Jo Ann's Cardinal Cushing Centers Blog

Cardinal Cushing Centers' Simons wins book award

2012-01-30T06:40:00.000-08:00

Cardinal Cushing Centers' Simons wins book award

Collaboratives try to Distract the Legislature by Focusing on C766 Schools.

2012-01-10T08:30:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Larry Sauer, Guest Blogger

Vice President for Student Program and Services

Cardinal Cushing Centers

In recent months Educational Collaboratives have been under a great deal of scrutiny because a few collaborative directors have taken advantage of the lack of regulation and financial accountability to enrich themselves at the expense of special education students. Like our Chapter 766 schools, Cardinal Cushing School and St. Coletta’s Day School, Educational Collaboratives serve school districts by providing special education services to low incident populations as well as provide districts with a variety of other services including transportation, IT services, and Medicaid Reimbursement services. Unlike our schools, Educational Collaboratives have been largely unregulated and financially unaccountable.

The concerns uncovered by the State Auditor’s Office at the Merrimac Educational Collaborative and a few other collaboratives have brought this lack of regulation and accountability to the attention of the legislature and they are in the process of taking action to increase regulations and accountability for the collaboratives. Senate Bill 2101, which will be taken up in the Senate today is intended to address the recent scandal involving the alleged misuse of millions of taxpayer dollars by officials of the Merrimack Education Collaborative. The bill will provide badly needed oversight of the governance and financial activities of education collaboratives to assure public accountability and transparency.

Unfortunately, the collaboratives are fighting back against these efforts by trying to shift the legislature’s focus away from the collaboratives and on to schools like ours. Two proposed amendments, 13 and 14 to Senate 2101 are stacked against C766 schools like ours. The proposed amendments seek to direct attention away from the lack of accountability in education collaboratives and, instead, conduct reviews of C766 schools by commissions dominated by education collaboratives and public schools.

There are a number of problems with the proposed amendments:

• Amendment 13 calls for a study of the effectiveness of C766 schools, collaboratives and public schools by a commission dominated by collaboratives and public schools, but with not one representative from C766 schools.

• Amendment 14 calls for a review of the tuition setting process and salaries in C766 schools by a different commission with 14 members – and only one representative from C766 schools.

• Amendment 14 calls for the commission to obtain input from groups ranging from education collaboratives and human service providers – but not from C766 schools.

We urge you and all families, school staff, Boards of Directors, and advocates to call your State Senator today to ask them not to support amendments 13 and 14 to Senate bill 2101 sponsored by Senator’s Tarr and Baddour.

Sorry I Have Been Away

2011-12-13T14:23:00.000-08:00

It has been over a month since my last blog entry and it is not because there has been nothing to say, it's just that I have been busy and didn't know what to say. Today, I saw this photo and I knew that I had to share it with you because it reminds me that we all have gifts. As you hurry through this holiday season, I hope you carry with you this message-some gifts can't be bought, they are gifts from the heart.

New post on Zeh Lezeh (For One Another)

2011-10-31T07:11:00.000-07:00

From time to time, I am a guest blogger for the Ruderman Family Foundation. Here is my entry on today's blog.
Guest Blogger: Jo Ann Simons, CEO, Cardinal Cushing Centers

I’ve been asking myself this question each time I read about cloud computing in the pages of the business section and have no idea what it means. But I knew I needed to solve the mystery when I was asked to participate this fall in a conference at the Coleman Institute at the University of Colorado. With the title “Implications of Cloud Computing for Residential Support and Service for People with Disabilities,” the gathering will bring together service providers, consumers and advocates, technologists, law and policy specialists.

What have I learned? Enough to know that the cloud is going to be a game-changer – indeed a universe-changer -- for people with disabilities. If we think the IPad was revolutionary (and I do believe it was), we’ve seen nothing yet.

Imagine, the cloud will mean that each person with a disability will have a unique identifier (stored in the cloud) so that every time the person accesses their mobile phone, PDA, notebook, laptop, netbook, computer or any device with a screen (Metro card ticket machines, ATM machines, etc), the interface will look the same because the user will be identified and the font, size, colors and layout will look the way that works best for them.

A visually impaired person will see the size and color that best suits them and the volume will be set just for them. A person with a cognitive disability will see the same screen layout each time they access technology.

And the cloud is coming closer every day. There’s already an international initiative, the Global Public Inclusive Infrastructure (GPII) that’s planning to inform the public and work with government regulators, to shape cloud policy. For example, they’re already shaping how people with disabilities will access all forms of technology in a way that will make sense to each and every user.

All this is just the beginning. As budget pressures continue to mount and in-person supports may be cut back, we must all find less labor-intensive ways to provide services. The cloud will go a long way in helping people with disabilities become more independent as they stay connected to what’s an increasingly virtual support system.

-- Jo Ann Simons

Brian Skotko Remembers Allen Crocker

2011-10-25T06:52:00.000-07:00

I miss him so much already. While October 23, 2011, marked the end of Dr. Allen Crocker’s profound life, it triggered the official beginning of his timeless legacy. He was a lover and a healer, a poet and a dreamer, a fighter and a defender. He was our buddy, whether we knew him personally or not.

