BY ANOTHER WAY

Dyslexia – A Learning Disability

All disabilities share the need to find another way to get the task done. It doesn't mean you can't do it, you just have to do it differently.

LYNN DISABILITY COMMISSSION TO MEET

The Lynn Disability Commission will meet Tusday  November 1 at 5 pm in Room 302 at Lynn City Hall, Lynn, MA, The public is encouraged to attend.

Students with Visual and Learning Disabilities Thrive with Accessible Audiobooks from Learning Ally

Emergency Preparedness By People With Disabilities

How well you prepare and how much you practice before a disaster occurs will determine how successfully you deal with and recover from disasters. Your personal disaster preparation is a continuing process. It helps you and your network identify, get, develop, manage, and maintain the information and resources you will need to deal with a disaster when it happens.

Olmstead Plan

The Community First Olmstead Plan is a work in progress. The six goals provide a framework for ongoing and future work focused on achieving the mandate and the spirit of the Olmstead decision: people with disabilities across the lifespan have a right to live in their communities. Download the Community First Olmstead Plan.

Stroke Survivor Support Group

Date and Time: November 02, 2011, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Women\'s Health & Medical Arts Building, Beverly Hospital, 83 Herrick St., Beverly
For all stroke survivors and caretakers looking to further their knowledge of available resources. Group meets every 1st Wednesday of the month at Women's Health and Medical Arts Building Large Conference Center, Beverly Hospital, 83 Herrick St, Beverly. Light refreshments will be served. For additional information, please call 978-922-3000 ext FAST (3278) or email jcarroll@nhs-healthlink.org

WATCH AND LEARN

How to Get Disability Benefits

How to Get Disability Benefits

Weaving Autism Into Our Social Fabric

North Shore Community College is hosting the 28th Forum on Tolerance - Understanding one another by sharing human experiences: Weaving Autism Into Our Social Fabric.

Thursday, November 3, 8:00 am - 12:30 pm, Lynn Campus Gymnasium, 300 Broad Street, Lynn. Additional Parking available in Lynn MBTA garage.
The panel of experts will be moderated by NSCC President Wayne Burton, and keynote speakers are: Shonda Schilling, Our Family’s Journey with Asperberger’s Syndrome, Dr. Karen Levine, Characteristics and Treatment of Autism, Barbara L’Italien, Advocating for Individuals with Autism.
For further information, contact Dr. Sheldon Brown: 978-762-4000 x 6294

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS?

Like I said before, ABILITY is The biggest part of the word disABILITY!


Colorado QB continues to play despite being legally blind

4th Annual Music for Independent Living

Date and Time: November 05, 2011, 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Location: Knights of Columbus, 94 Washington Square, Salem, MA
4th Annual Music for Independent Living Saturday, November 5, 2011, 7:00 - 11:00 PM Salem Knights of Columbus, 94 Washington Square Salem, MA Local Bands, Raffles, Food and Fun! $10 suggested donation. Please come out and support people living with disabilities in our North Shore and Cape Ann communities. Tickets on sale in August at www.ilcnsca.org Independent Living Center of the North Shore and Cape Ann, Inc. 27 Congress St., Suite 107, Salem, MA 01970 978-741-0077

A CALL TO CELEBRATE

Booz Allen Hamilton Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Remember the biggest part of the word "disability" is "ABILITY"!

Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP)

Date and Time: October 24, 2011, 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Location: Northeast Recovery Learning Center Essex North Hub DMH Office, 15 Union St #2, Lawrence, MA
Mondays, 9:30 – 11:00 am - Northeast Recovery Learning Center Essex North Hub DMH Office, 15 Union St #2, Lawrence, MA. Join this 10-session class to learn how to manage uncomfortable or distressing feelings and learn how to put the pieces into place so that you can make a real plan for your own recovery and lasting well-being. Mondays, through November 7 For more information about the class and registration, please contact: Vida Whitcomb (978) 687-4288 x146 vwhitcomb@nilp.org If communication accommodations are needed, please call at least two weeks prior. To accommodate people with chemical sensitivities, please do not use perfume or scented clothing.

