Hi Everyone, Santara here with another update. April was a pretty laid back month. I did participate in one event along with Autumn called LAUNCH which was held at Bristol Community College in Attleboro, MA. At this event, we had a table to showcase Ms.Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation with the pamphlets and business cards etc. There were also different workshops to attend all about promoting STEM Literacy and incorporating it into other fields like Early Childhood Education for example. I got to attend two different workshops to learn more about it. The first one was called “STEM Literacy & the Education Model”. It was run by a woman named Joan Ricci, who is the Director of The Literacy Center and also an Early Childhood educator. She talked about the effects of the STEM model between birth to age 5, which was really important to me because I too want to be an Early Childhood teacher. At first she asked us all general questions like: Who has read to a child before? Who has bought a book as a gift for a child/mother? And then she spoke about how those early moments in a child’s life are so crucial to children’s success and the likelihood that they will pursue careers in mathematics or engineering because of our efforts.
The other workshop that I attended was called “Like Herding Fish-Managing the Startup Process” and this one was all about effective business management and leadership. The two people running the workshop talked about all the different tools a person needs to start your own business, the importance of finding the right people to help you succeed in your business, making tough decisions-like when you should hire or fire a person and not worrying so much about other people’s feelings and what others think, but instead doing what is right for your company.
Well, that’s pretty much it for this month. Next month I am looking forward to two great events: a forum for the candidates for Governor at Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown on May 18th and Spina Bifida Association’s First Annual Walk n Roll on May 23rd at Endicott Estates in Dedham. There is still time to sign up for the Walk n Roll if you want to sign up as a team or individual walker. It is going to be a great event both for fundraising and raising awareness of Spina Bifida and other disability issues. If you are interested in building a team or being an individual walker, please go to walknrollsbamass.org to sign up. Also if anyone wants to build a team with me feel free to let me know. If you cannot make it out to Dedham that day for the event but would still like to participate, there is an option to sign up as a virtual walker as well.
Thanks!
Santara
Monday, May 3, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Forum with the Candidates for Governor
Perkins School for the Blind and the Disability Policy Consortium, in Collaboration with many Disability Organizations invite YOU to Attend
Forum with the Candidates for Governor
May 18, 2010
12:30 – 3:30
Perkins School for the Blind
Dwight Hall, Howe Building
175 North Beacon Street, Watertown, MA 02472
Treasurer Tim Cahill
Governor Deval Patrick
Grace Ross
Jill Stein
Moderator: Bob Oakes of WBUR-FM’s “Morning Edition”
Join your colleagues and friends to hear the candidates for Governor discuss disability policy issues. Bring a friend!
For more information, please contact DPC at 617-542-3522 or info@dpcma.org. To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact DPC before May 12th.
Forum with the Candidates for Governor
May 18, 2010
12:30 – 3:30
Perkins School for the Blind
Dwight Hall, Howe Building
175 North Beacon Street, Watertown, MA 02472
Treasurer Tim Cahill
Governor Deval Patrick
Grace Ross
Jill Stein
Moderator: Bob Oakes of WBUR-FM’s “Morning Edition”
Join your colleagues and friends to hear the candidates for Governor discuss disability policy issues. Bring a friend!
For more information, please contact DPC at 617-542-3522 or info@dpcma.org. To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact DPC before May 12th.
Friday, March 19, 2010
President’s Volunteer Service Award
For Immediate Release
The Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation Joins With the Council on Service and Civic Participation to Deliver President’s Volunteer Service Award
Prestigious Award Honors Outstanding Commitment to Volunteer Service
Raynham, MA – The Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation today announced it has teamed with the White House to become a Certifying Organization for the PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD, a national program recognizing Americans who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer service. Established in 2003, the AWARD was created by President George W. Bush to give Presidential recognition to individuals, families and groups who meet requirements for volunteer service, measured by the number of service hours performed over 12-months.
The Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation is one of thousands of organizations that have joined forces to deliver the PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD and honor the volunteers who strengthen our Nation. As a Certifying Organization for the AWARD, The Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation is responsible for verifying service hours, nominating potential recipients and delivering the AWARD.
“The Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation is extremely proud to recognize our most outstanding volunteers with the PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD,” said Autumn Grant State Coordinator. “The Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation volunteers are “roll” models in our community, donating their time, energy and talent to bring us closer together as neighbors and a Nation. The AWARD is our way of thanking these volunteers and inspiring everyone in our community to make volunteering a central part of their lives.”
The AWARD is issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, a group convened by President George W. Bush to help foster and encourage a culture of volunteer service and civic participation among Americans. Chaired by two-time Super Bowl Champion Darrell Green, with former U.S. Senators Bob Dole and John Glenn as honorary co-chairs, the Council is composed of leaders in government, media, entertainment, business, education, nonprofit and volunteer service organizations and community volunteering.
For more information about volunteering with The Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation, Contact Autumn Grant at mswheelchairmass06@yahoo.com or got to www.mswheelchairmass.org. For more information on the PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD and to find out how to identify additional volunteer opportunities in this area, visit www.presidentialserviceawards.gov or call 1-866-545-5307.
###
The Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation Joins With the Council on Service and Civic Participation to Deliver President’s Volunteer Service Award
Prestigious Award Honors Outstanding Commitment to Volunteer Service
Raynham, MA – The Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation today announced it has teamed with the White House to become a Certifying Organization for the PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD, a national program recognizing Americans who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer service. Established in 2003, the AWARD was created by President George W. Bush to give Presidential recognition to individuals, families and groups who meet requirements for volunteer service, measured by the number of service hours performed over 12-months.
The Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation is one of thousands of organizations that have joined forces to deliver the PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD and honor the volunteers who strengthen our Nation. As a Certifying Organization for the AWARD, The Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation is responsible for verifying service hours, nominating potential recipients and delivering the AWARD.
“The Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation is extremely proud to recognize our most outstanding volunteers with the PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD,” said Autumn Grant State Coordinator. “The Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation volunteers are “roll” models in our community, donating their time, energy and talent to bring us closer together as neighbors and a Nation. The AWARD is our way of thanking these volunteers and inspiring everyone in our community to make volunteering a central part of their lives.”
The AWARD is issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, a group convened by President George W. Bush to help foster and encourage a culture of volunteer service and civic participation among Americans. Chaired by two-time Super Bowl Champion Darrell Green, with former U.S. Senators Bob Dole and John Glenn as honorary co-chairs, the Council is composed of leaders in government, media, entertainment, business, education, nonprofit and volunteer service organizations and community volunteering.
For more information about volunteering with The Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation, Contact Autumn Grant at mswheelchairmass06@yahoo.com or got to www.mswheelchairmass.org. For more information on the PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD and to find out how to identify additional volunteer opportunities in this area, visit www.presidentialserviceawards.gov or call 1-866-545-5307.
###
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Launch
Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2010 Santara Sen will be participating in
LAUNCH – moving ideas to the next level
Friday, April 9, 2010 – 11:00AM-4:30PM
Registration: 11:00AM-12:00PM
Bristol Community College, Attleboro, MA
LAUNCH is a conference that brings together entrepreneurs, inventors, and innovative thinkers who want to find out how to develop and protect their ideas and who seek to develop 21st Century skills for people of all ages, in particular, science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) skills.
http://www.museumatthemill.org/Sessions__Sessions.html
LAUNCH – moving ideas to the next level
Friday, April 9, 2010 – 11:00AM-4:30PM
Registration: 11:00AM-12:00PM
Bristol Community College, Attleboro, MA
LAUNCH is a conference that brings together entrepreneurs, inventors, and innovative thinkers who want to find out how to develop and protect their ideas and who seek to develop 21st Century skills for people of all ages, in particular, science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) skills.
http://www.museumatthemill.org/Sessions__Sessions.html
March Madness!
