IDENTIFY THE CONCERNS OF MASS HEALTH MEMBERS WITH DISABILITIES
With Christine Griffin, EOHHS Assistant Secretary and
Dr. Julian Harris, Medicaid Director

This meeting is for
•People with disabilities
•Family members of people with disabilities
•Advocates
•Community stakeholders active in disability rights
The forum is open for anyone to tell EOHHS what MassHealth can do better for people with disabilities. It is important for MassHealth policy makers to hear people with disabilities and their families express their concerns about current services, describe needs that are not being addressed, and suggest ways to improve services and expand opportunities. Call the Disability Accommodation Ombudsman if you would like more information about this event, or to ask for accommodations to help you take part in this forum.

When:
Friday, May 4, 2012, 1:00-3:00 pm
Where:
State Transportation Building
Floor 2, Conference Rooms 2 and 3
10 Park Place, Boston
Contact:
Miriam Brathwaite
MassHealth Disability Accommodation Ombudsman
masshealthhelp@ehs.state.ma.us
617-847-3468
TTY: 617-847-3788 (for people with partial or total hearing loss)

Comments may be made in person during the hearing, or you can e-mail them to masshealthhelp@ehs.state.ma.us.
Please use unscented personal-care products. What may seem to you to be a mild fragrance can be a toxic exposure for a person with an environmental illness.
ASL interpreters and CART will be provided

Wednesday, May 2, 2012: Annual Awards Night & Sarah Ward
Note location change: Hosmer School Auditorium Watertown
This is an uplifting evening to honor all that is great in Special Education in Watertown. We have many dedicated people in our schools and the community. Join us to recognize and honor those who have been influential in our children’s lives. Nomination Ballots are enclosed in this mailing please take the time to nominate an educator, professional or individual within the community who has positively impacted you or your child. We would also love to have parents involved in the presentation of the awards.

Childcare is not available for this date.
Time: 6:30 to 9:00
Light Hor D’Oeuvres, baked goods and beverages will be served.

Feel free to contact any of the officers with comments or questions.
Officers:
Elan Rohde, co-chair elanrohde@gmail.com Laine Tulipano, co-chair lainestulipano@gmail.com
Fred Isaacs, treasurer f.isaacs@comcast.net Brenda Manning vice-chair deweygirl@comcast.net

Minutes

December 21, 2011

The meeting was called to order by Chair Kim Charlson at 7:10 p.m.

ROLL CALL- Kim Charlson, Chair; Councilor Steve Corbett; George Donahue; Anne Doughty; Fred Isaacs; Gayle Shattuck, Town Personnel Director and ADA Coordinator, and Carol Wilson-Braun.

Guest- Audrey Childs, Vice President and Assist Treasurer of the Historical Society of Watertown

AUDIENCE ISSUES- Audrey Childs discussed a proposal to close caption two historical Watertown DVDs so that people with hearing deficits can experience them. They are working with a business called Caption First, and anticipate a cost of $595. If Caption First is not able to do it, she offered to come back before the Commission to explain. It was discussed to have one copy of the DVDs at the Historical Society, one copy at the library, one copy for WCOD and perhaps one copy for the cable station. The Historical Society will show the DVDs around town- Coolidge apts, senior center. It was suggested to put the DVD on our website, and to have a back up as an ftp file.

It was MOVED, seconded and passed unanimously to authorize the expenditure of not more than $800 to the Historical Society of Watertown for the closed captioning of the two historical Watertown DVDs.

CHAIR’S REPORT- Kim said she and Gayle wrote letters to the food pantries to whom we donated money last month. The letter to St. John’s has a line mentioning our wish to honor Carol Menton’s late mother who was a long time volunteer there. There was a suggestion to send an announcement of the donation to the Tab and the Patch.

MINUTES- It was moved, seconded and passed unanimously to accept the minutes for October and November as corrected. Copies of our minutes may be requested from the Town Clerk’s office.

TREASURER’S REPORT- Report for November was presented. It was MOVED, seconded and passed unanimously to accept the Treasurer’s report. Copies of the Treasurer’s report may be requested from the town’s ADA Coordinator in the Personnel Office. Gayle explained several accounting practices, such as open purchase orders and encumbrances. Closed captioning is being accounted for separately for WCOD and the town council.

COMMITTEE REPORTS-

Art Exhibit Final Report- Anne said there was good feedback from the library. Everything was disassembled and returned. Plans will be made for another exhibit next year. It was recommended to reserve the space in the library soon. It is good to coincide with Disabilities Awareness Month.

