the world and features fun and engaging activities that show the similarities and differences in how each of us with or without disabilities go places, communicate, have fun, and learn. Visitors will have a chance to learn phrases in American Sign Language, type their names in Braille, try a hand-pedaled bike and take part in a multi-sensory City Walk.

Public Hearing on Evacuation Chairs for High Raise Buildings

Public Hearing on Evacuation Chairs for High Rise Buildings

Joint Committee on Public Safety June 25, 2009, 11:00 a.m. Room B-2 SB961

- An Act to Improve Safety in High-Rise Buildings
Senator Joan Menard's bill would improve the safety of those with disabilities living in high-rise buildings by requiring that certain buildings have evacuation chairs.

Further information on bill is provided below. You are welcome to testify on your own experiences, especially if you live in a high-rise building.

Please contact Robyn Powell at rpowell@dpcma.org for guidance with your testimony.

An Act to Promote Safety in Multi-story building CHAPTER 148.

FIRE PREVENTION shall be amended by adding Section 26J as follows: Evacuation chairs required in certain residential and commercial structures; regulation; inspections; enforcement Section 26J.
(a) Every dwelling, building or structure, including those owned or operated by the commonwealth, occupied in whole or in part for residential, commercial or non-commercial purposes, that: (1) is over four stories in height or (2) has occupied space above the height of the tallest fire department ladder shall be equipped with approved evacuation chairs on each stair well or evacuation route.
(b) The board of fire prevention regulations shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to effectuate this section including, but not limited to, the type, installation, location, maintenance and inspectional requirements of evacuation chairs or evacuation equipment as the board determines appropriate. (More)

RATIONALE
The Disability Policy Consortium met with many people in small groups across the Commonwealth in 2008 to discuss emergency preparedness. One constant concern that was constantly raised by many people was the lack of planning for people who live in high rise buildings. People with disabilities, particularly those in power wheelchairs, feel particularly vulnerable when they live on higher floors above the reach of fire department ladders.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has installed simple, lightweight evacuation chairs in One Ashburton Place to facilitate evacuating people from upper floors. While certainly not a panacea, the availability of evacuation chairs and their live-saving potential can not be underestimated.

Orignally posted by Robyn Powell on the Disability Policy Consortium Page on Faceback

Voters with Disabilities- Report from Goverment Accountability Office

Voters With Disabilities: More Polling Places Had NoPotential Impediments Than in 2000, but Challenges Remain (GAO-09-685)

What GAO Found:
We found that, compared to 2000, the proportion of polling places without potential impediments increased and the most significant reduction in potential impediments occurred at building entrances. We estimate that 27 percent of polling places had no features that might impede access to the voting area for people with disabilities-up from 16 percent in 2000; 45 percent of the polling places had potential impediments but offered curbside voting; and the remaining 27 percent of polling places had potential impediments and did not offer curbside voting.

While the percent of polling places with multiple impediments decreased significantly from 2000, still a fair number-16 percent-had four or more potential impediments in 2008. The most significant reduction since 2000 was that potential impediments at building entrances-such as narrow doorways-decreased from 59 percent to 25 percent. Most polling places we visited on Election Day 2008 had features in the voting area to facilitate private and independent voting, while some had features that could pose challenges.

Virtually all polling places had at least one voting system-typically an accessible voting machine in a voting station-to facilitate private and independent voting for people with disabilities. However, we found that 29 percent of the voting stations were not arranged to accommodate a wheelchair. Seventy-seven percent of polling places had voting stations with accessible
machines that offered the same or more privacy than stations for other voters, while the remaining polling places had stations that offered less privacy. For example, some voting stations were not positioned to prevent others from seeing how voters using the accessible machines were marking their ballots.

The report is available at:PDF Version:http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09685.pdf
Accessible text version:http://www.gao.gov/htext/d09685.html

Ashley Speicher is 23 years old from Lynn, MA. Ashley grew up in Beverly, MA with her younger sister, Lisa, younger brother Jamie and parents Jim and Diane. She lived a normal childhood playing soccer, softball, and cheerleading until May 1996 when she became ill. She was diagnosed with glycogen storage disease, a form of muscular dystrophy (MD). She had a heart transplant on January 4, 1997.

