Commonwealth Conversations: Health and Human Services

May is Mental Health Month: Take the Hero of Hope Pledge!

Since 1949, May has been officially recognized as Mental Health Month.  The first Thursday in May is celebrated as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, to raise awareness about the importance of children's mental health and that positive mental health is essential to a child's healthy development from birth.

Over the next week, the Partnership for Early Childhood Mental Health, (which includes the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Department of Public Health and the Boston Public Health Commission) invites all state employees to take a pledge to nurture a child’s social and emotional development. Enter your pledge and state email address at www.ecmhmatters.org, in the “for families and friends” section, and you will be included in a raffle to win an Early Childhood Mental Health Matters t-shirt. 

 Why take the Hero of Hope Pledge?

 Early childhood mental health means that young children are growing in their ability to understand and share feelings, have close and positive relationships, and explore and learn. Studies show that good social and behavioral skills in young children lead to good academic performance in the 1st grade and beyond.

Like adults, all children experience stressful events which can affect them emotionally and physically. Parents and other caregivers can help children cope with stress in healthy ways. Even the youngest child will benefit from simple, every day activities that will provide her with security, safety, and a loving environment, be this at home, at childcare or at school. 

 

Help the child or children in your life develop their ability to cope with stress. Nurture healthy social and emotional development in babies and young children. Here are some things you can do:

	For Babies and Toddlers Rock, stroke, soothe and cuddle often. Use words of comfort to calm. Allow babies freedom to explore in safety. Encourage toddlers to calm themselves. Help your child to recognize feelings and develop language to express emotions. Help your child stick to a daily routine.		For Preschoolers and Older Children Spend time every day talking, discussing and sharing what's happening in your child's life. Discuss what it means to be a friend and help your child to make friends Practice effective ways to resolve conflict at school or on the playground. Praise completed tasks, perseverance, desired behavior. Build on developing an emotional vocabulary and how to label feelings. Model and teach attitudes of empathy and ways of caring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECRETARY POLANOWICZ COMMENDS WORK OF AUTISM COMMISSION

Health and Human Services Secretary John Polanowicz commended the members of the Governor’s Special Commission Relative to Autism for their important work in developing and releasing their report.

Secretary Polanowicz was joined by Representative Danielle Gregoire, Autism Commission Chair and former Representative Barbara L’Italien, Assistant Secretary for The Office of Disability Policy and Programs Rosalie Edes and Department of Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Elin Howe.

“The Patrick-Murray Administration has deep appreciation for the dedicated and comprehensive work that went into the Autism Commission,” said Secretary Polanowicz. “At the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, we share in a commitment to children and families living with autism and we look forward to continuing our work together.”

HHS has a number of programs that have a proven track record of helping children and adults with autism. In particular, at the Department of Public Health early intervention program has been a national leader in providing specialized services for toddlers with a diagnosis of autism so that they can have the appropriate treatments as early as possible, and at the Department of Developmental Services, the work of the Division of Autism and the Children's Autism Medicaid Waiver Program, has established a foundation upon which we can build additional services for children and adults on the spectrum.

As next steps, Secretary Polanowicz will direct HHS agencies to continue to engage in meaningful dialogue with the members of the Commission so as to develop strategies to meet the goals articulated in the Commission’s Report.  These include:

• Assessing the feasibility of expanding the eligibility criteria for the Department of Developmental Services to ensure that we comprehensively serve all individuals with developmental disabilities, including those with autism
• Examining what information and referral resources are currently available, what data systems are currently in use, and what can be better coordinated in this area
• Developing a task group to facilitate improved coordination of care management within HHS
• Strategizing to develop employment supports that are tailored to the unique needs of individuals with autism
• Determining what supports should be put into place to meet the needs of individuals with autism who need mental health and behavioral health services.

“Autism incidence is growing at an alarming rate, as evidenced by last week's CDC report which concluded  as many as 1 in 50 school-age children are on the Autism Spectrum,” said Commission Chair L’Italien. “As a parent, former State Representative and Chair of the Autism Commission, I have first-hand experience and knowledge of the critical, often  unmet needs of this growing population and its impact on individuals and their families. The Autism Commission report  is a collaborative effort of bipartisan members of the legislature, state agencies, leading medical practitioners, educators, advocates and parents which  details the current state of services and supports and recommends a ten-year blueprint to better manage the many challenges faced by children and adults with Autism. It is critical that Massachusetts take a comprehensive state-wide approach to the needs of this burgeoning population to allow them to live life to their fullest potential.”