Project IMPACT – Benefits Planning

Date and Time: November 01, 2011, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: ILCNSCA, 27 Congress St., Suite 107, Salem, MA
Are you confused about your disability benefits or has the fear of losing your public benefits kept you from exploring employment? The Independent Living Center of North Shore and Cape Ann, Inc. (ILCNSCA) in collaboration with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) hosts Project IMPACT Benefits Planning on the first Tuesday of every month in one hour sessions from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. An MRC Benefits Specialist will help you understand the impact that work will have on your cash and healthcare benefits in a personal, confidential setting at no charge. Register today: 978-741-0077 ext 140 or email smcduff@ilcnsca.org. Please request communications accommodations at least two weeks in advance. ILCNSCA is scent-free to accommodate persons with chemical sensitivities. Please refrain from wearing scents such as perfumes or scented clothing. ILCNSCA is partially funded by the City of Salem Department of Planning & Community Development and the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. ILCNSCA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, familial status, sexual orientation or disability. ILCNSCA is an equal opportunity employer. Para informacion 978-741-0077 V, 978-745-1735 TTY.

PARKING PRIVILEDGES

The following comes from a booklet put out by the Mass, Office of Disability entitled: DISABILITY RIGHTS LAWS IN MASSACHUSETTS:

PARKING METER FEES     G. L. c40 22A:

In cities and towns that have parking meters, people who have an HP plate or display placard are exempt from paying parking meter fees. However, this exemption only applies to meters not to any other type of pay to park system.

DISABLED AND WANT A JOB, HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Career Connection Series: What Are My Employment Rights?

WE HAVE RIGHTS!

Bullying & Disability Harassment in the Workplace: What Youth Should Know http://t.co/UxhaIu3F

ILCNSCA 24th Annual Meeting

Date and Time: October 19, 2011, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: ILCNSCA, 27 Congress St., Suite 107, Salem, MA

Women with Disabilities and Breast Cancer

This is a month we all should be doubly aware!

http://www.cdc.gov/Features/BreastCancerDisabilities/

Compass Group Peer Support

Date and Time: October 18, 2011, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Location: ILCNSCA 27 Congress St., Suite 107, Salem
Do you feel you need help to explore a different direction? Join our Compass Group, a monthly peer support group for people with disabilities to chart their course for living more independently. Meet others…Share concerns…Find solutions… Tuesday, October 18, 2011 2-3:30 PM 27 Congress St., Suite 107, Salem, MA For information or to RSVP, please call Jean Rockett at 978-741-0077 x220, or email jrockett@ilcnsca.org with Compass Group in the subject line. Light refreshments will be served. If communication accommodations are needed, please call at least two weeks prior. To accommodate those with chemical sensitivities, please refrain from wearing perfume or scented clothing. ILCNSCA is partially funded by the City of Salem Department of Planning & Community Development and the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. ILCNSCA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, familial status, sexual orientation or disability. ILCNSCA is an equal opportunity employer. Por mas information 978-741-0077.

Depression Awareness Month

Everybody's got amonth and October seems to be a popular one, Nonetheless there is no shortage of worthy causess like this one:Depression: The Invisible Disability

USE YOUR VOICE

LYNN FINAL ELECTION

VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE

Wednesday, 10/12 by 8:00 p . m .

Lynn City Hall, Room 203

More information go to w w w . c i . l ynn. m a. u

LAWS TO LIVE BY - FEDERAL INDIVIDUAL WITH DISABILITIES ACT

FEDERAL INDIVIDUAL WITH DISABILITIES ACT
20 U.S.C. & 1400, et seq.

This federal law, modeled after the Massachusetts law Chapter 766, requires public schools to make to all eligible children with disabilities a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment appropriate to their individual needs. Any child who qualifies for special education services will receive them following an evaluation and the development of an Individualized Educational (IEP). A team of interested parties which can include such people as educators, parents, physicians and ADVOCATES, develops the plan.

ENFORCEMENT:

http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers   

SHOWING THE WAY TO MBTA

I received a very interesting comment from a reader. Once again what is good for disabled citizens is actually GOOD for ALL citizens.

Constantine C. Yanakakis

I think there is a lack of motivation when it comes to MBTA Bus Stops and Parking at Stops, where access to getting on and off is a risk. Crossing the street with oncoming traffic that doesn't share courtesy. Metal Signs usually are targets and get knocked down. But rectangular stops made like Fire Lanes would draw attention to where some should park and when to go elsewhere.

Career Connection Series: What Are My Employment Rights?

