What's New
"There is no greater power than the voice of citizens who decide to be heard."
Boston Globe editorial, 2004, praising the voter registration efforts of Pine Street Inn residents.
August 25th
More than just a Primary
August 25th is the last day to register to vote and to change party enrollment for the State primaries on September 14th.
REGISTER NOW TO VOTE IN THE NOVEMBER 2ND ELECTION !!!
On November 2nd the following is at stake:
- Four candidates are running for governor
- There are many contested legislative offices
- There are three ballot questions that could have devastating consequences for human services should they pass
- Elected officials are more likely to respond to the needs and concerns of those neighborhoods that turn out on Election Day
It is critical that our voices are heard on election day - -November 2. To do that, however, you must be registered and YOU MUST VOTE!
We can have our voices heard, but only if we go to the polls! And remember, if you have moved since the last election, you must re-register. Call Jim Lyons at 978-687-4288 for more information.
NILP Presents TeenFest 2010
The Northeast Independent Living Program (NILP), a non-profit organization serving people with disabilities in the Merrimack Valley for the past 30 years, hosted its' SIXTH ANNUAL TEENFEST summer program for youth with disabilities and youth at risk.
This year, the three week program encompassed a variety of activities. During the first week, the focus was devoted to a new youth initiative called "Build-It-Yourself." Build-It-Yourself teaches youth with disabilities to use technology constructively in a unique global laboratory. The mission is to inspire, guide and prepare youth with disabilities to use technology to become the next generation of tech savvy builders. State-of-the-art Internet tools and technology, some of which were developed in collaboration with the MIT Media Lab, are used to deliver a consistent, high-quality, high-value educational experience. The uniqueness of the opportunity is the match of "Twenty Something" mentors with a disability to youth, ages 14- 22, with a disability. The week long program leads the matched team through steps to build their own computer game or web page.
During the second week of TeenFest, the staff and students of the Epic Theatre Ensemble of New York City once again partnered with NILP staff to provide a fun-filled week of theater activities for youth in the greater Merrimack Valley. Teens developed, wrote and acted in a play under the guidance of the Epic Theatre Ensemble staff. The play, entitled "THE ROAD TO SATISFACTION," was based on experiences the youth had growing up and was the result of group development and teamwork. The performance was held Friday, July 23, 2010 at the Parthum Middle School.
The summer program concluded with a week of field trips and activities designed to develop independent living skills and educate the youth on community resources.
Principal funders of TeenFest include: Essex County Community Foundation-Greater Lawrence Summer Fund, The White Fund in North Andover, the Lawrence Rotary Foundation Inc, Citi Bank Andover, Ride-Away in Londonderry NH, and John Galinato of Build-It-Yourself in Cambridge MA. A special thanks to the Lawrence School Department for the use of the Parthum School facilities and for their generosity in providing free breakfast and lunch for our youth.
7th Annual Golf Tournament for Independence
The Northeast Independent Living Program (NILP), a community based, consumer controlled non-profit organization located in Lawrence, hosted its 7th Annual Golf Tournament for Independence at Meadow Creek Golf Course in Dracut. NILP raised over $22,000 at this year’s tournament which will supplement the agency’s programs that sustained funding cuts due to the state’s fiscal crisis. Northeast Independent Living has been providing advocacy & services to people with disabilities throughout the greater Merrimack Valley for 30 years.
Accessible and Affordable Recreation Available In Massachusetts:
NILP has received information from The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (MDCR) concerning programs and events going on this summer. Check out their blog at www.everyoneoutdoors.blogspot.com to learn about adaptive recreation opportunities in Massachusetts, New England and beyond. While some programs are free and open to the public, most programs require pre-registration. Paddling, kayaking, canoeing and hiking programs have fees, with limited scholarships available. A parent or legal guardian must accompany children. Sighted guides and other reasonable accommodations are usually available upon advance request. All program participants must complete a liability waiver. To join the fun, call the numbers listed below. Here are a few highlights:
Horseback Riding - Join Windrush Farm for free horseback riding at Bradley Palmer State Park in Topsfield on Fridays August 20 and 27. To receive waivers, register and reserve a spot, call 617-626-1294.