The Autism Commission was created by Legislative Resolve in April 2010 and was given the broad charge of investigating individuals with autistic spectrum disorders and the range of services and supports necessary for those individuals to achieve their full potential across their lifespan, ranging from education, employment, housing, and health care.  

 

White Cane Day and Disability Mentoring Day celebrate independence of individuals with disabilities

Help blind pedestrians while you drive

By MCB Commissioner Janet LaBreck

The white cane is a symbol of independence reflecting an individual who is blind’s ability to travel independently. Governor Deval L. Patrick has officially proclaimed October 15^th as White Cane Safety Day in the Commonwealth. In recognition of White Cane Safety Day, the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) sponsored an awareness program on Tuesday, October 16^th at the Grand Staircase at the Massachusetts State House. I had the opportunity to attend, offer remarks, and participate in the program. I was joined by people who are blind, agency representatives, and numerous supporters to address the issues of pedestrian safety. One of the highlights of the day for me was hearing two kindergarten students talk about how their white cane allows them to be independent and do “fun” things.

Although we promote White Cane Safety year round, October 15^th allows us to raise everyone’s awareness about the critical issues that impact thousands of individuals who are blind when traveling to work, going to medical appointments, going shopping, and participating in various community activities across Massachusetts. We commend the Patrick-Murray Administration for proclaiming White Cane Safety Day as it also demonstrates the Commonwealth’s commitment to ensuring that motorist and pedestrians are aware of and complying with the motor vehicle safety laws.

With the assistance of the MCB, people of all ages, receive free comprehensive individualized Orientation and Mobility instruction. MCB delivers services that enable a person to obtain or maintain independence in their home, place of employment and in the community. To further help people who are blind live active and productive lives, Massachusetts General Law Chapter 90 Section 14A indicates that drivers must come to a complete stop when a blind pedestrian with a cane or guide dog is crossing or attempting to cross the street.

At the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, we also promote the following ‘Top 10’ list of things motorists should not do when seeing a pedestrian using a white cane or guide dog at street crossings.

10. Don’t stop your car more than five feet from the crosswalk line. A visually-impaired person might think that there’s something between the crosswalk and your car if you stop so far back. The expectation for all pedestrians is that a car stops directly behind, or fairly close, to the crosswalk.

 9. Don’t yell out, “It’s ok to cross!” This may cause confusion to a pedestrian, particularly if another driver pulls out in front of your vehicle.

 8. Don’t get impatient when waiting for a visually-impaired pedestrian to cross.  If a pedestrian places a long cane into the street, it usually indicates he or she will begin a crossing.  If the cane traveler takes a step back & pulls back the cane from the curb, it usually indicates the person will not be crossing at that time. 

7. Don’t consider a ‘rolling’ stop as a complete stop.  A stop sign means STOP! 

6. Don’t turn right on red without coming to a full stop and looking for pedestrians.  The Right on Red Law requires drivers to come to a complete stop prior to making a right turn.

 5. Don’t fail to stop for pedestrians at all crosswalks whether or not there is a traffic signal or stop sign.  Come to a full and complete stop.

4. Don’t stop your car in the middle of the crosswalk.

3. Don’t pass another car that has stopped and waiting for pedestrians to cross the street.

2. Don’t wave to pedestrians who are using a white cane or guide dog to indicate that you are waiting for them to cross. They CAN NOT see you.

1. Don’t honk!

As we acknowledge White Cane Safety and promote awareness among motorists about driving when in the proximity of the visually-impaired, I invite you to visit the MCB website to find out more, or contact the Orientation & Mobility Department at the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind: 1-800-392-6450.

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Don’t Give Up, Be Persistent: Lessons from Disability Mentoring Day at City Hall

By Daniela Trammell, director of marketing at MRC

Last week the  Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC), the City of Boston, and a number of local businesses assembled in Boston's City Hall to celebrate “Disability Mentoring Day.” This event affirmed the joint partnership between MRC and the City, both of which are deeply committed to providing mentoring  and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The event at City Hall honored the many accomplishments of 20 Boston area MRC consumers who completed summer-long internships and mentoring roles at City Hall.

