Disability Connection

Maura K. Sullivan, Director of Government Affairs at the Arc of Massachusetts, joins Walter Noons to discuss House Bill H. 4026, also known as “Nicky’s Law”. The bill is currently before the Massachusetts House of Representatives and if signed into law would establish a registry of caretakers found to have substantiated claims of abuse against a person with an intellectual or developmental disability.

David Correia, Advocacy Director and Ashley Starr, Community Transition Coordinator of the MetroWest Center for Independent Living discuss barriers to employment for persons with disabilities.

Discussion of the Disabled Persons Protection Commission’s (DPPC) Sexual Assault Response Unit (SARU) with Attorney Susan Vickers, Director, and Peer Support Leaders, Patricia Quatieri, and, Leigh-Ann Barry.

DLC Staff Attorney Caitlin Parton talks about the challenges facing persons who are deaf or hard of hearing in accessing services from medical providers, in public accommodations and in housing.

Host, Walter Noons, is joined by DLC's new Executive Director, Marlene Sallo. Marlene talks about her background, what brought her to DLC, and her vision for the organization.

Host, Walter Noons interviews Jamie Sabino, Staff Attorney at Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) and Co-Manager of the Civil Legal Aid to Victims of Crime (CLAVC) Initiative. They discuss how persons who have been victims of crime may receive free legal assistance in civil matters, such as eviction, divorce, etc., when the civil matter arises from the crime.

Host, Walter Noons interviews Interim Executive Director, Florette Willis and Advocate, Daniela Depina of the Multicultural Independent Living Center of Boston. They discuss the services MILCB provides to the community in the areas of Housing, Special Education, Health Care, Employment and Peer Support.   They also talk about the upcoming Holiday Toy Drive.

Host, Walter Noons, interviews DLC Senior Attorney Svetlana Uimenkova to discuss PABSS (Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security) program. Svetlana explains Work Incentives such as the Ticket to Work program which can help SSI and SSDI beneficiaries return to work while maintaining their benefits.

Host Walter Noons is joined by Disability Law Center's Senior Staff Attorney, Linda Landry to discuss ABLE savings plans (Achieving a Better Life Experience).  These plans can offer an opportunity for individuals with disabilities to save for disability-related expenses.

Host Walter Noons interviews Skadden Fellow and DLC Attorney Colleen Shea to discuss “zero tolerance” in schools, the “school to prison pipeline” and how this negatively impacts students with special needs.