Connection Series: What Are My Employment Rights?Categories: Career Connection Series, Civil Rights, Employment, Guest Blogger

By The National Disability Rights Network Team
A common concern for people with disabilities who are employed or seeking employment is discrimination. Workers worry that their employer will fire them, reduce their hours or eliminate their position because they have a disability. Applicants wonder if their resume will be ignored, if they will get past the interview or if an offer will be denied because they have a disability. This blog post will respond to some of these concerns and identify some important employment rights.
A variety of federal laws exist to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination in employment. Many states also have laws to protect against discrimination in employment based on disability; some of these state laws provide even greater protection than the federal laws discussed below.
In 1990, the United States Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This groundbreaking civil rights statute was intended to ensure equal opportunity for people with disabilities in employment, public accommodations and services, telecommunications and transportation. The ADA may not apply to all employment situations, but Title I of the ADA prohibits many employers from discriminating on the basis of disability.
The ADA covers the following employment situations:

• Private employers who have at least 15 employees. This includes locations of a business that have less than 15 employees but whose total number of employees, in all locations, is more than 15. The ADA also applies to labor unions and employment agencies.
• State and local governments. Examples of employment in state and local government include government offices and agencies, public schools, police and fire departments, libraries and museums, parks and recreation facilities.
• The ADA does not apply to the federal government (with the exception of the U.S. Senate). Another law, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, offers protections for federal workers.

However, the employee or job applicant must meet the definition of disability as described in the law, for the ADA to apply. Disability under the ADA means a “physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.”
Major life activities include, but are not limited to, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating and working. A major life activity also includes the operation of a major bodily function, including but not limited to, functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine and reproductive functions.
Finally, for the ADA to apply, the individual has to be qualified – have the skills, education, experiences and licenses – for the job, as well as be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.
If you are an individual who is experiencing discrimination by an employer based on your disability, there are several things you can do.
Contact your state Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agency. P&As exist in every state and territory and may provide free advocacy services, information and referral, and in some instances, legal representation to people with disabilities. Call your P&A if:

• You want to know what help is available to get or keep a job.
• You want to know what will happen to your benefits if you go to work.
• You have transportation problems getting to and from work.
• You believe you were not hired or given a different job because of your disability.
• You were not given the help you needed to do your job.
• You think people at your job are not treating you fairly because of your disability. Go to www.ndrn.org to find contact information for your P&A.

Another option is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC is the federal administrative agency responsible for investigating claims of discrimination against employers. A person who claims discrimination for violation of Title I of the ADA or certain other federal anti-discrimination statutes must first file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC and follow the agency’s process before filing a claim in federal court. Go to www.eeoc.gov to get more information about filing an employment discrimination claim.
Most importantly, become your own advocate. The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides proactive information and resources to help people with disabilities request reasonable accommodations in the workplace. JAN also provides information on the types of accommodations available by disability, and offers general information to help people with disabilities educate themselves to prevent discrimination before an employment interview or accepting a job offer.
This blog post is meant to provide general information about the protection from employment discrimination found in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you believe you have experienced employment discrimination based on your disability, contact your state P&A or find other professional legal advice.
In summary, if your situation satisfies the following conditions specified in the ADA, you may have been the victim of employment discrimination based on disability:

1. Work for a covered employer or a private employer with 15 or more employees or a public employer regardless of number of employees. Most federal applicants and employees are covered by a different civil rights law, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
2. Have a disability;

• A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities;
• A history of a disability;
• Are regarded as having a disability.

3. Be otherwise qualified for the desired position; and

• Have the skills, education, experiences and licenses necessary for the job; and
• Be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.

4. Have been discriminated against on the basis of disability.

POSITIVE PRESS

From The Lynn ITEM 10/10/2011

Shine light on

jobs for disabled

To The Item Editor:

It was nice to see the paper got

pink in honor of Breast Cancer

Awareness Month. It was very

symbolic, nice job. October is also

National Disability Awareness

Month, as well.

It seems like everybody has a month.

Hopefully, we will see at least

some positive examples of success

stories when it comes to employing

the disabled. Shining a positive

light on employee-employer successes

empowers both parties to

work out mutually beneficial resolutions.

This reduces the burden

on taxpayer support while adding

to the tax base.

It is a win-win situation for

everybody.

Positive press coverage helps

break barriers and I look forward to

thanking the Item for doing its part.

Stanley H. Wotring, Jr.

Chairman,

Lynn Disability Commission

LYNN HAPPENS TO BRING ATTENTION TO NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH

 

Letter to the Editor – Disability Employment Awareness Month

Sunday, October 9, 2011

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month. It seems this month shares other designations. They are all important but disability is such a transient condition that everyone will pass through this state at one point in their life. This issue is everyone’s issue.

The explosion of technology has made “reasonable accommodations” all the more reasonable and has expanded the jobs available to the disabled. A “job” is much more than a paycheck. Everyone needs to accomplish something to validate their self-worth.

That is not to belittle the value of the earnings generated from a real job. Instead of drawing from, the “disabled worker” contributes to that same tax base. Depending government subsidies only enslaves that segment of the population that depends on them for their existence.
Having jobs will liberate not only the current disabled community but potentially all of us.

