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Know This Fighter
You may not know Gary Blumenthal, but he knows you. Or perhaps I should say he knows about you and your family’s struggles.
As President and CEO of the Association of Developmental Disability Providers, Gary also knows how to be a tireless advocate for the disability community. A constant voice to our legislature, Gary lobbies, testifies, and writes about how budget cuts adver-
sely affect those with special needs and their families.
With an uncanny knack for boiling down the blinding amount of information and legalese of budgets, Gary makes clear to our lawmakers the amount of people who will be devastated by program and services cuts.
And now you do know something about Gary Blumenthal, a voice and fighter for our disability community.
Sharon Marie
Disabilities, Death and Acceptance
As parents of children with special needs, we often become wrapped up in grieving, giving and acceptance, which can take a lot of emotional endurance, energy and time. Sometimes we put so much energy into it, that we forget that others face difficult challenges as well.
That perspective came back into focus in January, when Julie, a friend, neighbor and mom to one of my son’s best pals, sadly passed from a fast and aggressive cancer.
Since that time, I’ve been thinking every one of us has had to struggle with a painful acceptance, whether it’s a loved one’s disability, the passing away too soon in life of someone close, or not being able to forgive a personal failing of those who have let you down. Eventually, we have to accept the person or situation the way they really are.
And perhaps, in our lives, acceptance is the biggest challenge of all.
Sharon Marie
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Warm and Fuzzy
The You Tube video link below was taken during Disability Day at Fenway Park. A young autistic man became flustered while singing the national anthem, and the crowd stepped into help him along. The video is only about 1:50 minutes long, and is well worth watching to the end.
You'll be glad that you did.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-r20TKu3Mgc
Sharon Marie
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Stealing
It’s a sordid tale of power and greed, with our tax dollars, meant for our kids.
John Barranco, head of a non-profit in the Merrimack area, has been accused of manipulating a $11.5 million dollar transfer of taxpayer monies from the Merrimack Special Education Collaborative to Barranco’s organization.
Federal prosecutors and more than six Massacusetts Agencies allege that Barranco used these funds on huge salaries for himself, associates, and to support a lavish lifestyle.
More about this alleged theft can be found in last Sunday’s
BostonGlobe. You may end up shaking your head, saying "our money, our kids, and our loss."
Sharon Marie
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Disability Fraudsters
We often hear how certain charities solicit funds, yet end up keeping the money for alleged salaries and expenses.
One such suspicious organization, called the Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation (ASDF) was recently highlighted in the Minneapolis StarTribune.
The Tribune's article found that despite hauling in over $1.2 million in 2009, the ASDF reported to the IRS a negative year-end balance, with no evidence of donating to any organization.
The Tribune article also offers some excellent links to check the legitimacy and history of any charity.
In the meantime, if a representative from the Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation contacts you and asks for money, ask THEM for proof of where the money goes - and tell them you read the Tribune's article.
Sharon Marie
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Budget Happy Dance
Chapter 766-approved schools and the families of the children who attend them, are celebrating Deval Patrick's FY '12 budget approval for cost inflation and tuition rate adjustments.
But before we all do a happy dance, I want you to thank Patrick. Many of the schools and disability organizations lobbied him consistently with the hard facts that they need basic increases to survive and serve disabled children. They were persistent and dedicated in conveying this important message.
Thank you Governor Patrick, for listening to those voices. They represented those that cannot speak for themselves.
Sharon Marie
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Your Voice Counts!
Tell our Senators to restore the millions they plan to cut from the disability budget.
The Arc of Massachusetts and ADDP are asking them to adopt the priority amendments that will restore critical funds to:
Family Support and Respite
Day Habilitation
Community Residential
Family Preservation Support
Employment Services
Adult Foster Care Rate Stabilization
You can send an instant email directly to ask them to support these amendments right now at this Take Action Link. Your voice DOES count.
Sharon Marie
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More Blogs
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Massachusetts' Disability Events - All Ages
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 Author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People :
May 17th, 2012, 7 p.m., The King Building, Framingham, MA. Author Rabbi Harold S. Kushner will discuss how to deal with having a disabled relative, coping with diagnosis, prognosis and concerns about the future, what will happen once we are not here anymore, and managing reactions from relatives and the community. Rabbi Kushner wrote When Bad Things Happen to Good People following the death of his son, Aaron, from the premature aging disease progeria. Kushner has also written How Good Do We Have to Be?, Living a Life That Matters, and Overcoming Life Disappointments. For more information, visit the Framingham Sepac www.F-SEPAC.org
Adaptive & Accessible Recreation Fair for All Ages & Abilities: June 9th, 2012, 10:00 a.m. - 3 p.m. , Artesani Park, Brighton/Boston, is on the Recreation Page.
SSI & Mass Health for Children - Free: May 16, 2012, 6:30 p.m., The Arc of Opportunity, Fitchburg, MA. Gail Havelick, Public Benefit and Policy Specialist from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, will cover SSI programs and eligibility, Mass Health benefits available to children up to 18 years old, the application process, appeals, cash benefits, and maximizing benefits and services for children with special health needs. Pre-registration required. RSVP to l.colburn@arcofopportunity.org or 978-343-6662, ext. 126.