In 2004, Ashley began to use a wheelchair due to weakness in her legs caused by the MD. Since then, Ashley has become an active advocate for people with disabilities. She has spoken on several disability awareness panels and served on the A.D.A./504 committee at her alma mater, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) where she graduated magna cum laude in 2007.

Her volunteer work includes travels to Pass Christian, MS and Pecan Island, LA to help with Hurricane Katrina clean-up, serving in the Governor of New Hampshire’s successful re-election campaign in 2006, and with the American Red Cross in 2005. Her awards include the Emerging Leader of the Year (2006) from SNHU and Youth Leadership Award (2007) from Independent Living Center of the North Shore and Cape Ann (ILCNSCA).

For almost two years, Ashley worked at ILCNSCA as a Peer Guide and later as their Community Transition Coordinator. She currently works at Action Inc. in Gloucester, MA and is a volunteer for the New England Organ Bank. She remains committed to giving people with disabilities a voice through voting and participating in the shaping of public policy.

Ashley is available for appearances please contact mswheelchairmass06@yahoo.com for more details.

Congratulations Ashley

Congratulations Ashley Speicher Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2009! To book Ashley for appearances please contact Autumn Grant at mswheelchairmass06@yahoo.com

June 16, 2009

For Immediate Release

Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation Welcomes New Titleholder

The Board of Directors of the Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation (MWM) is pleased to introduce our new state titleholder, Ashley Speicher, 23, of Lynn. Ms. Speicher is a committed advocate for persons with disabilities. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Political Science from Southern New Hampshire University, and currently works at Action, Inc. in Gloucester. She will travel to South Dakota in August to compete in the national Ms. Wheelchair America 2010 competition.

Ms. Speicher, who originally placed as first runner-up in the state pageant in March, has assumed the position of titleholder after the original winner, Maryan Amaral, was released from her contract.

The Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation is a non-profit organizations that seeks to promote the accomplishments of women with disabilities. It is in no way a beauty pageant; rather, it is a competition to select the most articulate spokesperson to communicate the needs as well as the achievements of women who use wheelchairs.

Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2009 Ashley Speicher is available for local apearances and events throughout the state.

Please contact MWM State Coordinator Autumn Grant at mswheelchairmass06@yahoo.com to schedule an appearance.

Disability History Month Bill Hearing

Event: Disability History Month Bill Hearing
"Come Testify and let the Legislature why we NEED disability history month in public schools"
What: Protest
Host: Act Today - Influence TomorrowStart
Time: Thursday, May 14 at 11:00am
End Time: Thursday, May 14 at 2:00pm
Where: State House hearing room A1

The State Rehabilitation Council Artists with Disabilities Task Force presents “OPEN STUDIOS”

“OPEN STUDIOS”

Featuring artwork by the State Rehabilitation Council Artists with Disabilities Task Force

When: Saturday, May 2nd 2009
Time: 11:00AM to 3:00 PM

Where: Center Communities
1550 Beacon Street, 3rd Floor
Brookline, MA

We will provide many fun activities including storytelling, musical performances, balloon animals, and opportunities to meet with each artist and learn about the specifics of their craft. You may purchase artwork at any time during the event.

ASL Interpreters are available if requested. Please give at least two weeks notice if requesting an interpreter.

For more information please contact:
Lisa Weber
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
Consumer Involvement Program
Telephone 617-204-3638 (V/TTY)
Email: lisa.weber@mrc.state.ma.us

Int'l exchange and disability event on May 1 in NYC

National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange Mobility International USA www.miusa.org

Disability Community Seminar: Accessing the World through International Exchange New York May 1, 2009

People from the U.S. disability and Deaf community are invited for this one-day seminar and luncheon in New York City as we discuss the ‘Who, What, Where and Why’ of international exchange, including overseas cultural, educational, professional and volunteer programs, for U.S. students, teachers, professionals and others with disabilities.

