A quarterly publication of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission Consumer Involvement Program

Message from the Director, Emeka Nwokeji

The 2004 Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) Annual Consumer Conference Planning has started. The first meeting was held on March 12th at the Natick Public Library. The intent of the Conference Planning Committee is to continue to improve the successful outcome of the Conference by addressing system and consumer related issues of the MRC's Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and the independent living systems for people with disabilities.

Thanks to the efforts of the Consumer Involvement program staff and the 2003 Consumer Conference Planning Committee, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) Conference entitled: "Navigating Your Own Success" was a huge success!

The Conference Evaluation Team reported that there were approximately 350 attendees. There was also more comments received than in the past. We received a 43% response rate from the audience regarding the individual workshops and the general conference this year. This will assist us greatly in planning an even better Consumer Conference for 2004.

The majority of responses received were very positive. There were 149 respondents to the general Conference Evaluation.

We want to express our gratitude to all of you who spent the time to comment on any of the workshops or general Conference Evaluation forms. We appreciate your thoughtful and detailed feedback, both positive and negative.

The majority of attendees appreciated having the opportunity to network with others and voiced their approval of the overall Conference. This has been the highest attended Conference, thus far. There were concerns and suggestions regarding improving our transportation services.

We also noted comments regarding the need to better manage the overall time schedule. Attendees felt that the day was too long and that a two-day conference would be less tiring, physically and mentally. The most common request was that the Conference should end sooner, enabling attendees to return home earlier in the day.

Seven keywords to describe the Conference this year included: Well-Planned, Awesome, Successful, Enlightening, Empowering, Connections, and Well-Attended.

The participants classified this year's Conference as a monumental success, and in the words of several attendees, it was "THE BEST YET!"

Having achieved such success, we are all very excited and pleased with such positive remarks. Indeed, we are preparing and looking forward to our next Annual Consumer Conference this year.

When the Conference Planning Committee met, great care was given to creating and accommodating the Conference participants' concern with comfort versus fatigue. Members of the Planning Committee represent all VR regions, cross disabilities, diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and staff from all of the three major programs at the MRC. The composition of the Committee reflects the critical role and responsibilities of this important group to strive for a conference theme that will reflect the comments gathered from the 2003 Conference Evaluation.

In the context of this inclusion, the 2004 Conference theme was identified as "MRC: Promoting Leadership Through Independence, Employment and Community Living."

The issue of planning a two-day conference versus a long one-day conference received great deliberation from the Planning Committee. However, at this time, because of budget constraints, we will continue with a one-day conference. The Conference is scheduled for December 1, 2004 at the Worcester Centrum.

Again, we thank last year's Planning Committee, the Consumer Involvement Program Team, and the New 2004 Conference Planning Committee for all of their dedication and hard work! We are all deeply indebted to those of you who make these wonderful events a reality!

BENEFITS OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
By Robert Dole

From: The Washington Times, 4/9/04

Thousands of American men came home from World War I blinded by exposure to mustard gas or with limbs lost in the trenches to enemy fire. Our nation realized these veterans, although disabled, could still lead productive and successful lives, if given the necessary support and training. So Congress created a federal program called Public Vocational Rehabilitation -- VR, for short.

Today a number of American men and women serving in Iraq are returning home, like those before them, with combat-related disabilities. Thanks to VR, and its sister program at the Veterans Administration, our sons and daughters wounded overseas can be assured they will be able to continue working in civilian life in the same way that they faithfully served in our armed forces.

These veterans join millions of other Americans with disabilities. The vast majority are people ready to work, and be contributing members of their communities. As a disabled veteran, I have seen the enormous contribution that individuals with disabilities make, when given a chance.

They are people like Tom Gordon, a truck driver whose career ended when he lost the use of his right arm in an accident. Tom was able, with VR assistance, to open his own contracting business. Laurie Pederson was a high school dropout, who suffered from degenerative disc disease, and now owns her own law practice. There was even one woman whose life was so profoundly changed by the program that she made VR a beneficiary in her will.

