- Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
Video: MCB Virtual Open House - December 3, 2021
Skip this video MCB Virtual Open House - December 3, 2021.The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) Region 3 (Northeast) Team and Regional Advisory Council (RAC) hosted a “Virtual Open House” on Friday, December 3, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET in recognition of Int’l Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPwD) and the 31st Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The event highlighted Title III of the ADA focused on Public Accommodations and Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability by Public Accommodations and in Commercial Facilities.
The purpose of the Virtual Open House was to increase public awareness and acceptance of individuals with disabilities but also to showcase MCB’s ability to provide uninterrupted quality services for 115 years to an estimated 26,000 individuals who are blind and visually impaired in the Commonwealth. The event was an opportunity for MCB staff to celebrate accessibility with community partners and individuals they serve.
Presenters and speakers for the event included the following:
Welcome Address
Thelma Williams, MCB Northeast Regional Director (Region 3)
Moderators
Jay Rufo, MCB MetroWest Regional Director (Region 4)
Carla Kath, MCB Director of Communications
Commissioner’s Remarks
MCB Commissioner David D’Arcangelo
Regional Advisory Committee Remarks
Kayla Bentas
Special Guest Remarks
Elizabeth Denniston, EOHHS Undersecretary for Human Services
Keynote Speaker
Julia O’Leary, J.D. General Counsel, MA Office on Disability
Testimonials
Ursula Santone
Brenda Clark
Special Remarks
Salmaan Kapadia, Board President, Lowell Association for the Blind
Musical Selection
Tina Luce, Region 3 RAC Member
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Michael Festa, State Director, AARP
Panel:
Peter Farkas, Executive Director, MassHire Greater Lowell Workforce Board
Mary Mahon-McCauley, Executive Director, MA Office on Disability
Rachel H. Tanenhaus, MPH ADA Coordinator/Executive Director, Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities
Lisa Orgettas, Executive Director, Disability Resource Center
Testimonials
Elaine Aufiero
George Kamara
Sindy Argueta
Closing Remarks
Elizabeth Cannon, Executive Director, Lowell Association for the Blind
2021 MCB Virtual Open House - Audio Only