* Presenters with disabilities will share personal international exchange stories and talk about accommodation strategies for navigating abroad, what to bring, what to expect and more.

Participants will receive practical tools and resources on using VR and keeping SSI benefits, while also learning about scholarships available for international exchange.

* Representatives of international exchange organizations will present about programs to apply to, such as Fulbright fellowships, and best inclusive practices in the international exchange field.

When: Friday, May 1, 2009, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where:Institute of International Education (IIE) 809 United Nations Plaza 12th Floor Conference Center New York, NY
Cost: $40(includes lunch).
Scholarship for a reduced rate is available byrequest.Wheelchair Accessible. Sign language interpreter, alternative formats andother disability-related accommodations provided upon request.

For More Information and Registration, go to:http://www.miusa.org/ncde/seminarnyc or contact MIUSA at:Email: clearinghouse@miusa.org Tel/TTY: (541) 343-1284

This event is co-sponsored by Mobility International USA, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and theInstitute of International Education.Registration deadline: April 17, 2009 - Space limited to 50 participants, so register early! http://www.miusa.org/ncde/seminarnyc

The National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange provides freeinformation and referral services related to the participation of peoplewith disabilities in international exchange programs. The Clearinghouse issponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S.Department of State, and is managed by Mobility International USA, which is celebrating its 28th year as a U.S.-based non-profit organization.
Our mailing address is:
Mobility International USA
132 E. Broadway, Suite 343
Eugene, Oregon 97401 USA
Our telephone/tty:541-343-1284

A National Teleconference and Webcast Presented by the

Advocate!! Spread The Word!!
Help Young People With Disabilities Talk About Education!!

A National Teleconference and Webcast Presented by the
National Youth Leadership Network (NYLN)

When: Tuesday, April 14, 2009
8:00pm Eastern Time

What: Please join us as the speakers will be discussing the following issues:
Ø Independent Living: Links to life after high school, post-secondary and beyond!
Ø Transition: Links between school and career goals!
Ø Education for all: Individuals with cognitive disabilities succeeding in post-secondary education!
Ø Guest speaker: Micah Fialka-Feldman, Disability Rights Advocate
Ø Guest Speaker: Jeff Moyer, Public speaker and Human Rights

How:
1) Go to www.nyln.org <http://www.nyln.org <http://www.nyln.org/>
2) Click the teleconference link.
3) Register your information.
4) Press send!

This teleconference is presented by the National Youth Information Center of the National Youth Leadership Network. Thanks to Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU) for supporting this event!

Making History And Breaking Barriers

The Museum of Science and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital present

Making History And Breaking Barriers:
A Discussion With Ernst Van Dyk, The Seven-Time Boston Marathon Men's Wheelchair Division Champion

Friday, April 17, 2:30pm
Museum of Science: Science & Technology Stage

Ernst van Dyk is the seven-time Boston Marathon Men's Wheelchair Division Champion. Over the years, Ernst has become a world-renowned motivational speaker, speaking about overcoming adversity, setting goals, making sense out of setbacks in life and living a dream. He instills hope in audiences of all ages and abilities about finding meaning in life and making the best of the cards you got dealt. This year he will be going for his record-breaking eighth win in Boston. Some of Ernst's other accomplishments include: First Wheelchair Racer to break 1h20 for the marathon, only athlete to medal in 2 sports in Beijing at the 2008 Olympics, and World's Best Time for the marathon of 1:18.27 (2004). Ernst is also the captain of Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital's Race for Rehab Marathon Team. The Spaulding team was one of six selected by the Boston Athletic Association(r) to be an official charity in 2009. For more information please visit www.spauldingrehab.org.

Free with Museum admission. A limited number of free admission passes are available.
Contact Maria Cabrera at 617-589-0418 or mcabrera@mos.org for more information.