Stanley H. Wotring, Jr.
Chairman, Lynn Disability Commission

Compass Group Peer Support

Date and Time: October 18, 2011, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Location: ILCNSCA 27 Congress St., Suite 107, Salem
Do you feel you need help to explore a different direction? Join our Compass Group, a monthly peer support group for people with disabilities to chart their course for living more independently. Meet others…Share concerns…Find solutions… Tuesday, October 18, 2011 2-3:30 PM 27 Congress St., Suite 107, Salem, MA For information or to RSVP, please call Jean Rockett at 978-741-0077 x220, or email jrockett@ilcnsca.org with Compass Group in the subject line. Light refreshments will be served. If communication accommodations are needed, please call at least two weeks prior. To accommodate those with chemical sensitivities, please refrain from wearing perfume or scented clothing. ILCNSCA is partially funded by the City of Salem Department of Planning & Community Development and the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. ILCNSCA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, familial status, sexual orientation or disability. ILCNSCA is an equal opportunity employer. Por mas information 978-741-0077.

FROM THE WHITE HOUSE TO YOUR HOUSE

Open for Questions: Disability Policy www.whitehouse.gov Members of the White House Domestic Policy Council, Office of Public Engagement and Office of Presidential Personnel answer your questions on disability policy including employment, education, health care, transportation, housing, and other disability related areas.

ALL WE WANT IS A CHANCE!

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

Join EARN for a free webinar series on disability employment topics

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month So Be Informed

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides proactive information and resources to help people with disabilities request reasonable accommodations in the workplace. JAN also provides information on the types of accommodations available by disability, and offers general information to help people with disabilities educate themselves to prevent discrimination before an employment interview or accepting a job offer.

PERSPECTIVES

Everybody has ability we just have to look for it.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month: A Business Perspective - The Broken Pot

All People Accessible Business Project (APAB) Monthly Volunteer Meeting

Date and Time: October 12, 2011, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Location: ILCNSCA Main Office 27 Congress St., Suite 107 Salem, MA 01970
This training session is being held for current APAB volunteers to discuss current survey activity and reporting, and to provide any necessary training. Participants will discuss the Community Access Monitor training held on September 26 & 27. Persons interested in becoming new APAB volunteers are also invited to hear an overview of ILCNSCA’s APAB Business Accessibility Survey program, the survey tool, and the method to produce survey reports describing accessibility of local retail, entertainment and office businesses. Stipends provided for completed surveys. If you are interested in attending this meeting or becoming an approved APAB volunteer, please contact Shawn McDuff at 978-741-0077 ext 140 or via email to: smcduff@ilcnsca.org. Please refrain from wearing perfumes or scented products to accommodate persons with chemical sensitivities. ILCNSCA is partially funded by the City of Salem Department of Planning & Community Development and the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. ILCNSCA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, familial status, sexual orientation or disability. ILCNSCA is an equal opportunity employer. Para mas informacion 978-741-0077.

 

YOU HAVE RIGHTS!

Under MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL LAW 151B, DISABILITY is a protected category. If you feel that you have been discriminated against because of your disability, remember you have rights. To help you fight for those rights contact:Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) - Mass ...


After all, remember what month this is:

Presidential Proclamation--National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

DREAM TO CHOOSE, CHOOSE A DREAM

We all dream, just not all dreams are heard. Listen, act, vote. Help bring today's fantasy into tomorrow's reality.               http://dream.realeconomicimpact.org

SCHOLARSHIP MONEY AVAILABLE

2011-12 AAHD Scholarship Award Program for students with disabilities – Application Deadline 11/15 http://t.co/z4VOfd6i

LEARNING TO ADVOCATE

Independent Living Center of the North Shore and Cape Ann, Inc

The Mass Office on Disability (MOD) and the ILCNSCA held a Community Access Monitoring (CAM) Training recently in Lynn. This 2 day training designed to educate about community access and advocacy included a history of disability rights, an overview of ADA, effective communication, how to survey a facility and more. Thank you to all who attended. if you would like to become a volunteer for the ILCNSCA All People Accessibility Business (APAB) Project to help increase inclusivity in the community for all, check out www.apabnsca.org

THE "I" IN IEP STANDS FOR INDIVIDUAL

What Works: Effective Teaching Strategies for Students with Disabilities

THE ANSWER TO EVERYONE'S PROBLEM - A JOB

Presidential Proclamation--National Disability Employment Awareness Month | The White House

www.whitehouse.gov

LYNN DISABILITY COMMISSION MAKING POSITIVE STRIDES

The new LYNN DISABILITY COMMISSION is moving quickly toward becoming a proactive force in the city. In only its third official meeting, its lists of accomplishments are growing. The first charge by Mayor Kennedy, to draft an updated ADA POLICY MANUAL for the city has been completed and is ready to be moved on to the mayor for her inspection and approval.

