Access Brookline: Aug. 2022 Accessibility-Related News, Events & Info

BROOKLINE, MA — The following article was submitted by the Brookline Commission on Disability (BCOD).

Did you know?

Brookline resident Denise Brody published “Looking For Talent? Find Out How To Hire Disabled Workers” in Forbes magazine on July 27. She emphasizes “invisible” neurodivergent disabilities, but the list of resources included covers many categories of disability. Read it here. Denise is also the author of the 2007 book, The Elephant in the Playroom: Ordinary Parents Write Intimately and Honestly About the Extraordinary Highs and Heartbreaking Lows of Raising Kids with Special Needs, which can be located on Amazon.

Spotlight Org

• The Arc of Massachusetts works to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, and their families, via advocacy for community supports and services that foster social inclusion, self-determination, and equity across all aspects of society. In collaboration with other disability nonprofits,The Arc been holding 2022 Virtual Disability Forums. You may have missed the forum with Candidates for Attorney General on August 11, but there’s still time to participate in the forum with Candidates for Governor on Thursday, September 8, 6:00 - 7:00PM. When you register, you can submit a question for the candidates to address. Click here for more info on the Forums, and for voting resources. For info on voting in Brookline, for the Sept 6 primary and beyond, click here.

News & Events

• Do you take the MBTA Orange line for travels beyond Brookline? Well, during the Orange Line shutdown August 19 to September 19, special accommodations will be made for riders with disabilities. See page 11 of the Rider's Guide to Planning Ahead.
• Save the date: after a two year hiatus courtesy of COVID, the Brookline Day festival is back, and this year will take place on Sept 18 in Coolidge Corner, a location generally more accessible than Lars Anderson Park. See here.
• Trying to plan an end-of-summer or autumn trip in New England? The state of Vermont Chamber of Commerce annual Inspiration Guide lists accessible outdoor destinations (on pages 42-43), and the lodging & dining guide indicates accessible accommodations with a WC icon. See here.
• In July, the U.S. Dept. of Transportation issued an Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights, a useful overview with links to more detailed info. When flying via Logan airport, consult Massport’s ADA Compliance and Accessibility page to find out how you will be accommodated. If you’re in the mood for a horror story or just want to know more about what’s at stake, check out “Airlines mishandle thousands of wheelchairs each year. These New Englanders want you to know how that puts them at risk” here.

Join Us!

BCOD meets monthly, typically on the 2nd Wednesday at 5:30 pm. The public is always welcome! Check the town calendar 48 hours in advance to see the agenda and info on how to participate: www.brooklinema.gov/calendar.aspx.