[Massachusetts-NFB] Summer Newsletter from MCB

[Massachusetts Commission for the Blind]

Learn about our community, check out the latest news, and mark your calendar for upcoming events.   A Message from Commissioner Oliveira As summer winds down and we embrace the beginning of fall, I hope you’ve all had a chance to enjoy some sunshine and relaxation. This time of year is always energizing for us at the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, marking the start of a busy season filled with meaningful events and celebrations. July was a month of important observances, including Disability Pride Month and the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). I was honored to participate in a celebration at Lawrence City Hall, an event that underscored our ongoing journey toward greater inclusion and accessibility. Additionally, the end of June marked DeafBlind Awareness Week. This year commemorated the 40th anniversary of this national advocacy campaign, which has been held annually since 1984 when President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation in recognition of this observance. The purpose of DeafBlind Awareness Week is to raise public awareness about people with combined hearing and vision loss. As we transition into September, we are excited for our Visions of Employment webinar. This event will offer valuable insights and resources for employers on supporting employees who are legally blind, including guidance on accommodations, training, and success stories. I encourage employers to join us and take advantage of this opportunity to enhance workplace inclusion. Looking ahead to October, we will celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month and White Cane Awareness Month - both crucial to our mission. I hope to see many of you at our White Cane Awareness Month Celebration at the State House on October 18. More details can be found in this newsletter. I am also thrilled to extend a warm welcome to Justine Muir, our new Deputy Commissioner. Justine brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to our team, and I am confident her contributions will be instrumental in advancing our shared goals. Thank you for your continued support and dedication. As we dive into this busy and exciting season, let’s carry forward the momentum of summer and embrace the opportunities ahead. White Cane Awareness Day Celebration Join the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and Perkins School for the Blind to celebrate the independence of the white cane and help raise awareness of the White Cane Law in Massachusetts which requires drivers to identify and yield to pedestrians using a white cane or dog guide at street crossings. Date: Friday, October 18, 2024 Time: 10:00 A.M. to 1 P.M. (speaking event starts at 11 A.M.) Location: Massachusetts State House inside the Great Hall of Flags Register Now Visions of Employment Webinar Attention Massachusetts Employers! Unlock the potential of a diverse workforce with the 2024 Visions of Employment Webinar hosted by the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind! Date: Thursday, September 12, 2024 Time: 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. Location: Zoom (link provided upon registration) Visions of Employment Webinar Registration Join us to gain insights and resources for creating an inclusive workplace. Our Employment Services team will guide you through the support available throughout the hiring process for qualified candidates who are legally blind. Hear firsthand from employers who have successfully integrated employees who are legally blind into their workplace and listen to inspiring stories from individuals who are legally blind about their employment journeys. Empower your team and spread the word! Share this webinar with your network and help build a more inclusive workforce for all. National Disability Employment Awareness Month October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind encourages businesses and organizations across the Commonwealth to participate. Held annually, NDEAM educates about disability employment topics and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. Although national in scope, NDEAM’s true spirit lies in the many observances held at the grassroots level. Employers of all sizes and in all industries can take part. For specific ideas about how to support NDEAM, visit dol.gov/NDEAM. Suggestions range from simple, such as putting up a poster, to comprehensive, such as implementing a disability education program. Regardless, all play an important part in fostering a more accessible and equitable workforce, one where all people are recognized for their abilities - every day of every month.  