These are just a few of the more than 14,000,000 people who have been helped by the VR Program. Last year the Vocational Rehabilitation Program placed 222,000 Americans with disabilities in productive jobs -- jobs where they earn wages, pay taxes, and add to the productivity and resilience of our economy. In fact, the taxes they pay cover the cost of their services in just two to four years. Last year, they earned $3.5 billion in wages and paid $1 billion in taxes. This is no small economic contribution.

To do this important job, VR provides prostheses, college education, vocational training, job placement, and various support services to a broad range of disabled Americans, as well as assistance to cognitively impaired individuals. All this is done through a community-based network that allows the program to assist an often hard-to-reach population.

And this strategy pays big dividends. More than two-thirds of young adults who receive services successfully enter the work force, significantly reducing their need for long-term public assistance programs, such as welfare and food stamps.

No wonder the White House Budget Office rates VR as one of the government's most effective programs in meeting its goals. Yet, today VR only has funds to serve around ten percent of the eligible population, and some states have long waiting lists.

The facts show the VR Program, not only benefits its participants, it also is a cost-effective way to assure America retains a talented and expanding labor pool that can contribute to all of society. Vocational Rehabilitation represents a critical part of what we pride ourselves on as a great nation: opportunity for all.

Robert Dole, Former Senate Majority Leader from Kansas, 1996 Republican Candidate for President and Disabled World War II Veteran, is Special Counsel at Alston & Bird, LLP law firm. Alston & Bird represents the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Copyright © 2004 News World Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with Permission

NORTH SHORE EMPLOYMENT
By Herbert S. Cremer, March 2004

As an Individual Consumer Consultant (ICC) for the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) since 1998, my main responsibility has been to help consumers learn to use the Internet in their job search. I also explore the Internet for pertinent job search websites for both consumers and counselors. When I began this work in 1998, I found many consumers did not know how to use a personal computer. Some expressed fear that they might "break" something. Those days are long gone. Now, just about every consumer that I am asked to help, is computer literate.

Although I only get paid for three hours a week, I enjoy my job so much, that I normally devote much more time. As a consumer, as well as a consultant, I find that this work can give me a big boost in morale in my own life, when I am searching for a good job for my consumers. Also, I find that by spending time doing job searches for my consumers, and bringing them printouts of my findings, it increases their morale, as well.

Many need a psychological lift in their job hunt, since a career search can be such a draining experience. After investigation, we then discuss my findings. The consumers can then use the designated Personal Computer for employment purposes at the Salem Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission Office, Building 3, 45 Congress Street, Salem, MA 01970 (978-745-8085). The computer can be used for all employment purposes, such as preparing cover letters, resumes, e-mails, and faxes, etc.

I am always on the alert for new resources to use in this work. By visiting the local One Stop Job Centers (formerly DET offices), I learn of any new job openings on the Internet and obtain copies of the local weekly Hot Jobs listing.

I also enlist the attention of VR Counselors to local conferences, like those sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. The Feb. 2004 Conference included regional businesses and Boston Works, which is one of the major job websites.

Another part of my responsibility as an Individual Consumer Consultant (ICC) has been to use my seven plus years of experience as a former Labor Market Economist for the Massachusetts Division of Employment and Training. Using that experience now, I keep informed on the employment picture so I can assist my consumers to know where the jobs are available in today's marketplace. As many of us know, this has become more difficult, as the economy recovers, both nationally and regionally.

On the North Shore, there are weak and strong sectors. Manufacturing was historically a strong employer on the North Shore, but this is no longer true. Shoe and other durable goods manufacturing plants have long since been turned into "boutique" facilities, where many of the users are in the service industries. Even high-tech facilities from the booming 90's now have either empty buildings for sale or lease, or many fewer autos in their parking lots, representing a lower workforce.

Many American and New England manufacturing jobs have been moved abroad. This same problem is taking place in Europe as well. Manufacturers have moved their plants and equipment to low-wage countries.

Similar developments are taking place in service occupations, which use computer and telephone technology, such as telemarketing and similar jobs. These positions are being moved abroad to English-speaking countries, like India and the Philippines, where labor costs are much less.