The summer internships were made possible by the pledge of the Kristen McCosh, commissioner of the Mayor’s Commission for Persons with Disabilities for the City of Boston.

Commissioner McCosh emphasized to the group, “I was a former Mass Rehab client and they helped me with my van, schooling, and internships. MRC gave me the confidence to get back to work and they really changed my life. When I became Commissioner I really wanted to focus on employment for people with disabilities.” Commissioner McCosh has shown that abiding commitment throughout her tenure at City Hall and MRC’s Roxbury and Boston Vocational Rehabilitation offices were quick to seize upon the opportunity to both work with the City of Boston, and more importantly, provide quality work exposure and training opportunities for people with disabilities. 

Last week’s celebration was emceed by George Mitchell, a job placement specialist at MRC’s Roxbury office, and was an opportunity for  MRC  to recognize participants in the summer program as well match MRC consumers with the agency’s ’s employer partners regarding work opportunities within their companies.

Mr. Wilfredo Montes, a former MRC consumer, delivered a keynote address, stressing that MRC was a key resource when he was looking for work. “I have a disability and I have dealt with many challenges in my life,” Mr. Montes said. “ I continue to work on my challenges - but there is hope and help. One of my resources was MRC. I went on many job interviews. But I didn’t give up and you should not give up. Be persistent.”  After a year of working with MRC, and remaining proactive in his job search, Mr. Montes secured a full-time position as case manager at a local homeless shelter.

As part of the City Hall celebration, the MRC summer interns were paired with MRC business partners. A representative from each of the following companies met with the interns: Ace Employment Services, Bay Cove Human Services, City of Boston Credit Union, CVS Caremark, LaundroMax, Manpower Inc, Price Rite Supermarket and the University of Massachusetts at Boston. Following the breakout sessions, nine MRC interns were hired that afternoon by employers, delivering a total of seven MRC summer interns that have been hired into permanent positions.

Joan Phillips, assistant commissioner of MRC Vocational Rehabilitation division remarked, “MRC wants to educate employers that persons with disabilities represent an untapped and valuable employment resource. Today is a testament of the commitment of our employer partners and their willingness to not turn this into a PR event but to make real efforts to hire our consumers. This means a lot to me and to MRC.”

The celebration at City Hall concluded with Commissioner McCosh and the MRC Employment Specialist team handing out certificates of completion to MRC consumers that participated in the internship program this summer, with the collective pledge to continue the joint partnership and expand it to other city departments. MRC consumers, staff and City of Boston colleagues came away feeling both gratified and grateful for their experiences.

The following summer mentees and interns were honored at City Hall on October 11:

City of Boston - Summer Mentees

Carmelo Aguilar

Peter Anderson

Jacqueline Bagley

Ninetta Cottrell

Jonathan Bullock

Jordan Gilliard

Stephen Greig 

Don Klabin

Emmanuela Louis

Ami Okiwe

Stephen Spencer

 

City of Boston - Summer Interns

Hannah Brooks

Ralph Clarke

Richardo Haynes

Mahmud Jalloh

Christian Lizarbe

Angel Maldonado

Zachary Poldoian

Eric Robinson

Jim White

 

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MCDHH and MRC's Transition to Work Program 2012

By Commissioner Heidi Reed 

For the second consecutive summer, the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH), in collaboration with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) offers Summer Transition to Work services from June to September 2012.  Sixty Deaf and Hard of Hearing high school and college students currently serve paid internships in a wide variety of public and private employment settings throughout the Commonwealth.

Unemployment and under-employment are drastically more prevalent among people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Today, when jobs are scarce and competition for them is fierce, Transition to Work offers unique opportunities for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students to explore areas of interest, learn vital job-seeking skills and benefit from a work experience that is strongly supported by weekly meetings with individual job coaches.   In addition to specific job skills, students learn to prepare resumes, practice interviewing techniques, fill out time sheets and related paperwork, budget money while picking up nuances of the workplace, e.g. how to dress, appropriate body language, etc.  As a result, students become more confident and independent and therefore, are more likely to stay in school and pursue their dream job.