College Information Session Attention High School Seniors Planning to Attend College! Are you a high school senior thinking about college? Don't miss out on an incredible opportunity to learn from those who have been in your shoes! Event: MCB College Information Session Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2024 Time: 3 P.M. to 5 P.M. Location: Via Zoom Join us for a virtual session where you'll hear firsthand from current and former college students about their experiences. Learn how MCB can be your partner in navigating the college journey, from application to graduation. Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to attend as well! This is a valuable opportunity to gain insights, ask questions, and connect with others who have successfully managed college life with the support of MCB. Registration details will be available soon! Email mcbinfo at mass.gov if you would like to be added to the mailing list. 2024 Summer Internship Program We proudly concluded our 2024 Summer Internship Program with a closing ceremony held at the State House on August 14. This year’s program saw 45 interns joining the ranks, contributing to a remarkable milestone: approximately 900 interns have now participated since the program's inception in 2003. Read our Summer Internship Program Recap Employer Partnership Award: Riverside Community Care We are thrilled to announce Riverside Community Care as the recipient of this year's Employer Partnership Award. This annual award recognizes outstanding employers who demonstrate a commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment for people who are legally blind. Our Employer Partnership Award celebrates organizations that have significantly contributed to enhancing employment opportunities for the blind community. Riverside Community Care has been a standout partner in this mission, consistently providing internships, job opportunities, accommodations, and support to qualified candidates. Read the Press Release Welcome Deputy Commissioner Justine Muir Commissioner Oliveira is excited to welcome Justine Muir as the new Deputy Commissioner of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. Justine joins us with more than 15 years of experience in the field of special education and vision rehabilitation. She most recently served as the Director of Pupil Services for the Ashburnham Westminster Regional School District. She held the same position for Littleton Public Schools and spent nearly a decade in Malden Public Schools. Her first job after college was as a Teacher for the Visually Impaired at the Carroll Center for the Blind. She also co-founded ViStars, a non-profit organization that provides after-school empowerment programs for students who are blind or have a visual impairment. Justine earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Assumption University, a master’s degree in special education from UMass Boston, and a post-master’s academic certificate in educational leadership and administration from Fitchburg State University. Justine brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our mission and will be a tremendous asset to our team and the community we serve. MCB Community Update Learn more about Deputy Commissioner Muir in the August episode of the MCB Community Update, premiering this Friday! July's episode of the MCB Community Update is now live! Guest: Karen Hatcher, Older Independent Blind Program Director   Watch on YouTube Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Podcasts   The MCB Community Update is a monthly webinar and podcast produced by Audible Local Ledger Executive Director Eric Joseph who interviews staff members about the latest happenings at MCB.   The webinar version is posted on YouTube. The podcast version is distributed to the Massachusetts Audio Information Network member radio stations for broadcast and is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.   A new episode is posted on the last Friday of each month.   September's Guest: John Oliveira, Commissioner The Carroll Society Awards Every year, The Carroll Center for the Blind and the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind recognize outstanding employees who are blind or have a visual impairment through the annual Carroll Society Awards Ceremony. These awards recognize employees who have made significant contributions to their companies by their outstanding ability and job performance. Congratulations to the 2024 winners: Carroll Society Membership Jason Allen, New England Low Vision & Blindness Katie Crocker, Polus Center for Social & Economic Development Frank Antonucci, Secretary of the Commonwealth Kevin Trainor, Bay State Property Management Thomas J. Carroll Award for Employment “Blind Employee of the Year” Lorna DesRoses, Archdiocese of Boston Watch the 2024 Carroll Society Award Ceremony Recipients are chosen because, despite their vision loss, they are exemplary employees and contribute to the overall culture of both their business and community. Despite the employment barriers people with disabilities face, inductees have proven their commitment to making a difference by serving as both leaders and examples for others. Each new Carroll Society inductee demonstrates the