Massachusetts Office on Disability Bulletin - Mass.gov

Massachusetts Office on Disability Bulletin
          Learn about MOD and explore initiatives, activities, and events.

Vol. 1 Issue 2     Full & Equal Participation in All Aspects of Life for All People with Disabilities   Summer 2021

        Executive Director’s Corner
        Hello readers,

        Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Mary Mahon McCauley
        and I have been the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office on
        Disability since September of 2019. Previously, I worked for three decades
        at the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission in a variety of
        progressively responsible roles including Vocational
        Rehabilitation Counselor, Unit Supervisor, Job Placement Specialist, and
        Area Director. This information only gives you a glimpse into who I am, but I
        would like to share more about myself in this article.

        I am a white woman who has several disabilities including blindness and a
        history of substance use disorder. I have lived with a progressive eye
        disease crossing into legal blindness at age 17 and have lived a sober life
        since age 24. I grew up in a working-class neighborhood. For my entire life
        I have been passionate about individual rights and have always enjoyed
        smashing stereotypical thinking at any opportunity. I was young during
        much of the civil rights movement, an adolescent during the women’s
        liberation movement, a teenager during the early years of the disability
        rights movement, and a young adult during the height of the gay rights
        movement.

        Experiencing these human rights movements shaped me into a strong and
        conscientious advocate for equal rights among all people. My religion book
        in either second or third grade pictured a hand showing fingers of different
        colors representing that we, all people, are equal. So, I remember being
        appalled and deeply disgusted when I got older and learned that there were
        separate drinking fountains in the Southern U.S. for people who were white

or Black. As an adolescent in the late 60’s I was extremely drawn to the
feminist movement and would be ridiculed by older male relatives because
of my strong women’s rights positions on multiple issues. Experiencing
these movements taught me about my own white privilege and how the
intersection of my different identities is important and unique to who I am.
As MOD continues to move forward into the 2020’s, please know that I will
use my lifelong passionate belief in human rights and social justice to lead
MOD into the future. I will intentionally promote MOD’s vision to increase
access, inclusion, and opportunities for people with disabilities in all other
communities. Part of my focus is, and will continue to be, highlighting and
helping address racial inequities within the disability community.

My bottom line is that the playing field must be even so that all individuals
have equal rights and respect. People with disabilities exist in all
communities and we should continue to find ways to connect to one
another. Together we are better, and the best road to unity is diversity.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) and Belonging
at MOD
As a government agency that interacts with other state agencies,
municipalities, and members of the public, we are aware that we have a
responsibility to lead by example. We recognize that there are deeply
ingrained systemic disparities that disproportionately negatively impact and
oppress communities of color. For this reason, among many others, MOD
has made a concerted effort to focus both externally and internally on
several diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

MOD primarily serves individuals with disabilities, and entities/organizations
that serve people with disabilities directly or indirectly. However, one of our
agency priorities is to ensure that we are able to hold space for
intersectionality and meet the needs of people with disabilities who are also
people of color. This is why we have adapted our programs/services to
include DEI priorities, created an internal DEI committee, and work daily to
create a workplace that is welcoming, supportive, tolerant, and
accommodating to all. This requires lifelong learning, flexibility, and
commitment to change individually and systematically.

Check out the following Disability Etiquette tips to learn a little more about
how to create a welcoming space for people with disabilities:

   1. Practice person-first language by putting the individual before their
      disability. Say: person with a disability. Skip: Disabled person.
   2. Ask someone if they want assistance. Do not assume or act without
      consent.
   3. Never move, touch, or hang on an individual’s assistive equipment.
   4. Always interact with an individual directly, rather than their interpreter
      or companion (unless requested).
   5. Refrain from indulging in negative or stereotypical assumptions of
      people.

Meet Our New General Counsel: Julia O’Leary
Julia joined MOD as General Counsel in April. She
brings 7 years of experience as an attorney with the
Executive Branch, having served most recently as
Director of Labor Relations and Deputy General
Counsel for the Executive Office of Energy and
Environmental Affairs. Julia has a JD from University
of Wisconsin Law School, and a BA in Sociology
and French Studies from Smith College.

Julia grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, where she first
got involved with disability rights working at
nonprofits that advocated for inclusive housing and
employment for people with disabilities. She
interned with the Wisconsin Protection and
Advocacy agency throughout law school.

Julia is looking forward to marrying her passion for disability rights with her
experience as an Executive Branch lawyer in her role as General Counsel
at MOD. As General Counsel, Julia will advise the agency on all legal
matters, including ethics, public records law, procurement, legislation,
regulations, and employment law matters.

Spotlight: Enjoy Summer Sun with the Universal
Access Program
In an effort to expand accessibility and equal access, MOD is highlighting
organizations statewide that serve the disability community in creative
ways. This summer, we are spotlighting the Massachusetts Department of
Conservation and Recreation’s Universal Access Program (UAP):
www.mass.gov/orgs/universal-access-program.

Whether you are enjoying a park, playground, or a day at the beach,
accessibility and equal access are main priorities. The UAP has created
several indoor and outdoor accessible recreation opportunities including
programs at pools, skating rinks, and outdoor events such as hiking and
boating to work towards equal access for all.