March Madness!
Wow-it's been an incredibly busy month for me! A lot has happened that I want to share. First, the WBZ radio interview that I finally did at the end of last month aired and I got to listen to it which was cool. It was OK for my first radio interview; I know I'll get better as I do more. Second, I was profiled in the Quarterly Newsletter for the Spina Bifida Association of Massachusetts. I wrote a one-page story for them about the Ms.Wheelchair Massachusetts/America programs and how they work, and of course explained how I came to be involved with the program. As an adult with Spina Bifida, I was happy to do this and to be a positive role model for my community.
Third, with the SBA Mass, I attended their kick-off party for their First Annual Walk n Roll which will be on May 23rd in Dedham MA. For more information or to sign up as a team or individual walker, go to www.sbamass.org. This event was on March 11th at Boston Beer Works. Originally the plan was for me to speak at this event in order to get everyone excited for the walk, but the turn-out wasn't what was originally expected so I just went to enjoy myself, which was fun too. Instead, I will be speaking at the actual event, which I think is much cooler! I also hope to put together a team, whether it's with family and friends or co-workers from Horizons for Homeless Children where I volunteer. If you're interested feel free to let me know so I can sign us up; I'd be willing to be the team captain! Anyway, I got to meet Ellen Heffernan-Dugan who is the Director of the SBA Mass as well as other Board Members, and it was just a nice casual evening. I even played pool with some of the kids that came along with the adults which was comical to say the least! …I have photos of that, which I hope to post for everyone.
I also got connected with this woman named Krittiya Wongtavavimarn who is a graduate student at Emerson and also a news reporter in Boston. She is a journalism student doing a big project on women with disabilities and empowerment/inspiration and such, and she wanted to focus on Ms.Wheelchair Massachusetts as her project, which will eventually become a website providing inspiration and empowerment for women with disabilities. She describes it as "not just school work" as it will be on the Boston News website. She's had previous experience with people with disabilities in Thailand where she's from, and she then learned how grateful people with disabilities are for what they do have, which sparked her interest in this area. I believe Laurel and Ashley also helped her out-thanks! She came out to Norwood where I live which was really helpful for me, as I'm not super comfortable using the subway and didn't know exactly how to get to Emerson. What she did was she interviewed me regarding my life and my disability, as well as the Ms.Wheelchair Massachusetts program and how I came to be involved and some of the things I hope to accomplish while I have the title for 2010. Then we went out to the school playground next to my house, where she took lots of pictures as well. I thought this was nice and convenient as well as a huge open space to use while the kids were in school. I really enjoyed this and I can't wait to see the final product, which will consist of pictures, the interviews and of course her own text!
So this ends another month of my title…I can't believe how quickly it's going! This was a great month with lots of things going on…it will be hard to top it. Of course I'm still doing the usual fundraising for Nationals, which is going well. I'm hoping to put together a fundraiser soon to raise some big money, as my whole family still wants to attend the event to cheer me on. More details on that later though…Thanks everyone!
Wow-it's been an incredibly busy month for me! A lot has happened that I want to share. First, the WBZ radio interview that I finally did at the end of last month aired and I got to listen to it which was cool. It was OK for my first radio interview; I know I'll get better as I do more. Second, I was profiled in the Quarterly Newsletter for the Spina Bifida Association of Massachusetts. I wrote a one-page story for them about the Ms.Wheelchair Massachusetts/America programs and how they work, and of course explained how I came to be involved with the program. As an adult with Spina Bifida, I was happy to do this and to be a positive role model for my community.