On the positive side, there are service jobs which cannot be moved abroad, and those offer stability. On the North Shore, the medical and health care-related industries are the biggest employers and are looking for more employees than any other sector. Even more positive is that these jobs are both professional and entry-level jobs. Hospitals employ about five or six thousand people and are looking for hundreds of new employees just about every week.

As the North Shore is a bedroom community, there is excellent transportation to jobs in Greater Boston. A wide variety of different types of public transportation can be quite good for those who have disabilities and live and work on the North Shore.

Retailing is another large employer with a number of big and successful shopping malls located on the North Shore. Business seems to be good, because new stores are always moving into any vacant stores.

Positions in the education field and office support are also available.

Tourism is another important employment sector in our region. It is seasonal, but not limited solely to summer. Autumn and spring are also popular times of year for tourists to visit.

Unfortunately, the other side of the coin is that housing is very expensive. The Independent Living Center for people with disabilities located on the North Shore in Salem tries to help consumers to deal with this problem.

As an Individual Consumer Consultant (ICC), I inform consumers about different resources available on the North Shore in order to make life better for them.

This includes some of the assistance I have provided for the last five years and continue to provide to consumers.

PROJECT INDEPENDENCE, 9-1-1 For Everyone
Reprinted from the MRC Commissioner's Update, March 2004

PROJECT INDEPENDENCE, 9-1-1 FOR EVERYONE, is a free emergency cell phone program for low-income persons with disabilities who reside in Brookline, MA.

PROJECT INDEPENDENCE maximizes health, safety and independence of persons with disabilities by providing free cell phones for emergencies only.

Donna Suskawicz of the Brookline MRC office created PROJECT INDEPENDENCE in collaboration with the Brookline Police Department. After working tirelessly on the plan for a year, PROJECT INDEPENDENCE received a grant for $3,000 from the Brookline Community Fund. This December they distributed their first two cell phones to MRC Home Care consumers.

PROJECT INDEPENDENCE hopes to encourage people with disabilities to become active in the Brookline community by feeling safe and independent.

STATE PUTS NEW FOCUS ON AUTISM DISORDERS
New Division Will Oversee Services
Reprinted from the State House News Service week of April 12, 2004

By summer 2005, parents of children with autism will have an official clearinghouse to find information and support services, State officials said yesterday.

At a State House ceremony marking April as Autism Awareness Month, parents cheered as Gerald Morrissey, the Commissioner of Mental Retardation, announced the creation of the Division of Autism Spectrum Disorders to oversee services and support for families.

Morrissey said the office would respond to parents and legislators concerned that services have only been available after long battles with state bureaucracies.

"We need a system that works for kids, families, and adults across the state," Morrissey told members of the Statewide Coalition for Autism. "We can't rely on parents finding a solution on their own."

The office, now in the planning stages, is set to fully open by July 2005, the start of the 2006 Fiscal Year. Funding and staffing are still to be determined, Commissioner Morrissey said.

When the state split the Departments of Mental Health and Mental Retardation in 1987, "it left people with autism spectrum out in the cold," said Representative Barbara L'Italien, Democrat of Andover, whose 13-year-old son has Asperger's Syndrome, a neurobiological disorder in which autistic-like behaviors are exhibited.

The Department of Public Health is working on a study, due out in December 2004, on the number of children under 18 with autism in Massachusetts.

E-MENTORING FOR DESIGNERS WITH DISABILITIES
Reprinted from the MRC Commissioner's Update, March 2004

E-Mentoring provides international mentorships between design professionals and students or entry-level designers with disabilities interested in the field of design.

The mentor offers information, contacts, challenges, and support, primarily via the Internet. They also assist in the protégé's goal-setting process by offering questions, advice, and role modeling. Benefits that can be gained include an increase in knowledge in the field of design, greater contacts within the profession, and a set of strategies for attaining personal goals.

For information, contact Daniel Hunter at: dhunter@adaptiveenvironments.org. Or visit the website at adaptiveenvironments.org/accessdesign/ementoring.php.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY - SMALL GRANTS 2004
Provided by Peggy Freedman

The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council is pleased to announce the 2004 Small Grants Awards Competition, which funds grants from $10,000 to $20,000 for new and innovative projects to address the needs of people with developmental disabilities through advocacy, systems change, or capacity building.

