Greater Boston Disability Task Force Meeting

The Greater Boston Disability Task Force (DTF) met on October 22, 2020 via Zoom. DTF is a network of regional disability providers who meet quarterly to exchange information and learn about emerging issues in the disability community. At this meeting three advocacy professionals provided disability policy updates regarding COVID-19.

Rick Glassman of the Disability Law Center discussed COVID -19 issues related to infection control, congregate living, hospital visitation, medical rationing, health care issues, accommodations, employment, and housing for individuals with disabilities.

Maura Sullivan of The ARC of Massachusetts addressed state budget advocacy and COVID-19 needs identified for action by the legislature and administration.

Julia Landau from Mass Advocates for Children focused on educational issues impacting students with disabilities during COVID-19.

The following informational updates and links were shared by meeting attendees:

The Arc of Massachusetts
www.thearcofmass.org/covid19
www.thearcofmass.org/advocacy

Governor Baker’s budget includes a $2,000 incentive for employment of people with disabilities. Email Sullivan@arcmass.org for more information.

The Carroll Center for the Blind
Contact marianne.gilmore@carroll.org

Disability Resource Network at Jewish Family and Children’s Service (JF&CS)
A free information and referral line: (781) 693-5640
JF&CS Services: https://www.jfcsboston.org/Our-Services/CHAI-Disability-Services

Exceptional Lives
https://www.exceptionallives.org/

Federation for Children with Special Needs
https://fcsn.org/
https://fcsn.org/mfv/special-health-needs-resources/

9th Annual Making A Difference Conference
http://wavs46.attendify.io/

Family TIES workshops
https://www.massfamilyties.org/presentation-workshops/

JVS Jewish Vocational Service
https://www.jvs-boston.org/

Connections Program- jlevenson@jvs-boston.org

Transitions to Work Program – mfleisig@jvs-boston.org

Massachusetts Advocates for Children COVID ClearingHouse
https://www.massadvocates.org/covid-clearinghouse

Mass Down Syndrome Congress
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-new-england-down-syndrome-symposium-tickets-123074159123

Open Door Arts
Drop-in art class for adults with disabilities offered by Open Door Arts in partnership with the Worcester Art Museum. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDs3ZzNntSG9QYIGDE1zz4LDFTOX39MLGZkAkAUiPCympTgA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Partners for Youth with Disabilities
https://www.pyd.org/programs/

Waypoint Adventure
https://www.waypointadventure.org/

Yachad New England
www.yachad.org/events