Transition to Work would not be possible without support and collaboration from the many companies, agencies, schools, etc. within Massachusetts that open their doors to welcome Deaf and Hard of Hearing students to the workplace. Some past host employers have included CVS, Children’s Hospital, BU, MBTA, and Senator Hart’s office. Student roles ranged from clerical work, teacher’s aide, graphic arts, and maintenance/landscaping.

The employers/mentors benefit, as well:  they have an expanded workforce and a chance to groom future employees.  For many, working alongside a Deaf or Hard of Hearing worker is a new – and often mind-opening – experience.   Sign language interpreters are provided as needed for the workplace by MCDHH and MRC to make initial communication as comfortable as possible for everyone involved.

I personally would like to congratulate the students and their mentors who welcomed them as summer interns. Participation in these internships is pivotal to the future of the workforce here in Massachusetts. Transition to Work is part of our vision of the Commonwealth becoming a Model Employer; actively seeking to employ Deaf and Hard of Hearing people and people with disabilities who are under-represented in the workforce.  Here at MCDHH, we thank our interns for their commitment to learning their jobs and wish them well with future endeavors as they return to the classroom this fall.  And, we are sincerely grateful to the employers and mentors who welcomed, guided and advised students throughout the summer.

Participants of the Transition to Work Program: Interns Chi wai-Kwong-Sito and Mark Mohan Jr. with Edgar Herrera, Business Manager and Commissioner Heidi Reed

 

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Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital opens today: New facility reflects new frontier for mental health

By DMH Commissioner Marcia Fowler

Today marks the official opening of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH). The new, state-of-the-art facility represents an evolution in modern public psychiatric care and treatment and reflects a remarkable collaboration among scores of stakeholders in the mental health community.

Since 2005, when the first meeting of the state’s Department of Mental Health Facility Feasibility Commission took place, the guiding principles for this historic project have always focused on recovery for individuals with serious mental illness and on Community First, the Patrick-Murray Administration’s principle of prioritizing a person’s reintegration into the community. DMH believes that true recovery from mental illness is not only possible, it is real.

I am so grateful to the hundreds of individuals, agencies and organizations who, for the past seven years, have dedicated their energy, expertise and hard work to creating the Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital, and the hope we know it will bring to many individuals and their families.

WRCH is designed to foster dignity and respect for all who come through its doors; the building’s design and features themselves guide the recovery journey for adults and adolescents who need continuing care. WRCH will lead the nation, and possibly the world, in how clinical treatment and the recovery model can restore purpose and independence to persons whose lives have been interrupted by serious mental illness.

A crowning achievement of this magnitude could not be possible without the commitment, faith and compassion of many. To name them all would fill volumes, but I attempt here to acknowledge these remarkable folks who have made their mark on this extraordinary facility.

Under the leadership of Governor Patrick, Lt. Governor Murray and Executive Office of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. JudyAnn Bigby, the creation of WRCH will ensure that citizens with serious mental illness are treated with dignity and respect and provided access to the best care and treatment in the nation. All of the thought and development that has gone into WRCH has unceasingly kept a keen eye toward recovery for all of individuals seeking care.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to the members and staff of the Department of Mental Health Feasibility Commission and the Massachusetts Legislature who have shown unwavering leadership and support for citizens with serious mental illness.  I also want to thank former DMH Commissioner Barbara Leadholm, who, during her tenure led the Department and our stakeholders, community, consumers and families in their deep commitment to recovery, the principle of Community First and an innovative, state-of-the-art psychiatric hospital for Massachusetts.

The success of this project would not have been possible without the partnership of the Division of Capital Asset Management; Ellenszweig Associates; and Gilbane Inc., who for the past five years have worked collaboratively and closely with DMH and our stakeholders to conceptualize, design and build a public psychiatric hospital that sets the state for reforming mental health care and treatment nationwide.

I especially want to extend my deepest appreciation to the many DMH staff, who over the past five years, have spent countless hours working on developing WRCH and informing a hospital design that keeps recovery as its focus and is infused in every aspect of the building and grounds. Thank you for your tremendous contribution to WRCH and to the Department.

It takes a village to raise a child, and today’s opening reflects the entire community it took to build Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital. Without the many contributions of creativity, compassion and innovation of so many, we would not have the facility we are so proud to open today. On behalf of all citizens of the Commonwealth, I extend my gratitude to all who made it possible.