Applicants may propose projects in any one of the following federal areas of emphasis: Education and Early Intervention, Employment, Housing, or Community Supports.

Projects must begin no earlier than October 1, 2004, and must be completed on either June 30, 2005, or on September 30,2005. Project duration must be nine or twelve months.

Selected applicants will not be required to provide a non-federal match, but they are encouraged to do so.

Nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and educational institutions in Massachusetts are eligible to apply for these funds. Applicants must demonstrate an understanding of the issues that affect the daily lives of people with developmental disabilities.

The Council strongly encourages organizations that provide assistance to individuals with developmental disabilities who live in areas designated as urban or rural poverty areas to apply. Organizations employing professional staff with developmental disabilities and/or serving or supporting linguistic and cultural minorities, are strongly encouraged to apply for these funds.

Application instructions and forms are available online at www.mass.gov/mddc/whatsnew. You may also send an email request to Peggy Freedman at peggy.freedman@state.ma.us or call (617) 770-7676 x103 or (617) 770-9499 (TTY).
Applications must be received at the Council Office, 1150 Hancock Street, Suite 300, Quincy, MA 02169, no later than Tuesday, June 15, 2004, at 3:00 pm.

If you wish to receive future notices of availability, send an e-mail message to Harold Lieberman at harold.lieberman@state.ma.us and specify "Add to Agency Database List for Notices of Availability" as the subject, or call 617-770-7676 x115.

TAUNTON ADVISORY COUNCIL AREA OFFICEaunton Advisory Council Area Office
Meeting 04/12/04 Minutes
By Marcel Dube

MRC TAUNTON AREA VR OFFICE
21 Spring Street, Suite 8, Taunton, MA 02780
(508) 823-8141 TTY (617)727-4592 FAX (508)821-3796
EMAIL-Marcel.Dube@mrc.state.ma.us

1) Information Sharing:
Bob Donahue distributed an agency (draft) regulation regarding Public Accommodation. Bob asked each member to review the draft and to call or e-mail him with comments.

Two members, Ann Marie Paulson and William Parks attended the Statewide Rally at the State House on 3/25/04.

2) Statewide Conference Update: Ann Marie Paulson talked about the upcoming Statewide Consumer Conference scheduled for early December in Worcester. A Conference Planning Committee is meeting April 16, 2004 at the Morse Library in Natick, and the group is open to input. Anne Marie reported the theme for the Conference this year is "MRC: Independence Through Leadership, Employment, Advocacy, Healthy Living, & Inclusion."

3) MRC Update:
Marcel Dube, Office Director said with over 75% of the year completed, 88 consumers have been placed in work. This is 65% of the goal at the 75% point of the year. Referrals are continuing to increase. The office is now at full staff.

As reported in our previous meeting, Linda Lawrie-Pfeil was promoted from VR Counselor to Area Director of the VR Downtown Boston Office during February. Raymond Olivier, an R&D employee within our Central Office transferred to Taunton in Mid-March to replace Linda. The local Workforce Investment Board recently hired a "Disability Navigator," Jamie Robinson, to serve the Attleboro, Fall River, and Taunton Career Centers. Jamie attended the meeting, and agreed to be Guest Presenter at the July meeting.

Marcel also reported that the Taunton Office would be hosting a Collaborative Meeting on 4/27/04 to review the local available services and service needs for individuals with severe psychiatric illness.

Marcel notified the group that the MRC Taunton Office Lease expired on 3/31/04. Discussions to keep the office on 21 Spring Street and to appropriately renovate it are still being negotiated.

4) TAC Business:
Marcel reported that he is now a member of the Board of MARAN (Massachusetts RehabAction Network) and will, along with Audrey Butterworth, keep the council apprised of advocacy needs and issues.