Dr. Ross Greene's "Collaborative Problem Solving", May 22, 2012, 7 p.m., at the Maynard Sepac, is on the Mental Health page.
Over 70 Disability Camps in Massachusetts are on the Camps and Camp Fairs Page.
Autism and Mindfulness/A New Approach to Addressing Challenging Behavior at Home and in the Classroom - Free Workshop: May 16th, 2012, in Mansfield, is on the Autism and Aspergers Page.
Legal and Financial Issues for Families of Those with Special Needs - Free: May 24, 2012, in Woburn, is on the Legal and Financial Page.
Let’s Get Organized! Workshop for Families of Children with Special Needs - Free: May 20th, 2012. 1 p.m., Lakeville, MA. Instead of being overwhelmed by the volume of records that you need to keep for your child, discover a method of organizing and managing medical and educational paperwork. A Family TIES Regional Coordinator will give all attendees the “system in a notebook” tool and share organizing and problem-solving tips. RSVPs are required. Contact 508-947-0630 by May 17, 2012. Family TIES is a project at the Federation for Children with Special Needs. For more information about Family Ties workshops visit http://massfamilyties.org/participation/workshops.php
 
Baseball for Special Kids: Boxborough, Dedham, Nashoba Area, North Leominster and Norwood. April through June 2012. Programs serve young children to teens with many types of disabilities. No child is turned away. See details on the Recreation Page.
Creating an Effective IEP Workshop Series – Free: May – June, LifeLinks Family Support Center, Chelmsford, MA., will be hosting educational advocate and parent Elizabeth Bostic. Ms. Bostic will cover the following topics:
May 8: Introduction to Special Education and Basic Rights
May 29: IEP Development
June 5: Collaborative Communication. Registration is required to 978-349-3040, or familysupport@lifelinksinc.net
Easter Seals "Book Accessibility" Mini Demonstrations: ATRC Center in Boston is on the Assistive Technology Page.
Adventures in Art for Children with Autism: First Saturday of each month at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston
are on the Autism and Aspergers Page.
There are over 70 Disability Summer Programs in Greater Massachsuetts on our Camps/Camp Fairs Page.
Assistive Technology Demos at Easter Seals Boston for Speech Devices and Book Accessiblity are on our Assistive Technology Page.
"Quiet Day" at the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Waltham, the last Sunday of each month. The Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation hosts "Quiet Day" for children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), which affects a variety of disabilities. During Quiet Day, the museum will disable any exhibit that produces uncomfortable noise levels, equipment such as sound block headphones and weighted blankets will be offered, and a separate space for reducing stimuli will be available. Admission is $7.00 per adult and $5.00 per child, student or senior. Free to children under 6, active and retired US Military, and Museum members. For more information email info@crmi.org or call 781 893 5410 or 617 823 5081.
Athletes-4-Autism Mentoring Program in Boston, featuring track, lacrosse, crew, ice hockey, soccer, swimming, track and field, baseball, softball, tennis, and wrestling, is on our Autism/Aspergers Page.
Sensory Friendly Films are now on the Recreation Page.
Free Parent Workshops - Winter 2012:
An IEP for my Child, Worcester, April 11th, 2012
Basic Rights, Jamaica Plain, April 18th, 2012
Basic Rights, Dalton, April 24th, 2012
Basic Rights, Franklin, April 25th, 2012
Basic Rights, Barre, April 30th, 2012
MCAS, Access & Achievement for Students w/Disabilities, Weston, April 12th, 2012
To register, contact The Federation For Children With Special Needs in Boston, Massachusetts,
or register@fcsn.org, or 800-331-0688.
Free "NAMI Basics" Course for Parents & Caregivers of Children & Teens with Behavioral, Mental Or Emotional Challenges. January 14 - February 18, 2012, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon, Leominster, MA
And...
Free NAMI Parent-to-Parent Courses: For those with family members and caregivers of individuals with severe mental illnesses that discusses the clinical treatment of these illnesses and teaches the knowledge and skills that family members need to cope effectively.
Winter and Spring 2012 dates and places include:
Cambridge
Holyoke
Jamaica Plain
Lexington
Pittsfield
Weymouth
Woburn
For both details both NAMI programs, visit our Mental Health Page. |
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Preparing for a Real Job – For Teens & Young Adults with Disabilities: May 22, 2012, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Brockton Area Arc, in Brockton. Tried-and-true strategies for improving job search outcomes for young people with developmental disabilities. For more information or to register, email kerwin@brocktonarc.net 508-583-8030, ext 224, or visit www.brocktonareaarc.org
Becoming An Adult with ASD – Free & Open to the Public: May 24th, 2012, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Charles River Center Needham, MA. The Roger A. Bauman Annual Parent Lecture Series will feature staff from the following organizations:
. Northeast Arc Transition & SPOTLIGHT Programs
. The Barry Price Center ASCENT Program
. NESCA
. The MGH Lurie Center for Autism Outpatient Program
. ASPIRE at MGH (formerly YouthCare)
Sponsored by The Lurie Center for Autism of Mass. General Hospital. To reserve seats, call Melissa Jensen or Todd Helmus at NESCA at 617-658-9800, ext. 0 or email nesca@nesca-newton.com.