 

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On the 22nd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a resolve to continue championing all rights of all individuals with disabilities

By MRC Commissioner Charles Carr

As we approach 22nd Anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) this Thursday, now is an ideal opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made.

 The ADA, a broad civil rights law for people with disabilities, was enacted in 1990 and is the most comprehensive civil rights legislation passed since the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

 On July 26, 1990, when President George H. W. Bush signed the ADA into law, he said, “let the shameful wall of discrimination come down today,” and life for people with disabilities slowly began to change.

Much like the discrimination that people of color and women experienced in this country, people with disabilities faced blatant discrimination.  These practices would continue unless American society deemed it illegal to do so. The Civil Rights Act and Title IX provided protections for people of color and women, respectively, and that experience helped teach people with disabilities how to organize and push for over a decade to achieve the passage of the ADA.

As each of the Act’s titles began being implemented throughout the country, lawsuits were filed under the new legislation alleging employment discrimination and lack of access to public accommodations including public transportation. This new body of case law became fertile ground to support many more challenges which eventually led to the historic Olmstead decision in the Supreme Court.

The 1999 Olmstead decision was based on an ADA lawsuit against the state of Georgia on behalf of two women with intellectual disabilities who lived in a state institution but wanted to live independently in the community. The suit claimed that the ADA requires that the state must provide opportunities for people with disabilities to live in the “least restrictive environment."  It said that people with disabilities have protection under the law to make the decision to live in the community rather than institutions.. L.C. vs. Olmstead made its way all the way to the Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of the plaintiffs. The Olmstead decision was a significant advancement for people with disabilities.

Today, as a society, we are richer and significantly more diverse as a result of the inclusion of people with disabilities into the social mainstream. Prior to the ADA It was the rule rather than the exception for people with disabilities to live their lives in institutions away from their families and friends. Although there are still many lingering instances of people living in institutions, that trend has been significantly reversed.

Before the passage of the ADA, the vast majority of public places and services like restaurants, theaters, municipal buildings, hotels and public transportation were totally inaccessible to people who use wheelchairs or have other mobility-related disabilities. Today, this too has dramatically changed.  People with disabilities can expect to take accessible public transportation to a baseball game and go out for dinner afterwards without being confronted with physical barriers. People who are deaf and hard of hearing are no longer excluded from basic telecommunications including the Internet.

These are a few examples of why the ADA was necessary and how the quality of life for people with disabilities has been significantly enriched over the past two decades. As with any law, however, we must be vigilant about its enforcement. This takes hard work and organization. I am grateful to the thousands of disability organizations and individuals around the country who are dedicated to safeguarding and advancing community inclusion as afforded by the law.

However, one aspect of the ADA remains largely unaddressed. Although Title I of the ADA guarantees protection against discrimination in employment and guarantees access to “reasonable accommodations” (such as a sign language interpreter or physical modifications to a work environment) once you are on the job, employment remains the unfulfilled promise of the ADA. 

People with disabilities are the largest and poorest minority in the country. This is largely due to a substantially higher unemployment rate for people with disabilities -- 30% versus the national rate of 8% in the general public. Recently, Sen. Tom Harkin, one of the original authors of the ADA, released a report that reflects this troubling fact and calls for sweeping changes in the public and private sectors. Undoubtedly, this will serve as a motivating force for people with disabilities, employers, lawmakers and others. Perhaps this will serve as the blueprint to tackle the problem of poverty and unemployment for people with disabilities in this country.

So as we celebrate our many accomplishments within the disability community over the past 22 years, let's not forget how much work there is left to be done. Let us continue to fulfill a promise made on this date exactly 22 years ago; that all people with disabilities will have equal access to all social and economic aspects of the American Dream. 

 

 

True stories of transitions to independence highlighted in Holyoke, Lowell and Worcester

By DTA Commissioner Dan Curley

Recently, the Department was privileged to host distinguished members of Congress and the state Secretary of Health and Human Services, Dr. JudyAnn Bigby, for events at three of our local Transitional Assistance Offices (TAOs).  The purpose was to highlight how DTA programs help clients move toward self-sufficiency. The events were ideal opportunities to illustrate how DTA collaborates with clients to assist them to gain new skills, find meaningful employment, and move their families forward.