5) Guest:
Peter DeGroof of the Division of Medical Assistance provided information and handouts regarding the CommonHealth Program. In summary, he reported that disabled individuals who work at least 40 hours a month or more are likely to be eligible for CommonHealth Insurance. There may be a premium to pay for the insurance, and it is based on a sliding fee schedule. Peter advised the Taunton Advisory Council (TAC) members to check the website for more information: http://www.state.ma.us/dma/masshealthinfo/commonhealth/ch_IDX.htm

HOME CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes of 1/6/04
Provided by Betty Maher

1) Resource Newsletter:
Katie Chesebro of the Home Care Assistance Program (HCAP) distributed a draft of the HCAP Newsletter and asked everyone to review it for typos or other corrections. She expects to distribute it in mid-March. The Newsletter will be sent to all consumers, providers, and home care assistants. Thanks to Katie, for managing this task!

2) Staffing Update:
Kevin Farrell welcomed two new Case Managers: Andrea Tull and Debra Visocchi. The program currently is fully staffed. However, Kevin, Jerry Crowley, and Georgette Deraney are retired, working part-time, on a limited basis. Kevin is trying to get at least two of their positions filled. The request has been sent to the Human Resources Department. The agency expects to be transitioning to new staff in late March through mid April.

3) Budget:
The program has already had a significant cut in 2004, and Kevin thinks we may be asked to release money midyear. It is not clear what will happen in 2005, though discussions are underway.

John Chappell stated that the HCAP would be reviewing current consumers who are not on MassHealth and try to help them apply for this insurance. We may have to terminate services to those who cannot get on MassHealth. The Program is currently not taking new consumers who do not have MassHealth Insurance. Walter King stated that the application process intimidates many people. He shared his own bad experience. He stated that we might need to encourage people to contact Independent Living Centers for advocacy and assistance with the application process.

4) Home Care Survey:
Betty Maher distributed a draft of the Home Care Assistance (HCA) Survey, but asked to table discussion until next meeting, because of June Hailer's absence. Betty asked people to send comments to her. However, there was some discussion about what kinds of training or support is made available to Home Care Agencies. Kevin suggested that a survey of Home Care Agencies (HCAs) be done, as well. Diane Porter said her agency opens trainings to the community and HCAs could potentially attend. Issues of pay and liability would need to be addressed before the Home Care Assistance Program (HCAP) would become involved.

Another recommendation was that HCAs receive and sign a Service Agreement that addresses issues of confidentiality, universal precautions, and mandated reporting requirements.

Kevin would like the Survey to be mailed before the next meeting so that results could be shared at the next meeting.

FIRST ADVOCATE OPPORTUNITY
Public Notice

The Disability Policy Consortium (DPC) has licensed software that can help all citizens become better advocates.

How often have you received an e-mail urging you to write your State Representative or Senator? You thought it was important, but you didn't have time to track the address, and write the letter immediately. You added it to your "To Do" list, and the task gradually wandered to the bottom, until it was forgotten completely, or too late to help.

THE DPC IS ABOUT TO CHANGE THAT! Join the DPC First Advocate List, and they will mail you important alerts that include a link to a page with a pre-written letter on the issue.

Take a minute to customize it with your own perspective and then, bingo, hit the button, and e-mail it immediately. Or, print the letter, and mail it directly via snail mail.

They will need you to register by signing up with your home address. This is important for the software to be able to match you with your State Representative, State Senator, and U.S. Congressman. This list will be confidential and will not be used for any purpose, other than verifying your correct address annually.

Remember: You can become a DPC First Advocate subscriber. E-mail or mail this information today.

Sign up directly through:
 http://www.dpcma.org/
And click on the link for First Advocate.
Or give us the following information and…we'll sign you up!