Third, with the SBA Mass, I attended their kick-off party for their First Annual Walk n Roll which will be on May 23rd in Dedham MA. For more information or to sign up as a team or individual walker, go to www.sbamass.org. This event was on March 11th at Boston Beer Works. Originally the plan was for me to speak at this event in order to get everyone excited for the walk, but the turn-out wasn't what was originally expected so I just went to enjoy myself, which was fun too. Instead, I will be speaking at the actual event, which I think is much cooler! I also hope to put together a team, whether it's with family and friends or co-workers from Horizons for Homeless Children where I volunteer. If you're interested feel free to let me know so I can sign us up; I'd be willing to be the team captain! Anyway, I got to meet Ellen Heffernan-Dugan who is the Director of the SBA Mass as well as other Board Members, and it was just a nice casual evening. I even played pool with some of the kids that came along with the adults which was comical to say the least! …I have photos of that, which I hope to post for everyone.
I also got connected with this woman named Krittiya Wongtavavimarn who is a graduate student at Emerson and also a news reporter in Boston. She is a journalism student doing a big project on women with disabilities and empowerment/inspiration and such, and she wanted to focus on Ms.Wheelchair Massachusetts as her project, which will eventually become a website providing inspiration and empowerment for women with disabilities. She describes it as "not just school work" as it will be on the Boston News website. She's had previous experience with people with disabilities in Thailand where she's from, and she then learned how grateful people with disabilities are for what they do have, which sparked her interest in this area. I believe Laurel and Ashley also helped her out-thanks! She came out to Norwood where I live which was really helpful for me, as I'm not super comfortable using the subway and didn't know exactly how to get to Emerson. What she did was she interviewed me regarding my life and my disability, as well as the Ms.Wheelchair Massachusetts program and how I came to be involved and some of the things I hope to accomplish while I have the title for 2010. Then we went out to the school playground next to my house, where she took lots of pictures as well. I thought this was nice and convenient as well as a huge open space to use while the kids were in school. I really enjoyed this and I can't wait to see the final product, which will consist of pictures, the interviews and of course her own text!
So this ends another month of my title…I can't believe how quickly it's going! This was a great month with lots of things going on…it will be hard to top it. Of course I'm still doing the usual fundraising for Nationals, which is going well. I'm hoping to put together a fundraiser soon to raise some big money, as my whole family still wants to attend the event to cheer me on. More details on that later though…Thanks everyone!
The Disability Policy Consortium
The Disability Policy Consortium is excited to be sponsoring two great events this week, in honor of the Census. Both events will have great food and be lots of fun. All are welcome to attend! Please share with your networks. We hope to see everyone there!
Community Census Awareness Day
Saturday, March 20, 2010, 11am-3pm
Prince Hall Grand Lodge - 24 Washington Street, Dorchester, MA
Filled with music, food and family fun!
Come and bring your 2010 census form.
Census partners will be available to help you fill out your form.
A kids corner will be provided with lots of fun games.
ASL Interpreters will be present
DON’T MISS THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY!!
Remember the United States Census 2010 is in OUR HANDS
B.Y.O.C. Party!
What: Bring Your Own Census Party!
When: Friday, March 19, 2010, 12:00pm-3:00pm
Where: DPC Office, 59 Temple Place, Suite 669, Boston
Snacks, many free giveaways, and much more!
Please bring your Census form (which you will soon receive), and we can help you fill it out!
For more information, call 617-542-3522 or email rpowell@dpcma.org.
For more information on the Disability Policy Consortium or the 2010 Census, visit www.dpcma.org
Community Census Awareness Day
Saturday, March 20, 2010, 11am-3pm
Prince Hall Grand Lodge - 24 Washington Street, Dorchester, MA
Filled with music, food and family fun!
Come and bring your 2010 census form.
Census partners will be available to help you fill out your form.
A kids corner will be provided with lots of fun games.
ASL Interpreters will be present
DON’T MISS THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY!!
Remember the United States Census 2010 is in OUR HANDS
B.Y.O.C. Party!
What: Bring Your Own Census Party!
