Community News and Events
Applications Due 12-16-2016 at 5:00 pm
Opportunity to Participate in the One Care Implementation Council
Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS)
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) is looking for 21 individuals to serve on the Implementation Council for the State Demonstration to Integrate Care for Dual Eligible individuals who are eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, ages 21 to 64. EOHHS seeks to include MassHealth members with disabilities and their family members or guardians, representatives of community-based organizations, representatives of consumer advocacy organizations, union representatives, and providers, representing the diverse communities affected by One Care as Council members. At least half of all Implementation Council members will be MassHealth members with disabilities or family members or guardians of MassHealth members with disabilities. Some major responsibilities of The Implementation Council include playing a role in monitoring access to health care and compliance with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). All materials are posted on COMMBUYS at https://www.commbuys.com/; on the One Care website under “One Care News and Community” at www.mass.gov/masshealth/onecare; and on the Duals Demonstration website under “Related Materials” at http://www.mass.gov/masshealth/duals.
To apply, please send completed nomination forms and a letter of reference by Friday, December 16th, 2016 at 5:00pm.
10-18-2014, 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm
A Discussion with Jonathan Slifka
CT Governor Malloy’s Liaison to the Disability Community
Brooker Lecture Hall
Gaylord Hospital
Wallingford, CT
Mr. Slifka was appointed by Governor Dannel Malloy to a cabinet-level position specifically designated to advocate for the state’s disability community. Mr. Slifka will share his story with the group and provide attendees an opportunity to ask questions to one of the state biggest disability advocate. This program is presented by The National Spinal Cord Injury Association, Connecticut Chapter and The Polio Outreach of Connecticut. Light refreshments will be served.
Please RSVP by October 14th by emailing Rita Sykora at junip@optimum.net or by calling 203-878-3221.
10-9-2013, 1:00-3:00 pm
4-26-2014
2014 Walk & Roll
Quinnipiac University, North Haven Campus
370 Bassett Road
North Haven, CT
Join QUPT SCI SIG of Quinnipiac University, North Haven, CT, as we raise money for the National Spinal Cord Injury Association CT Chapter. Sunday, April 26 from 10:00am- 1:00pm. Register on the day of the event at 9:30am.
3-22-2014
GBC NSCIA Gala 2014
Hyatt Harborside Hotel
101 Harborside Drive
Boston, MA 02128
6:00pm ’till the clock strikes midnight
Tickets: $100 per person- Black Tie Optional
Join the Greater Boston Chapter of the NSCIA (GBC NSCIA) as it celebrates its 22nd year at the RISE Above Paralysis Gala with dinner, a silent auction, music, and dancing. The event brings together individuals with spinal cord injury, family members, health care professionals and benefactors to celebrate the work of the GBC and to honor individuals and groups who have had a positive impact on the SCI community. Register online at http://www.sciboston.com/. For additional information, including event sponsorship opportunities, call Beth Weaver at 617-952-5643 or email sciboston@aol.com.
2/19 & 20/2014
Urgent Call to Action
Help Stop Harmful Wheelchair Regulations in CT
Make calls and/or email the governor’s office and selected state officials to stop the proposed customized wheelchair regulations. Read more about the upcoming policy changes that will severely impact funding for motorized wheelchairs for people with disabilities in CT. These draft regulations will be implemented as binding policies and procedures as of March 1, 2014, before any public comment is received or considered.
On 2/19 & 2/20, contact:
Governor Dannel Malloy
860-566-4840; 800-406-1527 (toll-free)
Governor.Malloy@po.state.ct.us
OPM Secretary Ben Barnes
860-418-6500
Ben.Barnes@ct.gov
DSS Commissioner Roderick Bremby
860-424-5054
Roderick.Bremby@ct.gov
2-23-14, 10:00 am- 1:00 pm
Adaptive Track & Field Clinic
Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center
1350 Tremont Street
Boston, MA
Adaptive Sports New England is offering a free Adaptive Track Clinic for novice and experienced 7th-12th grade students who have a visual or mobility impairment. Coach and parent information sessions are also available. Register here. For more information, email adaptivesportsne@gmail.com or call 617-982-2763.