Bowling Fundraiser for The Wheelchair Recycler

The Wheelchair Recycler a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit online at wheelchairrecycler.org

Independence Roll

Join Us
Saturday May 16, 2009
8pm - Midnight

A fun night of bowling for a great cause! Raffles, door prizes and more.

Located at Ryan Family Amusements 1170 Main Street, Millis MA

A charity bowling event to benefit The Wheelchair Recycler Inc.
Admission is $20 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Includes shoe rental and lanes fee.

RSVP with Facebook at www.independenceroll.com or email event@independenceroll.com

Raffle and door prizes include gifts from:
Adamaunt Diamonds, Newton Cranberry Real Estate, West Dennis Astro Imaging Ink & Toner, Malden Starbucks & more

Career Expo for People with Disabilities

Boston, MA

Date:April 3, 2009
Time:10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location:Boston Marriott Copley Place Hotel 110 Huntington Ave.Boston, MA 02116

Register for the Annual Career Expo to meet with Fortune 500 Companies and Government agencies looking to recruit new talent. You must pre-register in order to attend the event at http://www.eop.com/exporegistration.html

Easter Seals Assistive Technology Conference

EASTER SEALS MASSACHUSETTS ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY 2009 SPRING CONFERENCE & EXPOSITION

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Radisson Hotel Plymouth Harbor

Plymouth, MA

April 9, 2009

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Exhibitors and advertisers:
Advocacy Plus

Children's Hospital Autism Language Program

Cotting School, Inc.

Daniel Trask

Elizabeth Struss M.Ed.

Massachusetts Equipment Distribution Program

TLC Trust

Adapti Vision

Adaptive Driving Program

Adaptive Technology, a Division of Perkins Products

Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts

Cambium Learning Technologies:

Kurzweil & IntelliTools

Center for Living and Working/MAEDP Telephone Program

Children's Hospital Autism Language Program

Class Inc.Cotting School, Inc.

Disability Law Center

DynaVox and Mayaer-Johnson

Freedom Scientific

Massachusetts Commission for the Blind

Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Massachusetts Equipment Distribution Program

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Northeast Passage

Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic

Ride Away

Talking Book Library/Worcester Public Library

Texthelp Systems, Inc.

Tobii ATI

Wheelchair Escapes

Advocacy Day April 15th

Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2009 Pageant and disAbility Expo

For Immediate Release

The Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2009 Pageant and disAbility Expo

Contact:
Autumn Grant
Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts State Coordinator
The Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation
mswheelchairmass06@yahoo.com
774-501-1185

Boston, MA, March 18, 2009 – The Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation presents The Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2009 Pageant and disAbility Expo on Saturday, March 29, 2009, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Carson Place in the Bayside Expo Center Complex.

The purpose of the pageant is to find a state and national spokeswoman for the disabled.

“I am very excited about this year's pageant as all seven contestants are extraordinary. I know that whoever is selected as Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2009, she will carry on our tradition of excellence at the national level,” says Autumn Grant, Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts State Coordinator. “All of our four previous titleholders have received special recognition at the national pageant through Courage Awards, top five finishes and two National Titleholders.” Grant was crowned Ms. Wheelchair America 2007 and Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts 2006.

“By running a disAbility Expo concurrently with the pageant this year, we are hoping to expose more people in the community to this wonderful program of advocacy, education and opportunity,” continues Grant.

The crowning ceremony is from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. The disAbility Expo is from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and features the following:
Mobility Product Vendors
Works of Artists with Disabilities
Non-Profit Organizations
General Vendors

Admission is free. For more information, visit http://www.mswheelchairmass.org/expo.html, call 774-501-1185 or email http://us.mc337.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=mswheelchairmass06@yahoo.

About The Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2009 Pageant
The Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts pageant is not a traditional pageant; it is a competition based on personal interviews, platform speech presentations and on-stage interviews to find a state and national spokeswoman for the disabled. The mission of the Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts is to provide an opportunity for women of achievement who utilize wheelchairs to successfully educate and advocate for individuals with disabilities. Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts is much more than a sash and a crown.