Fishing - Universal Access works with Mass Fish and Wildlife’s Angler Education Program to offer accessible fishing. Adaptive and conventional fishing equipment is used at wheelchair accessible sites around Massachusetts. Call Jim Lagacy at 508-389-6309 for more information. Or, check MassWildlife’s Angler Education Programs on line at http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/dfweduc.htm#AEP.
Multi-Sensory Experiences at Mass Audubon’s Wildlife Sanctuaries - Twenty-one staffed wildlife sanctuaries are featured at www.massaudubon.org, your headquarters for determining the best accessible activities for you. Just click in the drop-down menu for each individual sanctuary. Then, scroll down to the address of the sanctuary on its home page and accessibility features are listed underneath the address. All Mass Audubon education staff has received formal etiquette accessibility and adaptive technologies training; the education department has created multi-sensory teaching kits for use with children.
Recently, Mass Audubon received an award from the Bay State Council of the Blind for its continued efforts to develop universally accessible nature centers and trails. Two projects, the Sensory Trail at Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary and Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, were specifically mentioned.
Sensory Trail at Mass Audubon’s Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary in Norfolk - This multi-sensory, all-persons trail with a post-and-rope trail for the visually impaired features 11 stops through varied woodland, fields, and wetland habitat. Each stop includes signage in English and Braille and there is an interpretive trail guide available in large print, Braille or for downloading to an MP3 player. Click here to go to their website where there is a great video.
Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary in Natick - An Audio tour of the All-Persons Trail can be downloaded to an MP3 player or listened to via cell phone. The spring cell phone tour is available through July. Fall tours will be available in August. Click here for more information.
In addition to these award-winners, Mass Audubon also offers accessible programming at Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport. This Center has had a long-standing relationship with the Lowell Institute for the Blind to conduct custom programs two times per year for their clients. Program offerings vary, but have included Birding by Ear and a Sensory Salt marsh Experience at Plum Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Sail Boston Harbor with Piers Park Sailing Center - The Piers Park Sailing Center, a nonprofit organization on Boston Harbor, offers a wide range of adaptive programs for youth and adults aboard Paralympic boats. Lessons are available for you to learn to be the skipper of your own vessel! The adaptive equipment is state-of-the-art and includes a sip-&-puff controlled steering system. Last year, Piers Park received the Best Disabled Sailing Program Award from US Sailing. The Center, located three blocks from the Maverick T Station in East Boston, offers membership, instruction, racing, sunset cruises, and outings for your group of 5 or more. For more info, contact maureen@piersparksailing.org. To attend free adaptive events, sign up at www.piersparksailing.org. Or, call 617.561.6677 for more information.
Adaptive Sports Program - The Dr. Charles H. Weingarten Adaptive Sports & Recreation Program is a partnership between Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and AccessSport America. The acclaimed program provides Spaulding patients, former patients, and members of the disability community with access to a range of therapeutic recreational activities. Its trained staff identifies activities ranging from windsurfing, kayaking, hand cycling to rock climbing and more that are the most appropriate for each participant, based on his or her capabilities.
The program opens in early May and runs through October. The program runs on Tuesday and Thursday in May and October, Monday through Thursday in June and September, and Monday through Friday in July and August. Summer sessions run for two hours at $20 per session with multiple session packages available. For more information visit www.spauldingrehab.org/adaptivesports or call 617-573-7104.
Power Chairs on Ice gives power wheelchair users time on the ice at state skating rinks - Power Chairs on Ice will start up in Revere, Worcester and Holyoke this summer and fall. Includes spinning, sliding and playing ball games. The program will continue year round. To register, call DCR’s Universal Access Program at 617-626-1294 or 413-545-5353.
