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

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

Did You Know?

• October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)! Established by President Truman in 1945 it was the first step in promoting the right to equal employment for all Americans. The Department of Labor has some great suggestions for honoring NDEAM, many of which can be done at any time of year. Try hosting a Disability Mentoring Day to promote career development for youth with disabilities through hands-on programs, job shadowing, and ongoing mentoring. The American Association of People with Disabilities offers information to assist you in implementing a Disability Mentoring Day. It’s a great place to start!
• The MBTA has a Mobility Center! The Mobility Center, located in Boston at 1000 Massachusetts Ave, is the place to explore accessible transit options and other community transport resources. Visit in person or get help by calling 617-337-2727. To learn more about what the MBTA is doing to make transit more accessible go to mbta.com/accessibility.

Spotlight Organization

• JAN is the Job Accommodation Network. Sponsored by the US Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, JAN is the number one source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on job accommodations and disability employment issues. JAN offers information and practical advice for employers and employees alike. Find out more here.

News and Events

• Fall is here! Pumpkin spice, cider doughnuts, apple picking, and don’t forget – raking leaves and trimming hedges! This is especially important because overgrown hedges and shrubs cause serious sidewalk obstruction. Obstructed sidewalks are dangerous for people in wheelchairs, people who use crutches or other assistive mobility items, and people pushing strollers or baby carriages. Check out the town’s sidewalk obstruction flyer for more information.
• Webinar: Person-Centered Conversations on Employment. October 19, 2022 @ 3:00 PM. This webinar co-hosted by the National Center on Advancing Person-Centered Practices and Systems (NCAPPS) and the State Employment Leadership Network (SELN). Guided, person-centered conversations around employment can help people who use Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) make their own informed decisions about work and discover employment possibilities and understand the options that exist.
• Accessibility in a Digital World. October 27, 2022, @ 1:00 PM. Sponsored by the Massachusetts Office of Disability (MOD) as part of their daylong Disability Summit. Hear from Lainey Feingold, a disability rights lawyer, author, and pioneer in both the digital accessibility legal space and in collaborative problem-solving. Learn from Lainey about how to make the digital world an inclusive space for people with disabilities. Registration will provide a Zoom link.
• The Boston Disability Commission is hiring! Accepting applications for an Architectural Access Specialist works to reduce architectural barriers within the City of Boston as an integral part of furthering the mission of the Commission on Persons with Disabilities. The Architectural Access Specialist works closely with architects, developers, and City departments. Read the full job description for more information.

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.