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

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

Did you know?

• July is Disability Pride Month! Because, in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26. Disability pride month is an opportunity for all of us in the disability community to be proud of who we are. To raise awareness, allowing us all to look at how different organizations, charities, and businesses can become more accessible to people living with long-lasting health conditions, disabilities, or mental health conditions. See the News & Events section, below, for ways to celebrate.
• Grilling is for everyone! Summer is well underway and grilling season is in full swing. Check out this USA Today review of six helpful tools for adaptive grilling. Then, invite family and friends to share the results.
• Looking for a wilderness adventure outside of Massachusetts? John Dillon Park, operated by Paul Smith’s College, is a fully accessible option in the Adirondacks. There are nine accessible lean-tos for camping and a picnic area and other spaces for day trips. Located at Tupper Lake it is just 5 hours from Brookline.

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• All Out Adventures offers a variety of outdoor recreation programs for people of all abilities. Accessible kayaking is now offered at Quinsigamond State Park in Worcester. Kayakers will paddle together in a small pod. There will be 1 hour 15-minute timeslots to allow for time to get set up and recreate on the water. Instruction, adaptive equipment, and assistance as needed is provided. Cost: $8 per participant. One guest of a program participant with a disability can attend at no charge. To register: call (413) 584-2052 or email info@alloutadventures.org.

News & Events

Celebrate Disability Pride Month and the 32 nd anniversary of the ADA in Brookline, Boston,
and beyond:

• Visit the Brookline Main Library (361 Washington Street) to view a Disability Pride display. This display highlights media made by and/or about people withdisabilities/disabled people. It shows a variety of fiction and nonfiction books and well as some DVDs that feature disabled characters. The display also contains a sample communication board and a colorblindness test.
• Test your knowledge of Disability History, Rights, and the Americans with Disabilities Act! If you get a 10/10 your name will be entered into an end of the year Raffle for a prize! https://brooklinema.gov/1514/C...
• Boston’s annual Americans with Disabilities Act celebration returns to City Hall Plaza this year on July 19 from 12:00 to 2:00. You are invited for an afternoon of food, music, a resource fair, ADA Day t-shirts, friends, and fun. Pre-registration for this years ADA Day is now open. Attendees who pre-register will have a quicker entrance into the event.
• Who are the Heroes? A History of the Disability Rights Movement *Friday, July 22 from 3 to 4 p.m. EDT. Zoom Webinar* In celebration of the 32nd anniversary of the signing of the ADA, this program explores the key moments and personalities of the disability rights movement over the past one hundred years. Participants will learn about our heroes who, through their courage and conviction, fought for equality and laid the foundation of the four "pillars"of the ADA, full participation, independent living, equality of opportunity, and economic self-sufficiency. To get the zoom link, Register for Who are the Heroes? A History of the Disability Rights Movement.

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.