Disability Vocational Internship Program - June 20th - August 18th, 2012: Worcester. Must be between the ages of 16 – 22, and on an Individualized Education Plan, (IEP).
• Must be legally allowed to work in the United States
• Must obtain a work permit from school (for students between the ages of 16-17)
• Internships held at a variety of Worcester area businesses and will cover a variety of interests
• All workshops will be held at the Center for Living & Working, Inc.
To obtain a full stipend, full participation in all aspects of the program are required. Contact Transition to Adulthood Program Coordinator, 508-755-1644, rohara@centerlw.org or visit the Center for Living and Working.
Better Supports, Better Lifestyles in Today's Challening World - TASH New England Conference: May 11 & 12, 2012, Worcester, MA. Keynote Speakers: Chad Sinanian, VP, People First of Connecticut and Consumer Advocate, Ability and Beyond, Elin Howe, Commissioner, Mass Dept of Developmental Services, and Patti Scott, Co-Founder of Neighbours Inc, Franklin Park, NJ. Topics include: Inclusive Education, Employment and Transition, Community Living, and Civil Rights. More information at http://tash.org/save-the-date-tash-new-england-conference-may-11-12-2012/ or email dtraniello@verizon.net
For Job Seekers with Disabilities and Their Families: “Disability Employment First Massachusetts” is a new LinkedIn group that focuses on job and career placement for people with cognitive and intellectual disabilities in Greater Massachusetts. Find disability job information and employers, or post non-personal resume information for employment searches. Visit the “Disability Employment First Massachusetts” Group page for more information.
Transition to Adulthood Workshops - Free: March and April 2012, the Arc of Haverhill-Newburyport. A series of workshops that will help you plan for your son or daughters journey from school to adult life in the community. Sponsored by The Parent Advisory Councils of Amesbury, Georgetown, Newburyport, Pentucket, Triton and The Arc of GHN.
- Life after the IEP- What are the Options? April 3rd, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Learn about the real lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Find out about day and employment support, shared living, adult family care and other types of home supports. Presented by Kerry Mahoney and Barbara Pandolfi. Held at the RAN Middle School Library.
- Resources for Legal and Financial Planning: April 10th, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Newburyport High School. Visit with Attorney's and Financial Planners who specialize in estate, legal and financial planning for special needs, learn more about Mass Health, SSI, Guardianship and funding special needs trusts. Pre registration is required. Contact Kerry.Mahoney@TheArcofGHN.Org or visit www.thearcofghn.org/pdfs/Transition_Workshop3.pdf
EPIC's Service Warrior Community program. Starting in April, 2012, Greater Boston Area. Community volunteer program for youth with disabilities ages 16 - 24 has a low fee of $75 for the year, with scholarships available. Service Warriors meet on a monthly basis for one year to participate in community service projects in the Greater Boston. By creating the change they want to see in the world the Service Warriors learn more about local communities and develop practical skills that will help them develop as leaders. To learn more visit us at www.epicleaders.org, or contact info@epicleaders.org or 617-396-4925.
The MassAccess Housing Registry is a Massachusetts database for affordable housing with a features that highlights homes for people with disabilities that need accessible or barrier-free housing. Search for apartments, homes, a specific accessibility or adaptability need, income-based or subsidized, or by state region. Visit MassAccess Housing Registry for more information, or email massaccess@chapa.org.
Click here for more Mental Health help for children and teens in Massachusetts
The Teens' Recreation and Activity Choices (TRAC) Study: The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center has a research study on Physical Activity Choices for Teens. They are looking for adolescents/young adults ages 13-21 who have intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and typically developing adolescents with disabilties ages 13 - 18. Compensation for your time and participation. Contact 781.642.0292 or ShriverHealth@umassmed.edu.
Best Buddies Massachusetts: Boston, MA. Toll Free: 866-33-BUDDY (28339) Best Buddies is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. |
"Advocates in Motion" Social Program: This Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress program provides fun, inclusive, interactive events and fosters social relationships for young people with Down syndrome, ages 13-22, one Sunday per month in Waltham. Activities offered include fitness and healthy lifestyles, community service experiences, job/career skills, arts, sports course with Outdoor Explorations, Zumba dance lessons, a holiday dance, Compelling Fitness, a musical theatre workshop provided by Access to Theatre, the annual MDSC Buddy Walk, and a Halloween Celebration. Contact www.mdsc.org or 1-800-664-MDSC.
SPED Child and Teen is not responsible for any listed events' contents, or changes in content, times, dates, fees, or speakers. Please check with event host to verify details.
SPED Child and Teen does not endorse any event, listing or product on this site, and all content is for information purposes only.
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