When I arrived in Boston for medical school, I was determined to know him. I had heard him speak at national conferences before, but this was my chance to really meet the legend in our Down syndrome movement. After my parents had dropped me off—and before all of my bags were unpacked—I walked to his office at Children’s Hospital Boston, but what I didn’t realize was that Allen would quickly become my mentor, my colleague, and, most preciously, my friend.

He taught me you get when you give. No sooner had I begun medical school, Allen was driving me to Board meetings for the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress. Me, a Board member? Allen showed me that while my classes at Harvard Medical School were important, richer lessons were to be found in this non-profit, parent-driven organization. For the past ten years, I have learned more from the families of the MDSC than I will ever be able to repay. As I sat by his bedside during some of his final days, Allen still asked me how the “boys and girls of the MDSC” were doing. He never believed that doctors should be stuck in hospitals.

He taught me to be unsatisfied. Our friends with Down syndrome deserved to have their mysteries unlocked, so Allen would push me to find the answers. I would arrive at his office regularly at 7:30 a.m., prompt, to share my far-flung ideas about projects that I was considering. Allen told me that I was not crazy. In fact, I was not crazy enough. He prompted my research trip to Spain because he knew—before I did—that the journey would be formative. Allen remained my research mentor since that first project, and during my last visit to his bedside, I shared with him three papers that were six years in the making. He helped shape this project, and I told him that I would keep asking questions.

He reminded me to believe in myself. Life cannot be scripted. Allen knew that, and I think, preferred that. But, sometimes, I wish I could have avoided certain dramatic scenes in my own life. I remember that after sharing one tough day with Allen, he told me that I must meet him at a local Dunkin Donuts. Right there, on napkins, he sketched out for me his view of the situation. And, then, he looked me in the eye and told me that I was special. I needed that, no matter how much validation I might have found elsewhere. Allen taught me that our most graceful moments in life could be found during the most trying times.

He told me to seek unexpected cheer. Every so often, Allen would meet with me to review my career plans. I would write down some goals that I would hope to accomplish within the next year or so. Yet, after we got through those items quickly, he would ask me about more important life goals. He seemed more pleased when I told him that I was trying to learn Spanish, that I liked to make cold soups, and that my wife, Carrie, and I were taking dance lessons. And, he was right: my academic accomplishments will always pale in comparison to these private goals. Carrie and I still remember with great fondness when Allen, unannounced and unexpectedly, took to the podium at our wedding and reminded us all of the importance of “good cheer.”

And so, today, I have the remarkable privilege of working as a physician in the Down Syndrome Program at Children’s Hospital Boston, a program and a place where Allen shared his wisdom and his heart for decades. And, it is already here on a weekly basis that I see his legacy at work. They may not all know it, but children with Down syndrome have more opportunities today because of Allen. Parents have fewer battles to fight because Allen tore down walls. Grandparents play leading roles because Allen understood them to be central figures in family life. Brothers and sisters become advocates because Allen established precedents.

He would be the first to remind us that we all need to “carry on.” I will. We must. And, he will be right there with us.

.

Family Weekend

2011-10-03T07:04:00.000-07:00

Our first ever Family Weekend was beyond expectation. The weather cooperated, the food was terrific as always ( who will forget the Italian block party on Friday night where we had dinner under the twinkling lights with music in the background), to the desert reception where the beta version of our new web site was revealed and the Transition workshop topped off our open houses, an assembly and demonstrations.

Saturday, the Shut up Sisters had us laughing until our stomachs hurt, the Harvest Festival delivered it's usual day of fun and food, our flag football and cheering teams had their qualifying event and the day was topped off by the student and alumni dance.

To end the weekend with a Confirmation Mass was a blessing to our community.

Many pictures were taken, here are the ones from my camera

Asperger’s: By Any Name Deserving Early and Effective Treatment

2011-09-20T07:15:00.000-07:00

I am a guest blogger for Ruderman Family Foundation blog, "Zeh Lezah". This translates from the Hebrew to that we are all "responsible for one another". Here is my first entry as a gust blogger. To become a subscriber to this very intersting blog, follow this link:
http://zehlezeh.wordpress.com/

Guest blogger Jo Ann Simons, President/CEO Cardinal Cushing Centers, Hanover, MA

In less than two years, The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) will be published by the American Psychiatric Association. This detailed book functions as a bible for countless physicians and other health care professionals, as well as government, insurance and legal agencies. Clinicians worldwide use it to diagnose and develop treatment plans and options for mental illnesses and disabilities. But this edition, the 5th, brings with it a huge change: eliminating Asperger’s syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder as separate diagnosis. Instead, both diagnoses will be considered an unnamed subset of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Of course change is rarely greeted with complete enthusiasm and these plans are no exception. Some advocates feel the new definition of Autism Spectrum Disorder is too broad and many within the Asperger’s community prefer being separate from the general autism category. Still others believe it will lead to earlier identification of individuals with what is now called Asperger’s and this in turn will lead to earlier and more effective services. Professionals, too, are divided on the potential impact of this change, with proponents arguing it will give more freedom to physicians to make a diagnosis and greater latitude to decide the best course of treatment on a case-by-case basis.

Here at the Cardinal Cushing Centers, we welcome any change that leads to earlier identification and intervention which in turn leads to improved lives and outcomes for people with disabilities. Although it’s too early to assess the impact of this change and the debate is certain to continue over the next two years and well beyond, there is one other planned change in DSM-5 that we can all get behind: changing the diagnostic term “mental retardation” to “intellectual disability.” This will bring the DSM criteria into alignment with terminology used by other disciplines and organizations and serve as a potent reminder that this disability deserves the consideration and respect of every other one.

– Jo Ann Simons

Cushing Family Member Throwing Out Ceremonial First Pitch Tonight

2011-09-15T06:58:00.000-07:00

DUXBURY, Mass. -- A longtime employee of VERC Enterprises is warming up in the bullpen. John Burgess has been selected to throw out the first pitch at the Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park

tonight and I will be there!!! Join the pre-game show and look for John.

Burgess works at the VERC Pembroke Mobil location stocking the shelves and cooler, and providing general maintenance. Nestle Water is honoring Burgess, one of 40 disabled/challenged employees at VERC, with the chance to take the mound based on his 19 years of service to VERC and his love for his hometown baseball team.

Burgess will get an up-close chance to see his favorite player David Ortiz from a seat of honor. Joining him at the game will be his girlfriend, his father and Richard Cleary, manager of the VERC Pembroke Mobil store.

"We're absolutely thrilled that John will have a chance to throw the first pitch at what should be a great game," said Leo Vercollone, president of VERC Enterprises. "John is a valued employee who always comes to work with a smile on his face -- I have a feeling that smile will be bigger than ever following [the Sept. 15] Red Sox game."

VERC Enterprises is well known for reaching out the disabled community. Earlier this summer the c-store operators -- with locations in Eastern Massachusetts and New Hampshire -- hit its goal of having 20 percent of its workforce made up of disabled and/or challenged individuals, as CSNews Online previously reported.

Member of Cardinal Cushing Family Throwing Out Ceremonial First Pitch#.TnIC7VRmZDY.blogger

2011-09-15T06:56:00.000-07:00

VERC Employee Throwing Out Ceremonial First Pitch#.TnIC7VRmZDY.blogger

Noah Picked the Winning Number

2011-09-14T10:07:00.000-07:00

So, you all see that it was a fair drawing, here is a picture of Noah and Donna a member of the teaching staff. Here is what Noah wrote:

Today I got chosen to choose a number from a bucket for the President of our school I felt honored being chosen for this especially since I am a new student. It made me feel welcome here. I number I chose was...32!

You Did It!!!

2011-09-13T16:25:00.000-07:00

I promised that I would give away an Ipod shuffle when I reached 50 followers on my blog and we are at 50.I will assign each of you a number between 1 and 50. Tomorrow, I will put numbers 1-50 in a bag-shake it up and have a student pull one out. I will notify the winner and I hope to continue to bring you interesting blog entries and another prize drawing....

In the meantime, I want to share with you some photos from our tribute to Hanover's first responders, which we had yesterday to mark the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Hanover's Police, Fire and EMT's support us each and every day. They are here for us and I was so proud of our student's yesterday who showed their thanks. They read poems, presented them with art work and we all joined together in singing, "Proud to be An American."
A tree was dedicated as well.

The Health of People with Disabilities

2011-08-31T09:49:00.000-07:00

I have long been aware of the health disparities that exist for people with disabilities ever since the 2001 literature reviews done by Yale University for Special Olympics. A new report from the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire, examines the health status of working-age (18-64) people with disabilities, as reported to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, the nation’s premier public health survey. According to their website:

Among the key findings in the report:

• If people with disabilities were a formally recognized minority group, at 19% of the population, they would be the largest minority group in the United States.

• The highest proportion of people who say their health is fair or poor is found in people with disabilities (40 percent, compared to 23 percent of Hispanics, 22 percent of American Indian/Alaska Natives, 18 percent of blacks, and 8 percent of Asians).

• People with disabilities have the least desirable prevalence rates for ten of the fourteen selected health indicators including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

If the nation received this report on the health status of any of the above minority groups, there would be public outrage and calls for increased funding. But, because it involves people with disabilities, it falls upon us to demand that the health people with disabilities, be as high a priority as any other minority group.

For more information on the Health Disparities Chart Book and to download a copy, visit http://iod.unh.edu/Projects/health_disparities/chartbook.aspx

What Is This Cloud Computing?

2011-08-22T11:16:00.000-07:00

I have been asking myself this question each time I have read about cloud computing in the pages of the business section and having no idea what it meant. The need to learn more became acute when I was asked to participate in a conversation at the Coleman Institute at the University of Colorado, titled:”Implications of Cloud Computing for Residential Support and Service for People with Disabilities” in October. .This conversation is going to include service providers, consumers and advocates, technologists, law and policy specialists.