Fancy a hike? The UAP has designed accessible paved rail trails and
hiking trails throughout MA state parks. These trails are typically less than
one mile in length and have been cleared of large rocks and protruding tree
roots. Find a complete list of accessible trails here: www.mass.gov/info-
details/accessible-trails.

If you’re not into hiking, consider exploring other adaptive programming
offered by independent organizations at Department of Conservation and
Recreation locations. These supported programs have their own
requirements and release forms. Contact the providing organization for
more information. Learn more about adaptive program schedules and
COVID-19 updates here: www.mass.gov/info-details/adaptive-program-
schedule.

After months of social distancing and time indoors, it’s a breath of fresh air
to be able to get outside and enjoy nature. UAP Program Director Thomas
McCarthy understands how important this is, stating that the Department of
Conservation and Recreation “hopes you will visit our parks this summer
and enjoy many of the treasures of Massachusetts natural, historical, and
cultural resources.”

Encouraging Independent Living in Your
Community: MOD Grant Programs
Personal Emergency Preparedness Program

Since 2007, MOD has been awarded federal funding through the state’s
Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to provide personal
emergency preparedness trainings to the disability community. The
Personal Emergency Preparedness Program offers individuals with
disabilities the opportunity to learn about how to personally prepare for
emergency situations.
Through this program, MOD hosts trainings across the state that allow the
disability community, first responders, and emergency planners to discuss
how to best plan for emergencies in consideration of the unique needs of
individuals with disabilities. Members of the disability community learn
about the personal steps that can be taken to prepare for different
emergency situations with the use of planning guides and resources. They
also receive an emergency Go-Pack that contains emergency rations of
water, a first aid kit, 14 in 1 multi-tool, emergency (no batteries required)
flashlight/radio/cellphone charger/noisemaker, personal hygiene products,
and many more items. In addition to learning about the disability related
needs within their community, local first responders attending these
meetings receive the acclaimed document, “TIPS for First Responders,”
developed by University of New Mexico Health System that offers tips for
interacting with various populations within the disability community. The
resources provided and the group discussions that are held result in
educating individuals with disabilities, their families and support staff.
Similarly, community responders learn about needs for the community and
available resources that help them plan for and react to disasters that can
occur in the Commonwealth.
The first portion of the training includes an overview of how the government
responds to emergencies, best practices for emergency response, and
which state-level services are available to support individuals with
disabilities during emergencies. The training and materials also provide an
overview of the 911 operating system, the 911 disability indicator form, and
911 silent call procedures. In addition, the training discusses the Ping 4
Alerts emergency communication system and the Massachusetts 2-1-1
Information Portal, which during emergencies partners with the

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency to provide clear and
critical information about the emergency. The training discusses the
protocols and procedures of emergency shelters and the rights and
protections of individuals with disabilities in these circumstances. First
responders have the opportunity to discuss local emergency efforts which
are typically part of the initial response during an emergency.
The second portion of the training focuses on individual and family personal
preparedness. Participants review a workbook that includes items to
consider when planning for all types of emergencies, large or small, with
space to write important information and details about one’s needs. There
is also a discussion of the File of Life program, which is used in many
communities. It is a product that allows users to memorialize important up
to date medical, supply, and contact information that can be easily shared
with first responders. The training then shifts to reviewing the contents of
the Go-Packs, which are free to attendees. The training concludes with a
discussion of other necessary items that should be considered within a
personalized emergency plan.
Once the COVID-19 pandemic struck, MOD adapted the training to work in
an all-virtual format. Also, MOD continuously updates the training materials
to reflect and include important information about the COVID-19 virus, the
Massachusetts reopening plans and guidance, and important information
about accessing the vaccine. The COVID-19 information comes from both
the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Massachusetts Department
of Public Health (DPH). Additionally, MOD has added some personal
protection equipment (PPE) such as masks and hand sanitizer to the Go-
Packs. Since the pandemic, MOD has successfully held 31 virtual trainings,
interacting with over 1,000 community members, and delivered 971 Go-
Packs to the attending individuals with disabilities. As the Commonwealth
begins to relax some of the COVID-19 restrictions and precautions, MOD
has begun to plan emergency preparedness meetings with a hybrid focus.
MOD is focused on continuing to provide this important training to members
of the disability community throughout Massachusetts, particularly targeting
remote areas and historically marginalized communities. If you are
interested in learning more about the Personal Emergency Preparedness
Training Program or want to discuss hosting one in your area please
contact Evan George at Evan.George@mass.gov and visit MOD’s
Emergency Preparedness program’s webpage
www.mass.gov/mod/prepare.

