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

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

Did you know?

• The Academy-Award-Winning movie, CODA, has raised awareness of discrimination and other issues people in the Deaf community often face in daily life. CODA’s win marks the first Best Picture Oscar for a film with a predominantly deaf cast, and the first win for a Deaf man (Tony Kotsur, Best Supporting Actor). If you missed it in theatres, it is streaming on both Starz and Apple TV+.
• Speaking of movies, listings on most theatre websites will indicate which showings arecaptioned, have audio-described video, etc. It may appear in the listing as: “Closed Captions Descriptive Video Service.” Many theatres, including the Coolidge Corner Theatre, also offer assistive listening devices.
• The Town of Brookline has (2) FM Assistive Listening Device Transmitter and (4) receivers that are available for public use for any Town of Brookline public meeting or event. They are located at the Public Safety Building at 350 Washington St. Users may pick up devices themselves or alert the Town employee or chairperson of the meeting or public event that they require a device for accessibility. If you need effective communication services, dial 711 and ask the operator to dial the Town's ADA Compliance Officer. If you have any questions about the Assistive Listening Devices, please contact Sarah E. Kaplan at 617-730-2329 or at skaplan@brooklinema.gov.
• If you or a household member with a disability will need extra assistance in an emergency, complete the 911 Disability Indicator Form so that the Town’s Emergency Service Personnel know how to help. If you need assistance completing this form, please contact Sarah Kaplan using the information above.

Spotlight Org

The weather is getting warmer, and school will soon be out – time to think about outdoor adventures and even vacations! Small Miracles in Life Exist (SMILE) Mass is a 501 C3 non- profit organization dedicated to helping families raising children or adults with disabilities enjoy happy, healthy memories through vacation and recreation experiences. They have a variety of adaptive equipment for families to borrow, and maintain a list of regional beaches with floating beach wheelchairs. Also check out theSMILE Mass Beach House on Cape Cod.

News & Events

• Registration is open for summer semester American Sign Language (ASL) courses offered by Deaf Inc.
• The Loring Greenough House in Jamaica Plain hosts Friday Night at the Movies beginning on May 27th with The Princess Bride. All movies will be captioned.
• On May 29th, the Massachusetts Adaptive Climbing Group is offering an adaptive climbing session for all ages and disabilities. Accommodations and equipment will help climbers with any disability get on the climbing wall.

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.