Congressman Richard Neal, EOHHS Secretary JudyAnn Bigby, M.D., and DTA Commissioner Daniel Curley heard from six current and former DTA clients in Holyoke.

 

On Monday, July 16, Congressman Richard Neal and Secretary Bigby joined us at the Holyoke TAO to hear from six current and former clients who participated in Employment Services Programs (ESP) through the DTA Works Internship Program or job training through Holyoke Community College.

This online press release details the event. The Springfield Republican joined us in Holyoke and wrote a great story about the event.

Similarly, on June 12^th, we hosted an event in the Lowell TAO; Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, Secretary Bigby, and seven current and former clients who participated in ESP programs through DTA Works and the Lowell Career Center participated in the discussion.  Clients shared their stories, reflecting on how support from DTA programs has helped them transition towards self-sufficiency, and many no longer need assistance.

Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, EOHHS Secretary JudyAnn Bigby, and DTA Commissioner Dan Curley met with seven current and former DTA clients at the Lowell TAO.

 

On May 23^rd, Congressman Jim McGovern and Secretary Bigby joined us at the Worcester TAO to hear the stories of seven current and former participants in ESP through DTA Works, Workforce Central, and New England Business Associates.

Jahaira Labonte, a married mother of two children, whose husband is living with a disability, shared her story. Cash and food assistance programs stabilized her family’s living conditions and gave her the support to participate in a nursing assistance program, from which she graduated in March. With a nursing assistance license, Ms. Labonte recently landed a job and has begun what she hopes will be a promising career in the health field.

“I cannot tell you how much more confident I am in myself and in my ability to achieve the goals in my life,” Ms. Labonte said.

I am grateful to everyone who participated in the success of these events; I’d especially like to commend our current and former clients for their courage and their remarkable achievements.  Stories like theirs demonstrate the realities of how most people use transitional benefits as a bridge out of hardship to find employment for themselves and stability for their families.

Congressman James McGovern, EOHHS Secretary JudyAnn Bigby, and DTA Commissioner Dan Curley heard the success stories of seven current and former DTA clients at the Worcester TAO.

 

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The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission partners with companies in Massachusetts to place people with disabilities in the workforce

By MRC Director of Statewide Job Placement Services William Allen

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) recently announced that the overall unemployment rate for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is 6.9%. According to the U.S. Department of Labor,  however, the unemployment rate for a person with a disability jumps to 14.6 %. 

A person with a disability has to work even harder to compete in a very tight job market. In order to counteract this disparity, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) has forged partnerships with the business community to promote the employment of people with disabilities.  Economists at the University of California and Berkeley indicate that structural unemployment reflects deeper problems such as a mismatch between the skills workers have, and the ones employers need. Structural unemployment, unlike cyclical unemployment, doesn’t disappear when the economy improves. Cyclical refers in this situation to seasonally adjusted unemployment rates.  During certain times of the year people are laid off or hired to increase in productions needs of the business or organization.  Structural unemployment refers to skills that are not sufficient to meet the needs of the company

Over the last several years, the MRC has developed both Employer Boards, such as the Boston Employer Advisory Board, Springfield Business Advisory Board; and local collaboratives -- including the Greater Worcester Employment Resource Collaborative – to identify greater employment opportunities for job seekers with disabilities. These groups help job seekers with disabilities by providing them the opportunity to network directly with local Human Resource personnel, in order to get feedback directly from some of the largest employers in the state;  thus, the MRC gains first-hand knowledge of employers’ needs and requirements, and job candidates gain self-confidence and insight to the HR perspective. Companies choose whether or not they want to participate, recognizing that doing so will help bolster their company’s diversity initiatives, and give them direct access to an untapped pool of qualified candidates. This connection also provides employers with a network of resources available within the disability community.  

One of the innovative tools that MRC offers is the On-The-Job (OTJ) evaluation, which offers an employee exposure to a job prior to a permanent hire, giving both the company and the prospective employee with a disability a chance to evaluate whether it is the right fit.   During the past year, 3,061 persons with disabilities have gone to work as a result of vocational rehabilitation services offered by MRC. The OTJ evaluation is extremely valuable; offering a person with a disability that initial ‘foot in the door’ that might otherwise be closed.  The ordinary application process may screen out an individual with a disability, for reasons that include gaps in work history; due to being a brand new graduate with little work experience; and/or a late onset disability -- which caused a major mid-career interruption.  There are many Massachusetts employers, however, who see beyond the disability and hire an individual for the unique set of experiences and talent that he or she brings to the table. 