Deadline- 1-9-14
Crowdrise for SPINALpedia
SPINALpedia is a website of user-generated how-to videos. It was founded to show the paralysis community that there are no limits to what they can do, from simple tasks like getting dressed to extreme adventures such as adapted skydiving.
We are participating in an online fundraising competition for charities called “Crowdrise for SPINALpedia.” The non-profit organization that raises the most money during this online “crowdfunding” competition by January 9th will take home an extra $100,000!
Please view this brief video about SPINALpedia and consider making an online donation to support our programs. For more information, visit www.spinalpedia.com.
11/13-14/2013, 7:30- 9:00 pm
Handicap This! Boston Tour 2013
Brookline Teen Center
40 Aspinwall Ave.
Brookline, MA
Handicap This! is a true story that started in 2001 and continues to this day. Mike Berkson and Tim Wambach hope this show will further their message of “Judgement Not Allowed” and inspire all of us to do more with what we have. Handicap This! will stir your senses, challenge your thinking, and wake up your attitude. It’s a look at breaking down barriers and living with disabilities- most of all, it’s about EVERYONE’S potential. Sit back and laugh! Stand up and cheer!
Click here to buy tickets for Wednesday’s show or Thursday’s show.
10-17-2013, 5:00 pm
SCI Support Group
Gaylord Hospital
Wallingford, CT
Please join us in welcoming Francisco Fernandes and Carleton Crooks, two inspirational speakers who will discuss coping and adjusting to life after injury. The discussion will be mediated by Susan Fagan LCSW, and will be held in Luscomb Gym (inpatient). Bring your questions! Bring a friend! For more information, call Erin Prastine or Meghan Chiaraluce at 203-284-2875. This program is sponsored by CT NSCIA and Gaylord Hospital.
“There are so many people out there who will tell you that you can’t.
What you’ve got to do is turn around and say ‘watch me.’”- Unknown
10-9-2013, 1:00-3:00 pm
Personal Care Assistant Day at the State House
Grand Staircase Boston, MA
Celebrate the 4th Annual Paul Kahn Awards for PCA service and educate your legislators about independent living! After the awards ceremony, visit legislators to tell them what the PCA program means to you and why it needs to be fully funded. For more information, contact Allegra Stout at 617-338-6665 or astout@bostoncil.org.
9/27-28/2013
Working 2 Walk Symposium
Boston Convention & Exhibition
Center Boston, MA
Unite 2 Fight Paralysis looks forward to bringing the Working 2 Walk Symposium to Boston for the first time in 2013. The Working 2 Walk Science & Advocacy Symposium is held in different states each year. It brings together research scientists, practitioners, investors, SCI survivors and family members in an effort to foster knowledge, collaboration, and power for all of the stakeholders committed to achieving a cure for spinal cord injury.For more information on symposium and hotel registration, speakers, etc., visit the Working 2 Walk website.
9/20-22/2013
Abilities Expo
Boston Convention & Exhibition Center
Boston, MA
The Abilities Expo features three days of cutting-edge products and services, interesting workshops, and interactive activities for people of all disabilities, their families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Admission is free. For more information, visit http://www.abilitiesexpo.com/boston/index.html.
8-2-2013, 11:00 am
Wheelchair Health in Motion (WHIM)
Crotched Mountain Rehab Center Accessible Hiking Trails
Greenfield, NH
Come celebrate the summer season outdoors at the longest accessible trails in a mountain environment in the United States. (Named “Best of New England 2013- Editor’s Choice” winner by Yankee Magazine and “Best of NH 2013” by NH Magazine.) Sponsored by WHIM, CMRC, GSIL, NH NSCIA, MS Society, HealthSouth, NEHSA, and Ride-Away. RSVP is required by 7-26-13. For more information or to reply email whim4wellness@gmail.com or call 603-938-2562. Check out www.cmf.org/trails for info on CM Accessible Hiking Trails.
