Watertown Commission on Disability

Answers to your Questions about the Census

By now, most people have received their 2010 Census. The DPC has received many questions about the Census. Here are answers to the most frequent:

The Census does not include any questions on the disability so why is it so important for us to complete?

Although it is very frustrating that the Census does not include a question on disability, it is nonetheless incredibly important that we all complete it. Federal funding for services important to people with disabilities are determined by the total population of a state and community. These include special education, vocational rehab, MassHealth, Medicare, SSI, accessible transit, and housing. Further, MA is at risk of losing a Congressional Delegate. The less representation the state has, the less opportunity for OUR voices to be heard in Washington DC. Remember, Nothing About Us Without Us, so count us!

What if I lost or threw out the Census?

Many people mistakenly throw out or lose their Census. However, there are options. People who throw out their Census or lose it for whatever reason, may visit a local Be Counted or Questionnaire Assistance Center to complete a new form. To find the closest site, visit http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/. Alternatively, after April 12, 2010, individuals can contact the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance Center at 1-866-872-6868 or via FedRelay 1-866-783-2010 (for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) to request a new Census.

What if I want to complete the Census by telephone?

Individuals may complete the Census by telephone. Unfortunately, some DPC members have reported some difficulty doing so. DPC recommends calling the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance Center at 1-866-872-6868 or via FedRelay 1-866-783-2010 (for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) and pressing 0. Explain that you would like to complete the Census by telephone because of your disability. Pressing 0 has worked. Please note that you must have the bar code on the Census form you received when you call.

The DPC strongly urges all members to complete the form. To request materials in alternate formats or to complete the Census by telephone, call the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance Center at 1-866-872-6868 or via FedRelay 1-866-783-2010 (for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing). For more information on Census assistance available for people with disabilities, visit www.2010.census.gov or www.dpcma.org.

Budget Advocacy Training – Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Although we are in the middle of the Budget process, it is not too late to make a difference! The Governor has proposed his budget for FY11 and now is the time to communicate your concerns to the legislators about disability issues. Don’t miss this important training! Come learn:

What’s included in the budget proposal for people with disabilities How decisions made by your state representatives will affect your services How you can best communicate your concerns to your elected officials

Wednesday, March 24, 2010
1:00p-3:00p
State House, Room B-1

Please contact Robyn Powell (rpowell@dpcma.org or 617-542-3522) immediately to request accommodations, such as alternate formats for handouts. ASL interpreters and CART will be available.

Health Care Accessibility (Or Lack Thereof) – Share Your Story!

Are you a person with a disability who has trouble accessing health care due to inaccessible equipment and architectural barriers or received poor care because of your disability? If so, we want to hear from you! The DPC is undertaking a project to document disparities in health care. As this investigation continues we hope to be as inclusive as possible with the end goal of obtaining accessible, high quality health care for individuals with all disabilities.

If you are a person with a disability who is interested in being interviewed about barriers you have encountered at hospitals and their outpatient locations, please contact the DPC at 617-542-3522 or rpowell@dpcma.org. All interviews are confidential and no information will be shared without the interviewee’s permission.

Health Care Reform

History was made last night as the House approved Health Care Reform! For a summary of this very important bill, please visit http://www.dpcma.org/News/tabid/716/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/119/House-Passes-Health-Reform-Legislation.aspx.

Second Annual Blind Legislative Informational Networking Day

Date: April 5th, 2010
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: State House – Great Hall

Description
Advocating for the maintenance funding for vital blindness services from the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and for the Massachusetts Talking Book Program libraries at the Worcester Talking Book Library and the Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library. Reinforcing the importance of specialized services for people who are blind, visually impaired and deaf-blind.

Program

11:30 Registration and technology demonstrations in the Great Hall
12:00 Lunch available
12:15 Speakers and Program
1:00 Legislative Issues Briefing
1:15-2:00 Afternoon visits with legislators

Communication Access Requests by MARCH 20: For all communication access requests, please contact State House ADA Coordinator, Carl Richardson at carl.richardson@state.ma.us.

BCIL wants you to be part of its mission: “Keeping people with disabilities in the Community”.
WHO WANTS TO BE AN ACTIVIST?

Boston Center for Independent Living
Welcome to BCIL. You may be a new consumer or you may have been with us for a while. It doesn’t matter. We are looking for people who would like to participate in our action groups and help us to determine the route we will take over the next year and beyond.

What bugs you? Do you have problems with housing? PCAs? Do you know we are working with hospitals to make them more accessible to all of us with disabilities? What about street access? It is better but it surely isn’t fixed. Do you want to get involved there?

How about your neighborhood? What is going on there that prevents you from participating in whatever is going on? Are activities held in inaccessible places? Do you need curb cuts but have no one to listen to you? How are you handling transportation? Does the MBTA meet your needs? Have you tried and failed to get a cab because the driver passed you by?

These are just a few of the issues we have been dealing with and we need more people to join us in our actions. You can get involved with any of them or you may have new ideas we can attack. Whatever interests you interests you and so…

Come to the next Action Meeting on March 24th from 2-4 pm here at BCIL, 60 Temple Place, 5th floor. Let us know what you think. All welcome. For information or accommodations please contact Karen (x204) or Evelyne (ext. 246) at 617-338-6665. We look forward to seeing you at the next meeting.