passion, professionalism, and excellence to change the perception of what it means to be blind in the workplace. New: Booklet of Services & Programmatic Brochures   We are thrilled to announce the release of our newly updated Booklet of Services and a series of programmatic brochures. These resources are designed to provide comprehensive and accessible information about the array of programs and services available through the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. Our Booklet of Services offers a detailed overview of the various programs and services we provide. It includes essential information on eligibility criteria, the registration process, and accessing benefits. This booklet is an invaluable resource for Massachusetts residents who are legally blind, their families and caregivers, as well as professionals working in the field. In addition to the booklet, we have developed a set of detailed programmatic brochures. Each brochure highlights specific aspects of our services. These resources are now available both in print and online. To request physical copies, please call us at 617-626-7586 or email us at mcbinfo at mass.gov, including your name and mailing address. Alternatively, you can download the digital versions directly from our website. We hope these materials will assist you in navigating our services and connecting with the support you need. New Staff & Promotions Please join us in welcoming these new staff members who joined our team in recent months: Laurie Houde Korajczyk Promoted to Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facilities Program Supervisor from Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facilities Program Coordinator Nicole Lucente Rehabilitation Teacher - Region 1 (Western Massachusetts) Justine Muir Deputy Commissioner Michelle Murray Promoted to Director of Accounting from Administrative Assistant and ADA Specialist - Region 3 (Northeast Massachusetts) Alex Primrose Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist - Region 3 (Northeast Massachusetts) Jeffrey Tillinghast Assistive Technology Specialist - Region 4 (MetroWest)   In the Community August 4: Blind Abilities and Awareness Day at Polar Park We were delighted to participate in Blind Abilities and Awareness Day at Polar Park, an event organized by Memorial Foundation for the Blind. The day featured a game between the Worcester Red Sox and the Buffalo Bisons and provided a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness, celebrate abilities, and foster a sense of inclusivity and support for people who are blind. Pictured: Keri Davidson, Kyle Stremel, Mervyn Campbell Not Pictured: Jen Daly, Dahlia James, Justine Muir August 6: Worcester National Night Out We hosted a table at Worcester’s National Night Out, where we distributed outreach materials and connected with community members. This was a great evening of engagement and building connections. Pictured: Suzanne Person, Kyle Stremel, Mervyn Campbell Not Pictured: Jen Daly (who took the photo) Community Calendar Upcoming Events September 18: Reasonable Accommodation and Modification Requests in Housing Workshop September 26: RTAG General Meeting October 11: White Cane Awareness Day Workshop October 23: National Disability Awareness Month Celebration Visit the Community Calendar Add an Event MCB maintains a Community Calendar to highlight events for the blindness community. If you're a stakeholder or community partner and would like to list an event on our Community Calendar, please email the details to mcbinfo at mass.gov Save the Date: "Focus" Conference 16th Annual “Focus” on Vision Impairment & Blindness Conference Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Intellectual Disability and Vision Loss This day-long event offers a multi-track educational program tailored to the needs of people with intellectual disability and vision loss, along with clinicians, family members, support staff, nurses, eye care providers, administrators, and advocates.   Date: October 1, 2024 Time: 8 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. Location: Four Points by Sheraton Norwood Learn More & Register Email Lisa DiBonaventura with any comments, questions, or concerns. "Focus" Talk The latest "Focus" Talk is now live! Featured Session: Seasons of Life in Disability Eye Care Presenters: Greg Waldorf, OD, MPH, FAAO, Associate Dean for Clinical Programs, MCPHS School of Optometry Dot Tolls, OD, Center for Eye Care Southeastern Massachusetts, New England College of Optometry Developmental Disabilities Services, The Eye and Vision Center MCPHS School of Optometry Listen to "Focus" Talk In the News EEOC: National Telecommuting Institute Settles Discrimination Suit for $1.25 Million Kessler Foundation: Latest nTIDE Report Shows Employment Growth in Vision-Impaired Population Amidst Broader Disability Employment Trends WCVB-TV: Legally blind resident struggles with bike lanes in Boston's South End The Bedford Citizen: Bedford’s Disability Commission