Website- George will go over statistics and include in the annual report.
Closed Caption- Steve said that the last town council meeting went smoother. Tamara Green at Watertown Cable Access said that she is the contact for Stephanie. They will be encouraged to meet.

Snow Update- Steve summarized the meeting on 11/29 of the DPW sub-committee for which he had put together a packet of information about ordinances in other Boston area towns. The three councilors present were mixed in their opinion, and the councilors in general are mixed. The audience members present who spoke were mostly against an ordinance. The subcommittee voted to recommend that the council discuss the basic issue further and vote up or down about the basic issue at their Jan 10th meeting. Steve recommends passing the general issue about the need for an ordinance, then details can be worked out later. George said he would do an educational piece on cable.

Special Ed- Fred stated that the schedule needs amending. George said he needs an updated version for the website. Schools need guidance concerning assistive devices and modern technology. Sped Pac will develop a new subcommittee for this issue, and for helping families afford special equipment. They will put in another grant application soon. Kim said that the autism segment of “Understanding Our Differences” was well received in the schools. Next will be blindness and low vision in March. Fred stated that they are having difficulty finding parent volunteers to help with the sessions.

Safety and Access- Kim stated that there is nothing to report this month.

OLD BUSINESS- The year end report is being prepared by George, and will include a summary of activities and issues and a list of guest speakers.

NEW BUSINESS- The inauguration of town officers will take place on Jan. 3rd at Perkins School for the Blind, and WCOD has been asked to cover accessibility costs: sign language interpreter, CART reporting and Braille programs.

It was MOVED, seconded and passed unanimously that we accept the above mentioned costs for the Town officers inauguration up to $600.

The production of the Watertown recycling calendar was discussed.

It was MOVED, seconded and passed unanimously that WCOD cover the expenses of printing the recycling calendar in Braille not to exceed $200. We usually print around 40, and then more by request.

George explained plans for the new assisted living residence at Spring and Summer Streets, which will have 27/90 units for Alzheimer’s, underground and ground level parking, a restaurant, bistro and library. John will be receiving blueprints, and has recommended parking spots for HP vans.

Next meeting is Wed., Jan. 18, 2012.

It was MOVED, seconded and passed unanimously to adjourn at 8:37 p.m.

These minutes are recorded and respectfully submitted by Carol Wilson-Braun, Secretary.

For more information go to: www.eop.com/expo

Wednesday, April 11, 2012: Assistive Communication, Communicating with your Child-Technologies and Devices
Kristi Peak-Oliveria
Kristi will take us on an overview of various communication devices and the different technologies that are available. She will also discuss the Easter Seals Loan Program and how easy it is to tap into this treasure trove of a resource.
Bring Your Kids- child care, beverages and fresh baked goods will be provided.

Feel free to contact any of the officers with comments or questions.
Officers:
Elan Rohde, co-chair elanrohde@gmail.com Laine Tulipano, co-chair lainestulipano@gmail.com
Fred Isaacs, treasurer f.isaacs@comcast.net Brenda Manning vice-chair deweygirl@comcast.net

A recent Boston Globe article briefly noted a week-long wagon train trip in 1961. The trip went “from Greenfield to Boston, filled with children and their parents, accompanied by a cowboy and his palomino horse.”(1) That cowboy was Rex Trailer with his famous horse Goldrush, a frequent participant in the show to the delight of Boomtown show-goers and the viewing audience alike. Of the trip, the official Rex Trailer Website reports:

The trek was all the way across Rt.20 from the western end of the state and ending at the State House in Boston. They circled their wagons for camping out every night in a different town, but not before putting on stage shows for everyone who came out to see them. (2)

The trek was unique in its entertainment, length and purpose. As the Globe and Rex Trailer Websites report, the trip was part of a greater effort to encourage a more in-depth understanding of the children who face mental retardation. To this day, with as much enthusiasm as ever, Rex Trailer strongly advocates for mentally challenged children.

And they were.

Much thanks to Rex Trailer and his staff for service to and for others.

(1) Boston Globe, Saturday, March 10, 2012.

(2) http://www.boomtownmemories.com/pioneer.html

(3) http://www.boston.com/Boston/metrodesk/2012/03/state-house-bill-would-name-children-show-host-rex-trailer-state-official-cowboy/b91Kt7kpZICqiJJTevXuEP/index.html

Share your own Boomtown memories at http://www.boomtownmemories.com/

WATERTOWN COMMISSION ON DISABILITY

 Minutes

January 18, 2012

The meeting was called to order by Chair Kim Charlson at 7:08 p.m.