I have learned that the cloud is going to be a game changer for people with disabilities. If you thought the IPad was revolutionary, we have seen nothing (and I believe the IPad is a game changer for people with disabilities). The cloud is going to be universe changing.

There is already an international initiative, the Global Public Inclusive Infrastructure (GPII) initiative that is already thinking and planning and we need to be informed and get involved so we can shape the thinking and policy that will come out of this initiative. For example, they are already shaping how people with disabilities will access all forms of technology in a way that will make sense to each user. Imagine, each person with a disability (or me) will have a unique identifier (stored in the cloud). Every time the person accesses their mobile phone, PDA. notebook, laptop, net book, computer, or any devise with a screen (Metro card ticket machines, ATM machines, etc), the interface will look the same because the user will be identified and the font, font size, color, background color, layout, will look the way they want. A visually impaired person will see the size and color that best suits them, the voice commands will be at the right volume; a person with a cognitive disability will see the same screen layout each time they access technology.

All this is just the beginning and important because as budget pressures increase, we must find less labor intensive ways to provide services and as in-person supports become less common, people will need to become more independent in their use of the web because their service providers may be at a remote location, monitoring supports for lots of people..

What is "Typical" ?

2011-08-17T11:22:00.000-07:00

We use the word so often, that most of us hardly give notice to what "typical" means. This week, however, I have been thinking about it ever since a former student called me. Lamar shared with me that he was a junior in college, a member of the varsity soccer team and with pride shared that he was working at a "rising four star restaurant". It got me thinking about a question that I am frequently asked, "What is a typical Cushing student?". He had gone from Special Olympic athlete to college soccer player and he said he owes his success to the opportunities he received at Cushing and for the staff who encouraged him to pursue his dreams. He is now writing a book about his experiences..Since few of our students go to 4 year colleges, did that mean that Lamar was not typical? While I was pondering that thought, yesterday I was preparing to do a live call in with the local radio station, WATD. I called into the number I was given and the man who answered the phone and gave me my instructions, also shared this with me. He was a Cushing graduate, had a car, lived in his own apartment and worked his dream job at the radio station. He also said he owed his success to Cushing. Is he typical?

The answer is that there is no typical Cushing student. What is typical is the belief that we hold for every student and person we serve-to provide them with opoprtunities to learn, grow and to be an independent as possible.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

2011-08-01T06:13:00.000-07:00

Or so they say. In this case, it is worth 6 words. That is the length of our tag line. All Ages. All Abilities. All Together. Last week, we had a fun filled field day and Jovanny Gomes, one of our staff, found a new way to show his committment to what we do.

Special Event-Expect Delays at Exit 17

2011-07-22T13:01:00.000-07:00

This morning, as I was driving to work, the above sign greeted me as I drove to work. It was meant for those entering the Mass Pike from the Ted Williams tunnel. In spite of the fact, that I was heading down Rt. 93, the sign gave me pause. The special event was really not a special event, but a funeral that was going to be held a few hours later in Newton. There was good reason to expect delays because when a good person or a young person is buried, their funeral attracts many mourners. Today a very good person was buried and she was taken from us too young.

Many wonderful things have been said about Myra Hiatt Kraft and as many of us have learned, they were all true. She was a woman devoted to her family and to philanthropy. Many of of her causes were born out of her own experiences. Her father's parents, sisters and brother were exterminated in Nazi concentration camps and she grew up with a devotion to Israel and to Brandeis, from which she later graduated. Her commitment to philanthropy was not limited to Jewish causes, in fact, Boston College, Holy Cross and Catholic Charities received major support from her generosity. And then there were the countless secular causes, most notable the Boys and Girls Club of Boston.
I never met Myra, but I felt her presence. While I loved seeing her cheer loudly for our New England Patriots, it was the knowledge of her many acts of selfless kindness, that made me proud she lived among us. I was not among the mourners at Temple Emannuel in Newton this morning but I join the millions across the globe who will miss her.

From Children's Hospital's Blog

2011-07-18T10:35:00.000-07:00

The following was written by Brian Skotko , MD, MPP, a Physician at Children’s Hospital Boston’s Down Syndrome Program. It’s in response to a feature in GQ magazine that used insensitive language.

Brian Skotko and his sister, Kristin

On July 15, John B. Thompson of GQ magazine slammed Bostonians as the worst dressed in the nation. Evidently, our beloved Beantown is actually a “bad-taste storm sewer” where all the worst fashion ideas come to “stagnate and putrefy.” He further decries, “Boston suffers from a kind of Style Down Syndrome , where a little extra ends up ruining everything.”

Go ahead, GQ, and mock my blue whale-emblemed Nantucket-red pants. Laugh if you want at the loud argyles that I prefer to wear with my black suit. I don’t even care if you dismiss the sexy pink polka-dotted tie that I like to wear with my blue-checkered shirt in clinic. But, whatever you do, do not mess with my sister.

My sister, Kristin, has Down syndrome, and let me explain what “Style Down Syndrome” really is. “Style Down Syndrome” is smiling when everyone else prefers to frown. It’s spending three summers, in sheer determination, learning to ride a bike because you want the freedom to be like everyone else. It’s singing tunes from Grease at the top of your lungs with your friends. It’s celebrating a third-place victory at a swim meet with as much gusto as the gold medalist.

Style Down Syndrome is strong-willed, persevering, and forgiving—because it has to be.

People with Down syndrome are ridiculed on a daily basis. Although not as obvious as GQ’s sport, children with Down syndrome do not always get invited to birthday parties just because they have Down syndrome. Young adults, freshly minted from high school, sometimes have trouble finding post-secondary opportunities. And, adults with Down syndrome are often the first to be fired when the economy tanks.

All of this comes at a time when people with Down syndrome are achieving previously unimagined successes. They are graduating, working, living and loving within our communities. So, why do people underestimate their abilities? It must be because they do not know someone with Down syndrome. Because, if they did, they would come to appreciate the life lessons that accompany their extra chromosome.

If my friends who are black were mocked, they would not take it. If my friends who are gay were slurred, they would not take it. My 400,000 fellow Americans with Down syndrome have been cheapened, and I will not take it. I invite GQ magazine to introduce its readers to real people with Down syndrome through the My Great Story campaign of the National Down Syndrome Society.

Lifechangers: Sharon Stone Raises $100K for Down Syndrome

2011-07-07T17:51:00.000-07:00

Lifechangers: Sharon Stone Raises $100K for Down Syndrome

Special Olympics World Summer Games ATHENS 2011

2011-06-21T10:48:00.000-07:00

Special Olympics World Summer Games ATHENS 2011

On Friday, I will be celebrate the gathering of 7000 Special Olympic athletes from 180 countries who will begin competition in Athens at the Special Olympic World Games. I have the honor to be marching in Opening Ceremonies with the delegation from the British Virgin Islands. The true honor, however, comes from witnessing the skill, courage and determination of these amazing athletes as they compete. I look forward to meeting as many athletes from as many countries as I can while I am in Greece.

Best Buddies Challenge promotes friendship | CapeCodOnline.com

2011-06-06T10:10:00.000-07:00

Cushing students Gabe and Matt rocked out at the after party with Natasha Bedingfield after competing in the Friendship Ride.

Best Buddies Challenge promotes friendship CapeCodOnline.com

Spring Has Arrived

2011-06-02T05:23:00.000-07:00

There is nothing better than being able to hold classes outside after a long and snow filled winter. This week, our students enjoyed the lovely weather and the opportunity to enjoy a music class with teacher RoseAnna Bragdon Cyr.

Boston Herald Editorial-$16 M to care for 14 people at Fernald

2011-05-25T08:04:00.000-07:00

When it comes to the drawn-out closure of the Fernald Developmental Center the old stereotypes get turned upside down. This isn’t about faceless bureaucrats pinching pennies; in fact the state today is spending too much.

And the people who are unhappy about it aren’t just riled-up taxpayers — they’re advocates for the scores of disabled individuals in Massachusetts who must wait for services because there just isn’t enough money to go around.

Scheduled to close last July, Fernald remains open while the state considers appeals brought on behalf of residents set for transfer to other facilities.

But as the process drags out, the state is spending millions to care for the remaining residents of the Waltham campus, who today number all of 14. Last year the cost was $16 million. Gary Blumenthal, president of the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers, labeled those costs “excessive.”

“They are the cost of delay and they are costing thousands of families the ability to gain services while preventing the state from effectively and efficiently using their limited dollars wisely,” he said.

Certainly families and guardians are entitled to act in what they feel is the best interest of the individuals in their care, but every dollar spent at Fernald is a dollar that isn’t available for the 30,000 individuals in need of services in the community or at home.

Blumenthal and other advocates are back at the State House this week, fighting proposed cuts to human services for fiscal 2012. They argue the pain would be made easier if the state weren’t sinking so much money into a facility like Fernald, and it’s impossible to argue that point.

Israel Unlimited Visits Cushing

2011-05-19T12:44:00.000-07:00

Our students and staff joined with representatives from non-profits, government ministries and self advocates from Israel this week. They were in the United States visiting innovative and creative programs in New York and Massachusetts. We were honored that we were included on their itinerary.

President Obama Appoints Our Friend Jim Brett

2011-05-11T09:01:00.000-07:00

James T. Brett, Appointee for Chair, President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities

James T. Brett is the President and CEO of The New England Council, a position he has held since 1996. Prior to leading the Council, Mr. Brett served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives for 15 years. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Massachusetts Governor’s Commission on Intellectual Disability, and sits on the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health, and the Advisory Councils of the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps and the New England Center for Children. Mr. Brett has been honored with several awards for his advocacy for the disabled, including receiving the Action for Boston Community Development’s Lifetime Public Service Award, the Massachusetts Special Olympics’ Distinguished Leadership Award, and the Hospice of Boston’s Humanitarian of the Year Award. In 1996, Bay Cove Human Services of Boston named a new community home for disabled adults "Brett House" in his honor. Mr. Brett is a graduate of American University in Washington, DC, and holds Masters Degrees in Public Administration from Suffolk University and from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Reflecting on Today

2011-05-02T08:12:00.000-07:00

Today, many of us awoke with the news that Osama Bin Laden had been killed. Throughout the United States and the world, this news was met with much joy. However, it also gave many pause to ask, "How can we be celebrating the killing of a life?" I found an answer that suits me. The Scripture tells us (Amos 5:15) not only to "love good", but also to "hate evil".

Simple Thought for Today

2011-03-24T12:28:00.000-07:00

"Sometimes the perfect person for you is the one you least expect."
Unknown author

World Down Syndrome Day 2011 - Will you "Let Us In!"?

2011-03-21T10:15:00.000-07:00

Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day with Me

2011-03-21T08:59:00.000-07:00

Will you "Let Us In!"?

2011-03-17T06:12:00.000-07:00

March 2st is World Down Syndrome Day and is known by the date. Since there are 3 copies of the 21st chomosome that make up Down syndrome, it is fitting that we celebrate on the 21st day of the 3rd month-get it?

ABLE Act-Important for our Families

2011-03-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

Note from Jo Ann: Last month , I traveled to DC to speak with membersof our congressional delegation about the ABLE Act. Congressman Crenshaw says it well:

Editorial by Congressman Ander Crenshaw

Equality. Americans have strived to open the door to its strength across generations of our nation’s history. And, no population may understand the dedication and footwork needed to realize a level playing field for its players more than the disabled.

Great strides have been made to ensure that fewer of the disabled fall through society’s cracks. But there is ample ground to cover before they have the same opportunities as other Americans. A good place to continue that fight is in the area of financial planning.

Today, the federal government encourages Americans to save for future needs through a variety of tax-advantaged savings accounts: individual retirement accounts, education savings accounts (529s), medical savings accounts, and employer savings accounts (401-ks). With the right tools in place, life’s horizon can be brighter. Without them, dreams can pass by in the blink of an eye.

That’s why I am so encouraged by the growing number of supporters behind my “Achieving a Better Life Experience Act” (ABLE) to create tax-deferred savings accounts for the disabled. To date, 184 House Members and 22 United States Senators are co-sponsors of this legislation. Special Olympics, the National Down Syndrome Society, Autism Speaks, and National Fragile X Foundation are among a long list of organizations also supporting the bill. All understand the need to crack open a wider door to equality for the disabled.

The average cost of raising a child with a significant medical disability is more than $1 million over the course of their lifetime. Continuing education, transportation, housing, and medical care make up some of the predictable costs on that staggering bill.

ABLE accounts would relieve some of that burden, by allowing parents with disabled children or family members of disabled individuals to invest through a tax deferred savings account that could be drawn from for these future expenses. No longer would they have to stand aside and watch as others use IRS-sanctioned tools like 529 education savings accounts to lay the groundwork for a brighter future. They would be able to do so for their child as well.

Creating an ABLE account is as simple as opening an account at the local bank. Anyone currently receiving supplemental security income (SSI) benefits would be eligible, and qualified expenses include educational and transportation expenses, medical and dental care, and employment and training support.

Anyone may contribute to an ABLE account and rollovers would be allowed without penalty; however contributions to these accounts are capped at $500,000. Under the proposal, the principle in the account would accrue interest tax free during the life of the beneficiary. When distributions are made to the beneficiary for qualified expenses, the distributions are excluded from the gross income of the beneficiary.

In real life terms, that means young Sydney Leach, who was born with Down Syndrome in Jacksonville, Florida and is now finishing first grade, can plan for her future. A bright student who can read, write, and perform simple arithmetic, she hopes to gain a post-secondary education. Eventually, Sydney will work and earn a salary just as millions of other Americans do. Under current law, however, she cannot keep more than $2,000 in assets (whether earned or through gifts) or she will lose her benefits, such as Medicaid and Social Security Disability Insurance. With an ABLE account, that roadblock would be lifted enabling her to save and use her earnings to cover qualified expenses.

The cost to reform U.S. tax code to offer ABLE accounts would be minimal, but the positive impact for Sydney Leach, her family, and others who are struggling to cope with an uncertain future would be sizeable.

They and all the disabled deserve that opportunity. A change in the tax code so they can Achieve a Better Life Experience is a step forward toward equality with every other American – a step worth taking.

Senator Scott Brown

Rep. John Tierney of my home district.

A blurry pic of Sen. John Kerry

The "Shut Up Sisters" Are Coming to Cushing-October 1

2011-03-11T08:43:00.000-08:00

Meet the “Shut Up Sisters”

Mary Kate and Ashley minus the twinness and the thinness.