7-25-2013, 12:00-2:00 pm
Americans with Disabilities Act Celebration Day
Boston City Hall Plaza
Boston, MA
A celebration of the 23rd anniversary of the ADA– Join us as we celebrate the landmark civil rights law for people with disabilities. The event features remarks by Mayor Thomas Menino, food, music, t-shirts (while supplies last), and fun! Also, learn about getting involved in civic activities like voting, visiting your City Councilors, and take a tour of Boston City Hall. ASL, CART, wheelchair access, and large print materials are available. For more information, visit www.cityofboston.gov/disability. Groups of 6 or more and anyone needing individual accommodations, please contact: disability@cityofboston.gov or call 617-635-3682 or 617-635-2541 TTY.
6/17-10/4/2013 ArtBeyond Art Exhibition
McGladrey Art Gallery
80 City Square
Charlestown, MA 02129
ArtBeyond explores the concept of healing in contemporary art. Just as musicians create harmony from dissonance, artists who have experienced injury or illness find unity, simplicity, and peace by exploring the inner realms. Proceeds from this gallery will benefit the individual artists as well as ongoing research to alleviate chronic spinal cord injury. The McGladrey Art Gallery will donate the full gallery commission (30% of sales) to the research efforts of the Travis Roy Foundation. For more information, visit www.artbeyond.org.
6/3-5/2013
The Getting It Right Conference on Disaster Relief: Shelter and Transportation Accessibility for People with Disabilities
The Shepherd Center
Altanta, GA
Hosted by Portlight Strategies http://www.portlight.org/conference.html
5-21-2013, 1:00-4:00 pm
Community Forum on Disability Issues
Boston City Hall, Room 900
Boston, MA
An open forum where community residents will be able to talk about their accessibility concerns and hear updates from Boston’s Disability Commissioner, department staff, and members of the Boston Disability Commission Advisory Board. Talk about the issues, share your concerns, meet others involved in the disability community, and have some refreshments. ASL, CART, wheelchair access, and large print materials are available. For more information, see the flyer or visit www.cityofboston.gov/disability. Groups of 6 or more and anyone needing individual accommodations, please contact: disability@cityofboston.gov or call 617-635-3682 or 617-635-2541 TTY.
4-14-2013
5K Walk and Roll
Quinnipiac University
North Haven, CT
Join QUPT SCI SIG of Quinnipiac University, North Haven, CT, as we raise money for spinal cord injury. Sunday, April 14 from 10:00am- 1:00pm. For more information or to register, contact info.walkandroll@gmail.com.
4-2-2013
Day of Discovery
Gaylord Hospital, CT
Meet athletes, staff and coaches already involved in adaptive sports. Get the first preview of the full 2013 Sports Association Calendar of Events and register for the sports you’re interested in for the spring and summer. Call 203-284-2772 to register. This free event is sponsored by the Sports Association and is made possible by the Gaylord Golf Classic.
3-16-2013, 6:00pm ’till the clock strikes midnight
GBC NSCIA Gala 2013
Hyatt Harborside Hotel
Boston, MA
Tickets: $100 per person- Black Tie Optional
Join the Greater Boston Chapter of the NSCIA (GBC NSCIA) as it celebrates its 21st year at the RISE Above Paralysis Gala. The event promises to be an exceptional evening, bringing together individuals with spinal cord injury, family members, health care professionals and benefactors to celebrate the work of the GBC and to honor individuals and groups who have had a positive impact on the SCI community. For more information about the event including tickets, sponsorship opportunities, etc., please visit http://www.sciboston.com/.
3-9-2013
NSCIA CT Gala
The National Spinal Cord Injury Association- Connecticut Chapter (NSCIA-CT), in collaboration with the Christopher Reeve Foundation will host the 4th Annual Twilight Gala on Saturday March 9, 2013. The event will be held at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, CT from 6:30 pm until Midnight. The Twilight Gala & Auction is a great opportunity for you and/or your company to show your support for people with spinal cord injury and disabilities. For more information on purchasing tickets, sponsorship opportunities, hotel accommodations, auction item donations, and more, please visit http://sciact.org/twilight_gala.asp.