There were no guests present. 

CHAIR’S REPORT-  Kim.  The inauguration of town officers was held on Jan. 3^rd.  Steve was sworn in again for another term.  Town Manager Driscoll spoke favorably about WCOD.  Kim presented several items of interest from his remarks.  The Watertown Road Plan is an inventory of all roads and sidewalks, and is updated on a regular basis.  We should have Gerry Mee come in April.  There will be a new bus for the senior center, and Kim wondered if it was going to be accessible.  Gayle will check.  Plans for unused town buildings (police station, libraries)-  accessibility will continue to be an issue for them.  John will speak with Steve Magoon.

MINUTES- It was MOVED, seconded and passed unanimously to accept the minutes for December as corrected. Copies of our minutes may be requested from the Town Clerk’s office.

TREASURER’S REPORT-  Discussion about audit results and closed captioning line items in December.  It was MOVED, seconded and passed unanimously to accept the Treasurer’s report.  Copies of the Treasurer’s report may be requested from the town’s ADA Coordinator in the Personnel Office.

COMMITTEE REPORTS-

Art Exhibit-  Anne is talking to the library about this next fall.  It was suggested that the exhibit take place in November to incorporate the Open Art Studios weekend.  The reception with the artists could take place on Nov 10 or 11^th.   Anne will book the exhibit space and coordinate with Open Art Studios so we can be included in their publicity.

Website-  George reviewed stats from our website.  And they will be emailed and attached to the minutes.  There has been an increase in new visits.  The top pages visited included the dining guide and events.  Signing up for “RSS feed” on the website will notify people of upcoming events of interest.  The website is up for renewal.

Closed Caption-  Carol M. said that theSalemand Lowell CODs have approached them for info.  A lengthy discussion followed about continuing problems with closed captioning for town council meetings.  Stephanie continues to have major problems with the equipment and the availability of someone knowledgeable who can help fix the situation.  She said that things haven’t worked well since the carpeting was changed.  Also, other groups come in and move the equipment.  Kim recommended we document any solutions we find.  A plan was devised to set up a meeting with Tamara before the next town council meeting on Tuesday.  Gayle will ask her about obtaining the help once again of Nick Palm, who helped set it up initially, and that WCOD could offer to split the cost of his services.  George volunteered to come to the town council meeting, and help label cables when Nick is there.  Tamara should also be asked to be at the next council meeting.  John suggested the next step would be to meet with the Cable board if Tuesday doesn’t work.  George proposed a joint meeting in Feb between WCOD (or at least a Closed Caption sub-committee) and the Cable station.  The sub-committee would include Carol M., Steve and George.   The meeting would include Stephanie, Gayle and Tamara.  A special meeting about closed captioning was tentatively planned for 2/23 if the issues aren’t resolved.

Snow Update-  Steve said the issue will be addressed at the next Town Council meeting on 1/24.  There wasn’t time during the last meeting.

Special Ed-  Fred said their calendar was back in synch.  A speaker from Family Connection was slated for January.  He mentioned that the schools have representatives to help choose a new superintendent, but that special ed parents don’t.  They want a voice in the process and will go to public hearings.  They want someone who will be an advocate.

Safety and Access-   No new issues, per Kim.

OLD BUSINESS-  George has sent a draft of the 2011 end of year report.

The date of our Nov meeting is changed from 11/21 to 11/28.  Gayle will arrange.

Watertown Sq assisted living plans-  making sure there are enough accessible parking spaces, bathrooms for common spaces, and 2^nd egress for 1^st floor.   Two other projects on Pleasant St. are being reviewed, and St Stephens is making their playground more accessible.  John said that the building inspector does the final review of plans, but that he will offer his services to be a resource at that stage.

NEW BUSINESS- 

Coolidge Village Condos Variance-  a ramp is being constructed in the garage from the elevator and needs a variance due to the steepness and no rails.

It was MOVED, seconded and unanimously approved to support the 9.2% in place of the normal 8.3% slope for the ramp in the garage for the Coolidge Village Condos.  This will be sent to MAAB.

As mentioned earlier, Watertown Open Art Studios will take place on 11/10-11, 2012.

Victory Field Renovation Fund-  Kim mentioned that there will be ramp seating.  She asked the Commission to consider a donation for a plaque.   It was MOVED, seconded and unanimously approved to contribute $1000 for a 6×4” plaque for the Wall of Fame on Victory Field.