* (Required Information)
* _______ Join the DPC or
* _______ First Advocate Only
* Name: ________________________________________
* Home address: __________________________________
* Home City: ___________________
* MA Zip: _____________________
* E-mail: _______________________
* Home Phone __________________
* TTY ________________________

Mail to Disability Policy Consortium
P.O. Box 77, Boston, MA 02133
Phone 866-745-0917 E-mail: dpc_ma@yahoo.com

MassHealth VETO OVERRIDE UPDATE

Contact: Neil Cronin, Policy Analyst, MA Law Reform Institute
99 Chauncy St., 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02111
Voice: 617-357-0700 x326, Fax: 617-357-0777 E-mail: ncronin@mlri.org

1. Estate Recovery: Last week the Legislature overrode the Governors veto of a provision that would have delayed until July 1, 2004 the expanded definition of the estate of a deceased recipient subject to recovery for the cost of care for MassHealth recipients. The Administration had redefined the estate on July 1, 2003 from Probate Estate to any property in which the deceased had an ownership interest immediately prior to death. This change included jointly-owned property, life insurance proceeds, and other property that does not go through probate. Estate Recovery applies to deceased MassHealth recipients who were nursing home residents of any age or who were age 55 and older when the care was provided. After the veto override, Estate Recovery is once again limited to the Probate Estate for people who died between July 1, 2003 and June 30, 2004. MassHealth will be notifying the families of recipients who died after July 1, 2003 about the latest change, and will refund any excess amounts recovered. MassHealth will also, upon request, remove any liens placed against non-probate assets.

The Legislature will have to decide whether to implement expanded Estate Recovery in FY 2005, to repeal it outright, or to enact a compromise version of Estate Recovery. Advocates will be working to repeal expanded Estate Recovery and return to a Probate-Only system of recovery.

For more information on Estate Recovery, get in touch with Deb Thomson at dthomson@thepassgroup.com

2. State-Funded MassHealth Funded For Immigrants: On January 15, the Legislature overrode the Governor's veto of a provision that would provide MassHealth Essential to the elderly and people with disabilities who are special status adult immigrants with gross family income under 100% of poverty, if there is expected to be a surplus in the $160 million Essential Fund. On March 25, the Administration filed its report with the Legislature indicating that it does indeed expect MassHealth Essential will be adequately funded to cover enrollees, and that it will also cover elderly and people with disabilities who are special status immigrants in the hospital during the Fiscal Year 2004. However, the Administration stated it would take two months to make the administrative changes needed to start enrolling immigrants. It predicts that coverage for immigrants will start on June 1, 2004 and continue through Sept. 30, 2004 (the hospital fiscal year), if funding remains sufficient.

The MWCIL has been notified that when changes are made, eligible elderly and people with disabilities who are immigrants and are now receiving MassHealth Limited, can be reinstated automatically, without having to reapply. Meanwhile, if service providers still have persons with disabilities or elderly immigrant clients receiving full MassHealth pending appeal, you can argue that the language of the veto override entitles them to MassHealth Essential (See Section 135 of Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2003). For help with Pending Appeals, e-mail: vpulos@mlri.org

We are hoping for more restored coverage in FY 2005. The MIRA Coalition is coordinating work in the legislature for FY 2005 so that coverage will be restored for all 10,000 special status immigrants. To help with consumer stories, calls to legislators, or in other ways, go to www.miracoalition.org.

BREAST CANCER HOSPITLIZATION BILL
Public Notice

A bill named The Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act is being sponsored to require insurance companies to cover a minimum forty-eight hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy. This bill is being sponsored to specifically eliminate the "drive-through mastectomy" where women are forced to go home hours after surgery, still groggy from anesthesia, against the wishes of their doctor.

Lifetime Television has put this bill on their web page with a petition drive for people to register their support if they wish. Last year more than half of the House Members approved this legislation.

If you approve of this legislation, one only needs to go to the website: www.lifetimetv.com/health/breast_mastectomy, and indicate their name and zip code.

THE MASSACHUSETTS REHABILITATION COMMISSION (MRC) and STATE REHABILITATION COUNCIL (SRC)
Public Hearings Notice

Four Public Hearings will be conducted on the State Plan for the Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program:

Date: Tuesday, June 1, 2004
Location: MRC Malden Area Office
157 Pleasant St.,1st floor
Malden, MA 02148
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Date: Friday, June 11, 2004
Location: MRC Taunton
Area Office
21 Spring St., 2nd floor
Taunton, MA 02780
Time: 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.