When: Friday, March 19, 2010, 12:00pm-3:00pm
Where: DPC Office, 59 Temple Place, Suite 669, Boston
Snacks, many free giveaways, and much more!
Please bring your Census form (which you will soon receive), and we can help you fill it out!
For more information, call 617-542-3522 or email rpowell@dpcma.org.
For more information on the Disability Policy Consortium or the 2010 Census, visit www.dpcma.org
Friday, February 26, 2010
Hello from Ms.Wheelchair Massachusetts 2010
Hello Everyone!
First off, I wanted to introduce myself as the newest Ms.Wheelchair Massachusetts for 2010, Santara Sen. I apologize for posting so late after my crowning but was undergoing some pretty big health issues during the holiday season-Thanksgiving, Christmas...all the way up to New Year's Eve...then I was good for a while and again back in the hospital the last week of January. Anyway, just wanted to explain that. I appreciate everyone's patience and support during this time, especially Autumn's, our state coordinator.
Well, I've done a few things already. I was interviewed by WBZ radio regarding Ms.Wheelchair Massachusetts, which will be airing soon-she's going to let me know when. I wrote up a profile for the Spina Bifida Association of Massachusetts's Quarterly Newsletter regarding Ms.Wheelchair Massachusetts, and I'm going to participate in the kick-off event in March for their First Annual Walk n Roll, which is on May 23, 2010. (For more information on that, go to their website (www.sbamass.org) and you can sign up on their volunteer page.
For my February event, I went to the Massachusetts State House for the first time ever, which was really exciting! It was for an event called "OUR Day" for the Disability Policy Consortium (www.dpcma.org) , advocating the needs for deaf, hard-of-hearing and deaf/blind constituents. (FYI-please go to their website to join this group to help us change legislation for the millions of people with disabilities! You can also join their cause on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.) We started the day hearing from different senators and such from the State House about what they do, and thanking us for being there...and sending out the message that we need to be there often to remind our senators and representatives of our needs. After that we went off to lunch, and then the afternoon was all about meeting with our senators and legislators. So...off I went to find Senator Marian Walsh to speak with her about the needs of this population. She wasn't there actually, but we were told that if the person we needed to see wasn't there we could speak to whomever was there instead...so I spoke to one of the assistants. I spoke of many different subjects related to Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing/Deaf-blind awareness. I knew I wanted to advocate for many of the pressing issues such as the CART system (Communication Access Real Time), Independent Living, Emergency situations, and the overall need for more interpreters for American Sign Language. The woman I spoke to seemed pretty receptive and wanted to hear what I had to say. I have friends who are both deaf and blind and I know the challenges they face everyday due to lack of access so this was very important to me to be able to speak up for them, even though I do not fall into one of these categories myself. To me it doesn't matter because we all have needs that need to be addressed and changes that need to be made to legislation for the better.
So after Senator Walsh's office, my next stop was to Representative John H. Rogers, who again was unavailable to speak with me. (I knew at the beginning of the day that this was going to be the case because appointments were not scheduled with these two particular people for some reason--either I was the only one from my hometown of Norwood, MA or they just weren't available-not sure which...)...so again (after getting lost about eight times trying to find his office hehe), I found it! This time, however, I was simply asked if I had information for him to read, and I said yes and gave it to the woman at the desk. Something to definitely follow up on there!
Because my representative and senator were both unavailable, I had a good hour and a half or so at the end free. So I decided to tag along with one of the other groups who were not done with their meetings and participated in theirs. So off we went (once we found out how to get there--did I mention the State House is very confusing?) to Senator Montigny's office and a large group of us got to speak with the lawyer who works for him. There were some different issues brought up in this group such as After-Hours Emergency Interpreter Services at hospitals and such and the need for them. We also asked why it seems that they have a variety of other "spoken" language interpreters such as Spanish, but not American Sign Language in hospitals--it's not something they focus on but they should!
So, that ends my first official appearance as Ms.Wheelchair Massachusetts 2010. Overall it was a very enjoyable day and it was interesting to be seeing American Sign Language again after not taking the courses for some time when I was in college. I'm looking forward to many other events in the future this year.
Thanks!
Santara
Hello Everyone!
First off, I wanted to introduce myself as the newest Ms.Wheelchair Massachusetts for 2010, Santara Sen. I apologize for posting so late after my crowning but was undergoing some pretty big health issues during the holiday season-Thanksgiving, Christmas...all the way up to New Year's Eve...then I was good for a while and again back in the hospital the last week of January. Anyway, just wanted to explain that. I appreciate everyone's patience and support during this time, especially Autumn's, our state coordinator.
Well, I've done a few things already. I was interviewed by WBZ radio regarding Ms.Wheelchair Massachusetts, which will be airing soon-she's going to let me know when. I wrote up a profile for the Spina Bifida Association of Massachusetts's Quarterly Newsletter regarding Ms.Wheelchair Massachusetts, and I'm going to participate in the kick-off event in March for their First Annual Walk n Roll, which is on May 23, 2010. (For more information on that, go to their website (www.sbamass.org) and you can sign up on their volunteer page.
For my February event, I went to the Massachusetts State House for the first time ever, which was really exciting! It was for an event called "OUR Day" for the Disability Policy Consortium (www.dpcma.org) , advocating the needs for deaf, hard-of-hearing and deaf/blind constituents. (FYI-please go to their website to join this group to help us change legislation for the millions of people with disabilities! You can also join their cause on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.) We started the day hearing from different senators and such from the State House about what they do, and thanking us for being there...and sending out the message that we need to be there often to remind our senators and representatives of our needs. After that we went off to lunch, and then the afternoon was all about meeting with our senators and legislators. So...off I went to find Senator Marian Walsh to speak with her about the needs of this population. She wasn't there actually, but we were told that if the person we needed to see wasn't there we could speak to whomever was there instead...so I spoke to one of the assistants. I spoke of many different subjects related to Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing/Deaf-blind awareness. I knew I wanted to advocate for many of the pressing issues such as the CART system (Communication Access Real Time), Independent Living, Emergency situations, and the overall need for more interpreters for American Sign Language. The woman I spoke to seemed pretty receptive and wanted to hear what I had to say. I have friends who are both deaf and blind and I know the challenges they face everyday due to lack of access so this was very important to me to be able to speak up for them, even though I do not fall into one of these categories myself. To me it doesn't matter because we all have needs that need to be addressed and changes that need to be made to legislation for the better.
So after Senator Walsh's office, my next stop was to Representative John H. Rogers, who again was unavailable to speak with me. (I knew at the beginning of the day that this was going to be the case because appointments were not scheduled with these two particular people for some reason--either I was the only one from my hometown of Norwood, MA or they just weren't available-not sure which...)...so again (after getting lost about eight times trying to find his office hehe), I found it! This time, however, I was simply asked if I had information for him to read, and I said yes and gave it to the woman at the desk. Something to definitely follow up on there!
Because my representative and senator were both unavailable, I had a good hour and a half or so at the end free. So I decided to tag along with one of the other groups who were not done with their meetings and participated in theirs. So off we went (once we found out how to get there--did I mention the State House is very confusing?) to Senator Montigny's office and a large group of us got to speak with the lawyer who works for him. There were some different issues brought up in this group such as After-Hours Emergency Interpreter Services at hospitals and such and the need for them. We also asked why it seems that they have a variety of other "spoken" language interpreters such as Spanish, but not American Sign Language in hospitals--it's not something they focus on but they should!
So, that ends my first official appearance as Ms.Wheelchair Massachusetts 2010. Overall it was a very enjoyable day and it was interesting to be seeing American Sign Language again after not taking the courses for some time when I was in college. I'm looking forward to many other events in the future this year.
Thanks!
Santara
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)