Gayle said the Commission received a letter from Mark Sideris, Town Council president thanking us for participating and helping out with the inauguration earlier this month.   We also received a letter of thanks from St. Patrick’s food pantry and a card from our Carol M. thanking us for our support.

Kim talked about the MBTA public hearings about service cuts and fare increases.  Hundreds of people were at the hearings, and lots of media coverage.  The #52 bus is slated to be eliminated, which travels from Watertown to Dedham, through Newton past the Carroll Center for the Blind.   The Newton mayor wrote a letter, and we should also consider sending a letter.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is Wed., March 21^st.  A full WCOD meeting or sub-committee meeting to address closed captioning issues is tentatively scheduled for Thurs., Feb 23^rd.

It was MOVED, seconded and passed unanimously to adjourn at 9:03 p.m.

 These minutes are recorded and respectfully submitted by Carol Wilson-Braun, Secretary.

The Department of Justice Title III regulations regarding accessible entry and exit from swimming pools and spas was scheduled to come into effect March 15, 2012. Unfortunately, however, after the DoJ sent a letter to the American Hotel and Lodging Association last month with information about how pool owners could come into compliance with this requirement, the hotel and lodging industry reacted negatively and made phone calls to Congress and the White House asking them to postpone implementation of the rule.

In response to that pressure, the Obama administration is planning to ask the Department to postpone implementation.
Call Kareem Dale, Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy TODAY at 202-456-4767 and ask that the White House support the Department of Justice’s swimming pool regulations and not try to postpone implementation of this rule.

There are a number of reasons why postponing implementation would be bad for people with disabilities, including:
•People with disabilities should have the same access to recreational and exercise opportunities as everyone else.
•Backtracking on the ADA is never acceptable.
•The requirements of the ADA should not be postponed for one particular type of accommodation. It sets a bad precedent.
•The ADA was signed into law 22 years ago. Swimming pool owners have had decades to come into compliance.
•The Title III regulations have been going through the regulatory process since 2004.
•The final regulation language and the accessibility standards have been out since September 2010, so the pool owners have had 18 months to comply with those specific standards.
•The regulations are subject to an “undue burden” defense, so any hotel or pool owner that cannot afford to come into compliance need not do so immediately.
Please call Kareem Dale, Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy TODAY at 202-456-4767.

from Paul Spooner, Executive Director

Thanks to the National Disability Rights Network and the AAPD for bringing this issue to our attention.

She summarizes, “After serving as an histology technologist in two Pathology Departments and some years teaching, I made my way first into survey research for large companies then clinical research as a Research Assistant, Analyst and finally a Clinical Research Coordinator.” As such, along with research responsibilities, Jean’s career experience includes writing for in-house publications, intranet and instructional materials and for clinical studies, specific sponsor needs, contributions to peer-reviewed publications and for required FDA documents.

In addition to work, Jean served for six years on her company’s elected advisory council, which later elected her its Vice Chair and Chair. She led a multi-year initiative to educated staff and executive management on ways to define and enhance an employee-ownership culture and co-authored a unique, progressive document to point the way to making employee-ownership a more fixed reality in the daily lives of all staff members. Today, the initiative remains a well-established, strong and thriving valuable aspect of the company.

Jean holds much experience documenting both large and small group meetings and completing special projects and instructional presentations. Here’s where the Commission plans to tap Jean’s work experience to contribute to the WCOD and its mission to inform as well as assist residents. Jean will attend and contribute to documenting meeting discussions, decisions and next steps, concentrate on special projects and contribute articles to the WCOD website. She says, ” . . . am looking forward to meeting Commission members, guests and residents and collaborating with the WCOD.”

The WCOD welcomes Jean as its new Intern.

Multimodal Neuroimaging in Autism Spectrum Disorders:
Studies of Executive Function and
Neural Connectivity
Dara Manoach, Ph.D.
Massachusetts General Hospital

Social Engagement at School
Connie Kasari, Ph.D.
University of California, Los Angeles

Attention in Autism: Different Preferences, Not Different Abilities
Nancy Kanwisher, Ph.D.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Functional Implications of Adaptive Behavior Deficits in Higher Functioning ASDs &
Eye Tracking Paradigms to Screen for Infants at Risk for ASD
Celine Saulnier, Ph.D.
Marcus Autism Center, Emory University

Developing Innovative Technologies for Measuring & Communicating Physiological Features of Anxiety in Persons with Asperger Syndrome
Matthew Goodwin, Ph.D.
Northeastern University

FOR MORE INFORMATION