Date: Thursday, June 3, 2004
Location: MRC Worcester
Area Office
359 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01608
Time: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Date: Friday, June 4, 2004
Location: MRC Springfield
Area Office
1 Federal St., Bldg. 102-1
Springfield, MA 01105
Time: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

We Need Your Feedback:

  • What strategies should the MRC employ to increase the number of individuals with disabilities who enter into, regain, and maintain employment?
  • How can our agency work better and more efficiently with community organizations, including the One-Stop Career Center service providers?
  • How can the MRC work to increase the quality and scope of Supported Employment?
  • What can our agency do to reach more minorities and underserved populations?
  • What other suggestions do you have to enhance the quality and scope of the services of the MRC?

We welcome any input in the form of oral or written comments and suggestions concerning this agency's mission, goals and the needs for Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Supported Employment. No one will play a more important role in making the Public Hearings a success than you! Information about these programs and advance copies of the draft State Plan are available from the MRC address listed below.

To submit written comments or give oral telephone testimony before June 11, 2004, call the telephone number noted below:

MRC Policy and Planning Department
27 Wormwood St., Suite 500
Boston, MA 02210-1616
1-617-204-3708

If you need reasonable accommodations under the American with Disabilities Act to attend one of the Public Hearings, please contact the MRC Administrative Office at 1 617-204-3851 (Voice) 1 617-204-3815 (TTY)

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Prescription Access: A Forum for Consumer Advocates and Activists to Help Seniors and Persons with Disabilities (Medicare/MassHealth/State & Federal Solutions/Drug Reform)
 DATE: May 18, 2004
TIME: 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
PLACE: Northeastern Univ.
Curry Student Center
346 Huntington Ave.,
Boston, MA
CONTACT:
Donna McCormick, GBLS,
Voice: 617-603-1534
e-mail: dmccormick@gbls.org

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of MA (NAMI-MASS) Walk to Raise Public Awareness, To Provide Outreach, To Raise Funds
 DATE: May 22, 2004
TIME: All Day
PLACE: Artisani Park, Boston
5K Walk (3 Miles)
CONTACT:
Voice: 781-938-4048 (Voice)
www.namimass.org (website)
namiwalksboston@nami.org (e-mail)

State Rehabilitation Council Quarterly Meeting
 DATE: May 27, 2004
TIME: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
PLACE: Assumption College
Hagan Campus Center
500 Salisbury Street
Worcester, MA 01615
CONTACT:
Emeka Nwokeji 617-204-3851
(ASL Sign Language available and ethnic
language translators)

Massachusetts Real Choice
Spring Forum: Sharing Info on the Various System Change Grants in MA and other States
 DATE: June 4, 2004
TIME: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
PLACE: Wyndham Westborough Hotel
54 Computer Drive, Westborough, MA 01581
(508) 366-5511
CONTACT:
RSVP to Andrea Schein
at 617-499-6957 or via e-mail:
aschein@aol.com by 5/1404.
Limited space is available.

Taunton Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) Advisory Committee Meeting
 DATE: July 12, 2004
TIME: 4:00 p.m.
PLACE: 21 Spring Street, Taunton, MA 02780
GUEST SPEAKER:
Jamie Robinson, Disability Navigator

CONTACT:
Marcel Dube, Voice: (508) 823-3797

SAVE THE DATE!!!!!!
MRC ANNUAL CONSUMER CONFERENCE 2004
 "Promoting Leadership Through Independence, Employment and Community Living"

DECEMBER 1, 2004
WORCESTER CENTRUM
WORCESTER, MA

E-mail: consumer.involvement@mrc.state.ma.us
Or visit the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission website at: www.state.ma.us/mrc

The Consumer's Voice

A quarterly publication of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission Consumer Involvement Program
For further information contact Emeka Nwokeji, Director of Consumer Involvement Programs at 617-204-3851

Editors: Jeanne Boland (ICC) and Leslie Wish (ICC)

This Newsletter is an independent publication sponsored by the MRC State Rehabilitation Council. The opinions expressed in this Newsletter do not necessarily reflect the policy and practices of the MRC. They are solely the opinions of consumers of MRC programs and services.

This information is provided by the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission.