News and Events for Individuals with Disabilities

Housing Bond Bill signed into law by Governor Patrick

Deval Patrick recently signed a housing bond bill (H3727) into law which will authorize $1.4 billion in housing assistance in 11 new line items, and three sets of funding directly relate to people with disabilities:

•  $55M will be allocated to a program of loan guarantees or interest subsidies to assist homeowners with physical disabilities with making home modifications to their primary residence to allow them to live independently in the community. The money will be available on a sliding scale that relates the homeowner’s income and assets to the cost of the modification. Both the MA Commission for the Blind (MCB) and the MA Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) will assist in the development of guidelines for this program.

•  $47M will be allocated to loans for the development of community-based housing or supportive housing foe individuals with intellectual disabilities or mental illness through the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Preference will be given to non-profit organizations by prioritizing funds for integrated housing as defined by agencies such as the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Department of Mental Health (DMH), DHCD, and MRC. 10M of the total will be allocated to a pilot program to serve mentally ill homeless individuals.

•  $38M will be loaned out for the development and redevelopment of community-based housing or supportive housing for persons with disabilities who are institutionalized or at risk of being institutionalized who are not eligible under the first program mentioned above ($55M). This housing will be developed in conjunction with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and MRC. 

•  To read the full article, click on the Arc logo above.

Autism Eats

Come join the first Autism Eats Family Dinner on

February 25, 2014 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm at

Andolini's Restaurant at 19 Essex St. in Andover, MA

Going out to dinner with a family member who has autism can be a stressful event. Behaviors can be unpredictable, other diners may be disturbed and the restaurant staff may not know the best way to service your table.

Autism Eats provides Autism-friendly non-judgmental environments for family dining, socializing and connecting with others who share similar joys and challenges.

Come and enjoy dinner out with your family!

Visit www.AutismEats.org for more information and to purchase tickets for your family buffet dinner

ReelAbilities, the Boston Disability Film Festival-1/30-2/6/2014

The Boston Jewish Film Festival will present the 2nd annual ReelAbilities Boston Disabilities Film Festival, showcasing films about the lives of people with different disabilities from a variety of communities.
The Festival kicks off on Thursday, Jan. 31 at the West Newton Cinema and will continue with presentations through Sunday, Feb. 5 at the West Newton Cinema and other locations in Boston, Springfield, and Hanover.  for further details about the films, click on the illustration above.

MDSC Annual Conference

Saturday, March 22, 2014

DCU Center, Worcester

Featuring several tracks:

•  General Session Workshops – Parents, family member and professionals will learn from expert speakers about how to help individuals with Down syndrome acquire the necessary skills to lead fuller, healthier, more independent lives.

•  Young Adults Workshops – Young adults with Down syndrome will have an opportunity to network and share experiences, strengthen their self-advocacy skills, and learn about the importance of leading a healthy life and building meaningful relationships. 

•  Brothers and Sisters Workshops – Siblings of people with Down syndrome will hear how other brothers and sisters deal with the joys and challenges inherent in being a sibling. Creates a forum for sharing stories and learning the importance of advocacy.

•  Education Workshops – Educators and parents will learn best practices for educating students with Down syndrome in an inclusive classroom, as well as the benefits of inclusion for all learners.

•  Click on the MDSC logo for further details.

Please contact us for more information:

http://www.specialneedsplanning.com/directions/