Reflects on Five Years’ Work Boston 25 News: ‘Saved my life’: Blind man says Boston officer was seriously hurt while helping him cross the street Fifty Plus Advocate: Hudson resident honored for work with Carroll Center for the Blind WHDH-TV: Hull HS student creates walker designed for vision-impaired The Patriot Ledger: Student wins top MIT prize for smart walker in bid to help his great-grandmother The Boston Globe: Lunch with friends at a Chinatown restaurant? Not for a young blind woman who showed up with her service dog Boston's Quick Guide to Dog Guide Etiquette Suffolk University student Joicee Gordillo and her beloved guide dog, Junie, are featured in a new video produced by WCVB-TV (Channel 5) titled, "Boston's quick guide to guide dog etiquette." This video is part of a larger report, which Joicee was also featured, titled, "Boston disability advocates push for inclusive design as historic city seeks to grow housing stock." Barbie Unveils Blind Fashionista Doll In partnership with American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), Barbie proudly introduces the first Blind Barbie Fashionista doll, developed to authentically represent individuals who are blind and low vision. This doll features an upward and outward eye gaze, sunglasses, and a cane with a marshmallow tip. Textured fabrics enhance the sensory experience, making fashion elements more accessible with easy-to-open Braille packaging, and elbow articulation for comfortable cane use, facilitating accessibility to show that we are all Barbie.  Read the AFB Press Release Learn More on the Mattell Website The Story Behind Her Success: Eavan O'Neill Episode Description - Eavan O'Neill: Marathoner & Advocate for People who are Blind   The doctor said, “You are going blind, and there is no cure.” My mom burst into tears, and I remember thinking, “This can’t be happening to me," said Eavan O’Neill. When she was only 13 years old, Eavan O’Neill started having trouble seeing the blackboard at school. A gifted athlete, she began missing the ball while playing lacrosse and soccer. One of her coaches suggested she have her eyes checked. Unfortunately, glasses didn’t do much to solve the problem. Throughout her teens, Eavan’s eyesight continued to deteriorate, and in this interview, she admits wishful thinking set in, until one day, she mistook the moon for a street light and it was obvious something was very wrong. Diagnosed at age 20 by Rachel Huckfeldt, MD, PhD, an ophthalmologist in the Inherited Retinal Disorders Service at Mass Eye and Ear, with a rare and incurable condition called Stargardt disease, Eavan is now legally blind. In this interview, she recalls returning to St. Lawrence University after her diagnosis in January 2020, only to go home two months later to her family in Yarmouth, Maine, due to the pandemic. Distraught and uncertain about her future, she accepted an invitation from her neighbor to go for a run and discovered that running flipped a switch inside of her. “Running has made me feel strong, happy, and capable again,” said Eavan. An experienced marathoner who can only see four-feet in front of her, Eavan runs to raise awareness and funds for a cure for Stargardt disease. Now a Development Officer at Mass General Brigham, Eavan is determined to be a voice for anyone struggling with this rare disease. “I felt so isolated when I was first diagnosed," she said. "It was like diving off of a cliff into no-man’s land. It’s hard to find hope. That’s what I want to be for people. Hope.” Although she still has “bad blind girl days,” Eavan looks on the bright side with her Instagram account @bright_side.group. Listen to The Story Behind Her Success Podcast Blind Girl Chat Podcast Check out the latest episode of the "Blind Girl Chat" podcast! Hosted by inspiring blind women, Lina Coral and Juna Gjata, this podcast dives into real conversations about life, empowerment, and the blind community. Don’t miss their engaging discussions and unique perspectives! Find Blind Girl Chat every Wednesday wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple, Spotify, and Podbean.  MBTA Announcements   Contactless Payments As of August 1, contactless payments are now accepted onboard MBTA buses, Green Line trolleys, Mattapan Line trolleys, and all gated subway stations. Contactless payment is in addition to the existing ways to pay. Riders who would like to continue to pay using their Blind Access CharlieCard will not be impacted by the change. More information is available on the MBTA Tap To Ride webpage. Riders with a Blind Access CharlieCard who want to use contactless payments can link their benefits to their contactless card, phone, or watch using the Charlie Digital Assistant. Riders who need support using the Charlie Digital Assistant can visit the MBTA Charlie Service Center for assistance. For more information, visit the MBTA Contactless Reduced Fares webpage.   