Sailing - From June 15 to August 30, you can learn to sail and enjoy the city scenery from the Charles River with modified sailboats, adaptive support, lifeguard on duty and support launch. To register, call Community Boating at 617-523-1038 x 23.
Sail the Connecticut River on Tuesdays, from July 6 to August 10 in Bartons Cove in Gill. Explore a shallow cove on a lazy day or challenge yourself to paddle around "Eagle" Island! To register, call All Out Adventures at 413-527-8980.
A Free Canoe Program - On the following Saturdays at 11:00 am for up to three hours, July 3rd, July 17th, July 31st, Aug. 21st, and Aug. 28th.
Paddling along on a scenic New England pond, The Harold Parker State Forest is now offering a Free Canoe Program sponsored by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The park’s interpreter, Bob Anderson instructs participants on the basics of canoe handling and water safety and lead a guided paddle around one of Harold Parker’s picturesque ponds. Canoes are provided by DCR however, it is recommended that you bring sunscreen, insect repellent, water, a camera, etc. and your own life vest if you have one, otherwise one will be provided. Each program session is limited to 16 adults over the age of 18 and a mandatory pre-registration is required by calling (978)475-7972. This program will meet at the Forest Headquarters parking lot at 305 Middleton Road, North Andover, MA.
Kayaking - All Out Adventures runs kayaking programs at Walden Pond in Concord, DAR State Forest in Goshen, Douglas State Forest, Hopkinton State Park, Experience flat-water kayaking, with adaptations and support as needed, in a safe environment with a lifeguard. To register, call All Out Adventures at 413-527-8980.
Join Our Online Peer Worker Support Forum Access to 24/7 Peer Worker support!
The North East Recovery Learning Community at NILP is facilitating two online support forums specifically for people with lived experience who are working in the mental health field.
To maintain the safety and confidentiality of this forum, it has been designed as an "invitation only" forum. Also, to make sure ALL peer workers can safely and comfortably disclose ALL issues, we have
created forums both for peers who are currently supervising other peers as well as for those who are not supervising others. E-list
members are expected to have respect and regard for others, including views and opinions that differ from theirs.
This is a forum to share ideas, coping mechanisms, stress relief, general support and resources. Let's build our peer worker community!
All peer workers are welcome, including those who are at a stage in their recovery where they do not feel comfortable disclosing publicly. For those who wish, we will be glad to help you set up a free e-mail account that will ensure your anonymity.
For more information, please contact:
NE Recovery Learning Community/NILP 20 Ballard Road, Lawrence 01853
Phone: 978-687-4288 x143
Assistive Technology Exchange Program
Do you have Assistive Technology devices you no longer need and want to get rid of, or are you looking for a device such as a computer monitor or wheelchair? Well, go to the Assistive Technology Exchange at www.getatstuff.org. The goal of getATstuff is to help get assistive technology devices that are no longer being used to people who need and can benefit from them.
PCA Recruiting Resource
All of us who use personal assistance services know how difficult it can be to find the right PCA. Well now there is a service that may help in your search for PCAs. For a small fee you can now access a database of people looking for work as a PCA.
Go to www.rewardingwork.org or call 1-866-212-WORK (9675)
You can get a free trial subscription before paying to see if it is something that will be of benefit to you. If you do not have access to a computer and want us to assist you please call and ask for a Skills Specialist in the APD program.
PCA Service Agreements
Many of you may be wondering why you are asked to fill out a service agreement form for the PCA program. NILP, as your PCM (Personal Care Management) provider agency, is required by MassHealth (now known as the Office of Longterm Care) to have a copy of this assessment. Also, for people who require the assistance of a surrogate there is an additional surrogate agreement form that needs to be filled out. For those of you who have been on the program for years you will be asked to fill one out yearly. For those whose evaluations are brand new you will need to fill one out quarterly the first year and annually after that. Everyone who has a surrogate will always be required to have quarterly reviews.
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