Also JAY FINK and COUNCILMAN CROWLEY who is also Executive Director of GLSS gave their perspectives on the crosswalk situation near the SENIOR CENTER and offered to put in place additional signage and suggested that we, as a commission might want to petition the TRAFFIC COMMISSION for a stop sign. It was a suggestion welcomed and will be acted on by commission.

Finally a letter put forth by LDC member NICK CAPANO asking that LPS install a TTY device in the PARENT INFORMATION CENTER was unanimously approved.

OCTOBER IS NOT JUST FOR HALLOWEEN

October is an important month, not only is October 7th the anniversary of my own head injury but the whole month takes on added significance for all disabled people. It is by Presidential Proclamation--National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

It is a time to reflect on the need to let all citizens contribute to society!

IMPORTANT DATE

ILCNSCA

Annual Meeting

Wednesday, October 19

27 Congress St.,

Suite 107, Salem, MA 01970

Voting: 5:30-6:30 PM

Formal Meeting: 6:30-7:00 PM

RSVP 978-741-0077

GETTING AROUND

Mobility Links

Tuesday, October 4

                                                 Transportation Options Information

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Beverly Cooperative Bank

Community Room

73 Lafayette Street, Salem

Hosted by the ADRCGNS and ILCNSCA

Assistance with Completion of Universal Housing Application

Date and Time: October 05, 2011, 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: ILCNSCA, 27 Congress St., Suite 107, Salem, MA
The ILCNSCA is the North Shore and Cape Ann service and advocacy agency for all persons with disabilities We are available to assist you with completion of the Universal Housing application for subsidized housing across Massachusetts. The need for housing that is affordable, accessible and available by persons with disabilities or families who have a member with disabilities is the most common request to ILCNSCA. ILCNSCA will have staff available to guide you in a group setting to assist you in completing your housing application. Call 978-741-0077 or email smcduff@ilcnsca.org with "Housing Application Assistance Appointment" in the subject line to RSVP. We will remind you of items you must gather for attachment to the application when you schedule your appointment. Communication accommodation requests must be received by ILCNSCA at least two weeks prior. ILCNSCA is partially funded by the City of Salem Department of Planning and Community Development and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. ILCNSCA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, familial status, sexual status or disability. ILCNSCA is an equal opportunity employer. Por mas informacion 978-741-0077

Project IMPACT – Benefits Planning

Date and Time: October 04, 2011, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: ILCNSCA, 27 Congress St., Suite 107, Salem, MA
Are you confused about your disability benefits or has the fear of losing your public benefits kept you from exploring employment? The Independent Living Center of North Shore and Cape Ann, Inc. (ILCNSCA) in collaboration with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) hosts Project IMPACT Benefits Planning on the first Tuesday of every month in one hour sessions from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. An MRC Benefits Specialist will help you understand the impact that work will have on your cash and healthcare benefits in a personal, confidential setting at no charge. Register today: 978-741-0077 ext 140 or email smcduff@ilcnsca.org. Please request communications accommodations at least two weeks in advance. ILCNSCA is scent-free to accommodate persons with chemical sensitivities. Please refrain from wearing scents such as perfumes or scented clothing. ILCNSCA is partially funded by the City of Salem Department of Planning & Community Development and the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. ILCNSCA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, familial status, sexual orientation or disability. ILCNSCA is an equal opportunity employer. Para informacion 978-741-0077 V, 978-745-1735 TTY.

SAVE THE DATE Fall Kickoff Rally for Health

Date and Time: October 06, 2011, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Lynn Community Room, 10 Church St., Lynn MA
Fall Kickoff Rally for Health -Lynn Health Task Force and Health Care for All. Speak up about your biggest concerns for the community. Thursday, October 6, 6-8pm, Lynn Community Room, 10 Church Street, Lynn, MA. You name it. Diabetes? Substance abuse? Language barriers to health care? Transportation to doctor's appointments? On October 6th we will figure out how we can work together to improve health access and quality of care in the community. For questions, contact Celia Segel at 617-519-6273 or email: csegel@hcfama.org In collaboration with NAACP, Mass Senior Action, Local 201 Retirees, My Brother's Table, New Lynn Coalition, Operation Bootstrap, Neighbor to Neighbor, Community Minority Cultural Center (CMCC), Lynn Community Health Center, Friends of High Rock Tower, Highlands Coalition Inc., and North Shore Medical Center