During the first week of May, MRC will host events geared toward promoting the employment of individuals with disabilities. The events’ keynote speakers will hopefully inspire other employers who may be on the fence about employing individuals with disabilities, and at the same time, recognize the companies in the Commonwealth that have successfully hired individuals with disabilities.

Following are upcoming MRC events:

May 1 – Greater Worcester Employment Resource Collaborative The Greater Worcester Employment Resources Collaborative (GWERC) is hosting an employer recognition breakfast at the Skyline Bistro Conference Center, at the Worcester Vocational High School on May 1. Three Worcester area employers will be recognized for their exemplary leadership in hiring individuals with disabilities.  Harr Dodge, Wegman’s Food Markets, Akuity Technologies, Inc. will all be receiving awards. Keynote speakers are Nancy Jodoin, RN and Susan Dally RN Manager, Long Term Care Solutions, both of whom will share their stories as registered nurses returning to work after significant visual impairments.  A buffet breakfast will be prepared by the culinary students of Worcester Technical High School.   

May 4 – Greater Boston Employment Breakfast - May 4^th marks the 15^th Annual Greater Boston Employer Award Breakfast (GBEAB), at the Boston Marriott Copley. This year the GBEAB is recognizing Suffolk University, Spaulding Rehabilitation, TJ Maxx, and the Museum of Fine Arts as Distinguished Employers; it will also honor state Fish and Wild Life Services and the Psychological Center with Certificates of Appreciation. The keynote speakers are Oswald “Oz” Mondejar, Vice President for Human Resources, Community Relations and Communications at Partners Continuing Care, Inc and Colleen Moran, Project Manager for Human Resources and Community Relations for Spaulding Rehabilitation Network. 

May 7 – MetroWest Work Opportunities Coalition Annual Employer Awards Luncheon The MetroWest Work Opportunities Coalition consists of representatives from several human service agencies, including MRC, that promote the hiring of individuals with disabilities. The ‘Accommodation Award’ recognizes MetroWest employers’ efforts and commitment to employing and retaining people with disabilities. This ceremony is sponsored by the Framingham Rotary and will be held at Ken’s Steak House in Framingham.  The event starts at noon on May 7.

For more information about these events or how your company can work with the MRC in employing people with disabilities, please contact me at William.Allen@state.ma.us.

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DTA assists low-income households affected by the Back Bay blackout: Replacement SNAP benefits can be requested until close of business April 5

By DTA Commissioner Dan Curley

Few of us will forget the sight of the darkened Prudential Tower and surrounding buildings on the evening of March 13, especially those who live in the immediate area and were forced to evacuate their homes. A fire at an NSTAR substation in Boston’s Copley Square resulted in widespread power outages that affected more than 20,000 people – some for as long as six days. 

Many of the residents cast into the dark that night are elderly and disabled individuals who live in senior, public, and privately-managed low-income housing. The City of Boston and the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) acted quickly on behalf of these individuals to ensure they would not go hungry. Households enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can request replacement benefits if food is lost due to a disaster or household misfortune such as fire, flood, loss of electricity, equipment (refrigerator/freezer) failure or other disaster.

Additionally, DTA asked for, and recently received, a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to give residents an additional ten days to request replacement SNAP benefits. Requests can be made until close of business on Thursday, April 5. Getting this extension is especially critical because many evacuated residents were unable to contact a DTA office until recently, and others were unaware they could request additional help.

Since the blackout, the Department has received and processed hundreds of requests for replacement SNAP benefits, primarily through the DTA office on Massachusetts Avenue in Newmarket Square.   

As always, I am proud of my team for their work assisting people during challenging times. I am also very pleased with our collaboration with the City of Boston, and I appreciate the Mayor’s concern for affected Boston residents and willingness to partner with the Department to administer replacement SNAP benefits. Working together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of people in need. If you know someone who receives SNAP benefits and lost food during the power outage, please encourage him or her to call us at 1-800-445-6604 by close of business on April 5.        

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