New Charlie Service Center On July 29, The MBTA opened the Charlie Service Center, a new customer service facility to serve the public at 296 Washington Street in Boston. Eligible riders can visit the Charlie Service Center to request a Blind Access CharlieCard or process a name change with valid identification. They can also apply for a new, renewal, or replacement Blind Access CharlieCard online.   Green Line Accessibility Grant The Healey-Driscoll Administration is celebrating a $67 million federal grant awarded by the Federal Transit Administration to the MBTA to improve accessibility for passengers on the Green Line. The project will make fully accessible 14 ground-level stops along the B and C branches of the Green Line in the neighborhoods of Allston, Brighton, and Brookline.   DCR Universal Access Program Our friends at the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Universal Access Program (UAP) are busy putting the final touches on the fall program schedule. The UAP Fall 2024 Program Schedule will be posted online by mid-September. Adaptive Program Schedule Discover paved rail trails and accessibly-designed hiking trails in Massachusetts state parks. The trails are listed by region and include:  Park Name City, Town, Community Trail Name Length (miles) Type of surface (paved, stone dust)  Description (urban, boardwalk, waterfront, benches, summits, views) UAP encourages visitors to contact the park for current conditions. Feel free to email UAP if you need any suggestions! UMass Boston Vision Studies MEd Gain the skills to become a teacher, therapist, or specialist for people with visual impairment. UMass Boston’s Vision Studies MEd was ranked as one of the Best Online Graduate Education Programs by U.S. News & World Report. This program focuses on training professionals to assist people with visual impairments to achieve their goals, including high-quality education, fulfilling employment, and safe, independent travel. It’s designed for teachers and other professionals who want to work with people with visual impairments and help them lead safe, productive, and independent lives. Explore cutting-edge learning technologies and gain practical hands-on experience through fieldwork. Apply these skills to assist people of all ages in different settings — school districts; veterans rehabilitation hospitals; nonprofits; state, federal, and private agencies; and more. This program prepares you to receive initial licensure to teach in Massachusetts and prepares you to sit for national professional exams through the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals. The program consists of four tracks: Orientation & Mobility (O&M), Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI), Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT), and Assistive Technology for Individuals with Visual Impairment (AT). Plan Your Education Beyond Mobility Final Plan The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is pleased to announce the final Beyond Mobility plan document, executive summary, and appendices have been posted to the Beyond Mobility website. Beyond Mobility Website Considered the Massachusetts 2050 Transportation Plan, Beyond Mobility serves as a blueprint for guiding transportation decision making and investments in Massachusetts in a way that advances MassDOT’s goals and maximizes the equity and resiliency of the transportation system. The project team, considering what the world will be like in 2050, has analyzed previous plans, public engagement responses, and results from a needs assessment and has identified six key priority areas of Massachusetts to focus on over the long term. These are: safety, destination connectivity, travel experience, reliability, supporting clean transportation, and resiliency. Within the Plan, vision statements, values, problem statements, and more than 100 action items have been developed and are organized by these six priority areas. Certificate of Blindness & MCB Identification Card To request a Certificate of Blindness or MCB Identification Card: Email our Blindness Registry: BlindnessRegistry at mass.gov Call our Blindness Registry: 617-626-7415 Submit the Online Certificate of Blindness and MCB Identification Card Request Form Contact your MCB counselor We process requests within five to seven business days.  Mission & Vision Our Mission: To provide individualized training, education, and empowerment to people who are legally blind, and advocate for inclusive policies across the Commonwealth, with the goal of life-long independence and full community participation​ Our Vision: All residents of the Commonwealth who are legally blind are empowered to live a fulfilling and independent life, with opportunities to work and thrive Massachusetts Commission for the Blind 600 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111 1-800-392-6450             Massachusetts Commission for the Blind | 600 Washington Street | Boston, MA 02111 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
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