Municipal ADA Improvement Grant Program
The Municipal ADA Improvement Grant Program is administered by MOD
and is a competitive grant program that seeks to improve access to
services, programs, and activities in municipalities across the
Commonwealth. The program funds two types of grants. The first is a
Planning Grant that helps fund the development or update of a
municipality’s ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan. The second is a
Project Grant that assists municipalities with the removal of architectural or
communication barriers that have been identified within their Self-
Evaluation and Transition Plans. MOD currently has $2 million available to
fund such projects for FY22 and will begin accepting applications for the
FY22 cycle in August 2021.
While the COVID-19 pandemic presented recent challenges in
administering the grant, MOD was still very successful in achieving its
stated goals for the grant. Through partnering with the Executive Office for
Administration and Finance and the municipal officials of awarded
municipalities, MOD was able to offer limited extensions to FY20 awardees
who were significantly and directly impacted by the COVID-19 state of
emergency. The FY20 grants that were approved for an extension were
extended to June 30, 2021. The FY21 cycle ran concurrently and will not
be extended.
The FY20 cycle was MOD’s largest yet in terms of total number of awarded
grants. Of the 50 grants awarded, roughly half were for each type of grant.
These awards account for more than $1,900,000 being given back to local
communities throughout the Commonwealth. Examples of funded projects
included improving existing entrances and ramps, installing auto-door
openers at town halls, libraries, and senior centers, making ADA compliant
bleachers at sporting stadiums, installing accessible swing chairs at a
playground, and financing communication devices to assist people who are
deaf or hard of hearing when attending, listening, and participating at public
meetings.
In FY21 38 grants were awarded. While the number of grants awarded
was smaller in number than in FY20 the same amount of money was
granted and given back to local communities. Projects that were funded in
FY21 included wheelchair lifts in historic city hall buildings and accessible
trails accompanied by accessible fitness equipment. To highlight MOD’s

commitment as an agency to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion,
the FY21 cycle of the grant award process stressed criteria related to this
commitment when selecting awardees.
Looking forward, MOD is currently preparing to begin accepting
applications for the FY22 cycle of the grant beginning on August 2nd and
closing on October 1st. The program has another $2 Million to award in
grants. MOD continues to consider diversity, equity, and inclusion in the
evaluation of grant requests by using and continually developing
measurable criteria by which we can ensure equitable dispersion of grants
and funding to historically marginalized communities. With the continued
support from our partners in state and local government, MOD is excited to
continue this program that so closely aligns with our mission to promote the
equal and full participation in all aspects of life for individuals with
disabilities living in the Commonwealth.
To learn more about this program contact Karl Bryan:
Karl.Bryan@Mass.Gov.
Visit our Municipal ADA Improvement Grant Program page:
www.mass.gov/municipal-americans-with-disabilities-act-grant.
Review annual reports: www.mass.gov/disability-publications-and-
resources.

Massachusetts Office on Disability Events

MOD hosts various trainings, events, and other programming related to
disability civil rights, equal access, and opportunity. Learn more and
explore below!

LevelUP to Equality Webinar
MOD’s LevelUp to Equality is a quarterly webinar series held via Zoom that
focuses on specific topics related to equal access and opportunity for
people with disabilities. LevelUp is open to state government agencies,
municipal employees, commissions on disability, and any other members of
the general public.

     Outdoor Dining LevelUP Webinar:
     Our first webinar shared information on organizational

responsibilities by dining establishments in order to ensure equal
      access for all patrons. To encourage collaboration, there was a
      question/answer session for the audience at the end of the
      presentation. Watch the webinar here: Outdoor Dining webinar

      Effective Communication LevelUP Webinar:
      MOD’s second webinar explored a definition of effective
      communication obligations, an overview of potential scenarios in
      which effective communication should be considered, and ways in
      which entities can meet their obligations to provide effective
      communications and auxiliary aids. Watch the webinar here:
      Effective Communication webinar
Disability Disclosure in Employment Series
Nervous about disclosing your disability? Join MOD’s Client Assistance
Program (CAP) for one of its interactive Disability Disclosure in
Employment Workshops over Zoom. This 3-part series explores key
employment topics under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act:
Disclosure, Reasonable Accommodation, and Disability Discrimination.
During the workshops, participants run through exercises that help them
think through discussing their disability with an employer at different stages
of the employment process. These free workshops are held monthly and in
small groups to create a more intimate setting where participants feel
comfortable asking questions and sharing their experiences.
Part 1, Deciding to Disclose, wrapped up for individual registration in June.
However, small groups can request this workshop at
ContactCAPMA@mass.gov.
Part 2 of the series, Reasonable Accommodations, launched in July and
will run during August, September, and October.
Part 3, Disability Discrimination in Employment is scheduled to launch in
the winter. Interested in learning more or signing up? Check out the
Disability Disclosure in Employment Series webpage.

Disability Summit: Reasonable Accommodations and
Socialization in a Virtual World
The Massachusetts Office on Disability hosted our annual Summit on
March 4, 2021. We covered a wide range of topics including assistive
technology resources, vocational rehabilitation resources, and ADA
updates related to COVID-19. Additional topics included accessible library
resources, working in the Black community and unfinished business, and
promoting health and wellness during a pandemic. Watch the summit here:
MOD Summit

Contact MOD

Phone: 617-727-7440                             @MassDisability

Toll Free: 800-322-2020                         MOD Blog

Fax: 617-727-0965                               MOD YouTube Channel

Address:
Massachusetts Office on Disability
One Ashburton Place
Room 1305
Boston, MA 02108

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