23rd Annual Legislative Breakfast
Download the 2010 Program
23rd Annual Legislative Breakfast
Friday, May 14, 2010
9:00 to 11:30 AM
8:30 AM Registration
Salem Waterfront Hotel and Suites
225 Derby St., Salem, Massachusetts
Download Flyer
Twenty Years of ADA: Where Are We and Next Steps
In 1990 President George H.W. Bush signed civil rights legislation for those of us living with disabilities known as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We are approaching the ADA's twenty year anniversary and still there are many individuals of all ages with disabilities who want to work and cannot find employment. Many are living with disabilities who still struggle to obtain transportation, access to state and local government activities, services and events including voting access. Many businesses still are not accessible in our communities.
People with disabilities and seniors are concerned about our future access to community long term services and supports. We want our civil rights fully implemented under the ADA and Olmstead decision of 1999. Join with us and our municipal, state and federal government Leaders from the North Shore and Cape Ann to focus on where we have come in 20 years and our next steps. Presentation of Awards for Independent Living Advocacy will also occur. ASL and CART will be available for communication accommodations.
Suggested donation:
$10 for people with disabilities and their PCA,
$20 for people without disabilities.
Awards
Leavitt Award for Lifetime Achievement
ILCNSCA presented the 2010 Leavitt Award for Lifetime Achievement to Lloyd Caswell of Marblehead.
In the early 80's, Lloyd was an advocate along with his friends in the North Shore Self-Help Group, the group that eventually founded the Independent Living Center of the North Shore and Cape Ann, Inc. He was employed for many years in the bookkeeping department of Rich's Department Store in Salem before its closure and later worked at Wal-Mart. Lloyd is currently Co-chair of the Marblehead Disabilities Commission and has been a long time Commission member. In addition to his work on the Disabilities Commission, he is an active contributor on the Ft. Sewall Oversight Committee, with the Marblehead Council on Aging, and with many other civic organizations. Lloyd personifies independent living and continues to be a positive role model in the disabled community.
Adrien Award
The first 2010 Adrien Award for Outstanding Advocacy was presented to Carol Menton from the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Carol was nominated by Susan Flanagan, of the New England Home for the Deaf in Danvers. Ms. Flanagan described Carol as "the very best example of a truly devoted advocate. Carol has a wonderful rapport with New England Home for the Deaf residents and staff alike. She is devoted not only to the residents, but also to the needs of our staff as well. She goes the extra mile every time, and is never too busy to help despite the wide circle of agencies and individuals she serves." Carol's reputation is that of a dedicated advocate who has vast knowledge about disability benefits and services.
The second 2010 Adrien Award for Outstanding Advocacy was presented to the Lynn Disability Commission Planning Committee for their efforts in planning and advocating in Lynn for a Disability Commission, an advisory committee to the Mayor on disability issues.
On April 27, 2010 a year's worth of efforts resulted in the City Council adopting MGL (Massachusetts General Law) Chapter 40, Sec. 8J which is the basic law that allows for the establishment of a Disability Commission. ILCNSCA views this as a great accomplishment, not only for the planning committee but also for the City of Lynn, one of the only local communities that did not have disability commission.
Members of the Lynn Disability Commission Planning Committee being honored are: Mary Dennesen, Steven Hunter, Sarah MacIsaac, MaryAnn Murray, Karen Nicholl-Bunting, and Jack Suslak.
Distinguished Employer of the Year Award
Market Basket in Gloucester was the recipient of the 2010 Distinguished Employer of the Year Award for their efforts to recruit, hire and promote employees with disabilities. Market Basket was nominated by Loretta Sullivan of Community Enterprises Inc., who applauded this grocery store's willingness recruit and hire employees who have various disabilities, to provide necessary training, and to accommodate employees to enable full immersion into the employment culture. Managers Kevin Bolduc and Lisa Griffin were named as exemplary employees that make Market Basket in Gloucester a Distinguished Employer.