Gina (Terrasi) Gallagher and Patricia (Terrasi) are sisters who share a love of wine, humor, and writing (excluding checkwriting). They are also among the growing number of parents raising children with disabilities. Inspired by the success of their sisterly heroines, Mary Kate and Ashley, and fed up with listening to parents brag about their “perfect children” and never asking about theirs, the sisters decided to seek therapy by writing a book. So in 2006, they self-published their first book, Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid! The Movement of Imperfection, which explores the humorous, heartwarming side of raising an imperfect child in a world pre-occupied with perfection.

It wasn’t long before the book starting selling and the sisters were asked to come and speak at parenting, autism, and mental health conferences in Massachusetts and other exciting parts of the country. “Pack your bags, Gene, we’re going to Akron, OH, the birthplace of rubber.”

With strong sales, the book was picked up by Random House and in August 2010, an expanded version, Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid! A Survival Guide for Ordinary Parents of Special Kids, was introduced. The new book includes helpful tips, information, and inspiration to help caregivers of special children cope with the challenges of managing “imperfect” children in a world-pre-occupied with perfection. The book features a Foreword by Dr. Ross Greene and prescriptive advice from Lee Ann Karg, M Ed, a Disability Advocate.

They will be speaking at our Hanover campus on Ocotber 1, 2011 as our Opening Act of our fabulous fall Harvest Festival.

Read Across America Came to Cushing

2011-03-09T05:48:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers who recently read at the Cardinal Cushing 2011 Read Across America Celebration! We also celebrated the birthday of the late Dr. Suess. The highlight of the morning for me was student Lee R., who rapped and Matt F. who read a Dr. Suess book. They were the stars of the morning!!!!

Matt

Students and staff alike had a relaxing morning of stories and rhymes, provided by the following volunteers:

Lee R.

The McElmans

Jo Ann Simons

Larry Sauer

The State Street Volunteers

John Pappone

Roberta Pulaski

Matt F

and

The OT, PT and Speech Specialists!

The McElman family

This important event further enhances our student’s joy of reading and whimsy. We all appreciate the efforts of everyone involved.

R-word | Spread the Word to End the Word

2011-03-02T06:51:00.000-08:00

R-word Spread the Word to End the Word

Our Own Shannon Driscoll Writes

2011-02-17T12:14:00.000-08:00

Reprinted with permission from the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress February 2011 e-Newsletter

On October 1, 1979, the Pope came to Boston and so did I. My name is Shannon Driscoll and I turned 31 years old on October 1, 2010. I am an adult who was born with Down syndrome. I am the middle child. I have an older sister, Danielle, and a younger sister, Jacqui. Neither of my sisters live at home. This past July, I was the maid of honor in my sister Jacqui's wedding.

My parents tell me that I had early intervention when I was a baby. I went to Tuft's New England Medical Center to the genetics clinic. I went to a program once a month at Children's Hospital Boston. I went to a speech group in Dorchester and went to school when I was 3 years old. I did not have serious medical problems when I was born, but went to a lot more doctors than my two sisters. I have had many sets of tubes in my ears. I am on medicine for a thyroid problem. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea last year, so I have to wear a sleep mask every night. It is not as bad as I thought it would be and I feel more awake and energetic each morning. Basically, I am very healthy. I still go to my pediatrician, Dr. Sisson, when I am sick because my parents and I really like her.

I lived in South Boston until I was 5 years old and have been in Braintree ever since. I went to Boston Public Schools, St. Coletta Day School, and then the Braintree Public Schools. In addition to learning reading and math in elementary school, I starred in many plays such as Peter Pan, Cinderella, The Wizard of Oz, and Mary Poppins. I always loved school and I still love to learn new things. I take reading, writing, and math at Massasoit Community College one night a week. I never get tired of learning. I have six college credits in child care and I would love to get my associate's degree. Braintree High School was my favorite school. I was in the Project Prove Program for students with special needs and took other classes such as English, Spanish, Italian and Drama. I made many new friends in Project Prove and outside of my class.I am glad my friends accepted me for who I am.

Now that I am out of school, I work at Stop and Shop in Braintree. I was hired as a bagger but then promoted to cashier. I love cashiering but I still help bagging when they need me. I get paid holiday pay, vacations, and raises every year.I am in the union at Stop and Shop. I also attend South Shore Industries in Braintree which is a workshop. I go there when I am not working because I get to see all of my friends.

I am involved in many activities. I belong to the Arc of the South Shore and go on outings one Saturday evening a month. We go to plays, restaurants in the North End, sports events and many other places. I go to Friendship Club in Norwell, where we make dinner, play board games, and just socialize with one another. I also bowl once a week, and play basketball as well as softball. I swim for the Special Olympics on a team known as the SHARCS. I also volunteer on Saturdays in a program called Super Saturdays, which is for young children in Braintree who have special needs. I volunteer at Gillette Stadium to raise money for our activities. For all you football fans please come to the Barbecue Blitz in Section 140 and come to my register. I am usually very busy but I like it this way. I am known as a social butterfly. I love to write when I am home in my bedroom. I also use the computer every day. I email my friends and I belong to Facebook. I recently bought myself a laptop with money I have saved. My mother is happy because now I am not always on her computer.

I have many friends. Three of my girlfriends and I take turns having sleepovers at each of our homes. We watch movies, have "girl time", and just love being together. I also have a best friend.

I am going on a cruise to the Bahamas with my friends in February. This trip is sponsored by Friendship Home in Norwell.

There are many things that I would like to do in the future. I have always loved to write, especially poetry, letters, and in my journals. I really enjoy photography. I also love public speaking and taking care of animals, especially dogs. My favorite dog is my sister's English bulldog named Hazel. Someday in the future I would like to take care of animals and become a veterinarian or a veterinarian's assistant. I would also love to be a public speaker. Since I love to write I would love to write articles or submit my poetry to either a magazine or to a newspaper.

I feel I am entitled to pursue my dreams like my two sisters did. It is harder for me, but so far I have achieved what others have achieved. Things just take me longer.

I have a great family who love and support me, but at 31 years old, I don't like being the only one at home with my parents. I would love to live with my friends who have common interests but for right now, that is not an option because there is no funding for me to be able to live on my own.

Right now, I am engaged to my fiancé, Michael Goodhue. Someday we would like to get married, but this is going to be difficult because I still need to pursue a career I enjoy and I still do not have housing.

Even though I have Down Syndrome, I never give up on my dreams. I have a great life. I love my life.

Thank You.

Education Unlocks Potential

2011-02-16T05:40:00.000-08:00

Swampscott's Jonathan Derr advocates for people with Down syndrome and others with disabilities to go to college.

By Terry Date

In Jonathan Derr’s mind, school is a mighty thing.

The 31-year-old, who has Down syndrome, graduated from Swampscott High School — and Cape Cod Community College.

Today he works two jobs and is on the road to getting his driver’s license.

But education has been the key to his life.

It has fed his mind and made work, a social life and driving possible.

Now, he wants others with disabilities including Down syndrome to have a shot at college.

High School

Derr, at home in his family’s Swampscott living room over the holidays, said he arrived to a crossroads early in high school.

He had attended Marblehead schools since he was a child because of the special programs the district offered. Then, early in high school, he changed directions because he did not feel challenged there.

Derr pauses before he speaks, then speaks carefully, choosing words that reflect what he wants to say.

“Mom called Swampscott High,” he said. “It was amazing. All my friends were there.”

He transferred, completing his sophomore through senior years at the school, which, by then, could support him.

“Basically, I found life,” he said.

He managed the lacrosse team, helped the basketball team and played on the golf team.

Every Friday he went to someone else’s house for dinner.

Also, he was challenged academically.

“I kind of focused on the books more,” he said. “History, math, science, wood shop, health.”

He graduated at 18 years old.

College

At 18, Derr learned about a program on Cape Cod that helps people with disabilities get ready for the outside world.

He also learned that he could attend Cape Cod Community College, one of the very few colleges in New England that offer programs for students with Down syndrome.

Derr learned cooking, office, retail and maintenance skills. He graduated from both the life skills and college programs.

He has worked six years at a golf course, starting out shagging balls on the driving range then, in 2006, being promoted to the Pro Shop.

Advocacy

More recently he has taken his experience back to the classroom, telling younger students with disabilities that their futures are bright if they work hard.

“No one likes to be held back,” he said.

Programs that bring students with disabilities and students without them together benefit both groups, he said. They learn more about each other.

His mother, Jo Ann Simons, President and CEO of the Cardinal Cushign Centers, chairman of the National Down Syndrome Society and other organizations that advocate for people with disabilities, says Masachusetts is a leader in post-secondary education but not in the education of students with disabilities.

Brian Skotko, a doctor at Children's Hospital Boston who advocates for people with Down syndrome, says they have proven that with appropriate support they do succeed in grade schools and high schools.

Many people with Down syndrome want to develop their talents to find meaningful employment but few colleges around the country give them that opportunity, he said.

“We need more postsecondary opportunities for young adults with Down syndrome,” Skotko said.

Lessons

Derr’s opportunity gave him a chance to learn.

He said he has watched and interacted with others and learned from them.

“I’m slow,” he said. “I like to watch people to see what they can do.

Basically, what I learned was that everyone has strengths and weaknesses.”

Check out Nickmorseart.com

2011-02-11T06:40:00.000-08:00

Talk about long, strange trips. Nick Morse has been on one. He was born in Boston, lived at first in Cambridge, then Hingham, then Newton and Wellesley, then Hanover where he attended the Cardinal Cushing Center for 10 years. He now resides in a group home in Watertown. He has an extraordinary pedigree -- his grandfather on his deceased mother's side, Alexander Rotow, founded color television for RCA. Perhaps it's not a surprise that Nick, despite his special needs, has applied a love of color to his art. His father has taken him to many vibrant rock concerts with spectacular stage shows -- Green Day, Aerosmith, Tool, Pearl Jam, Roger Waters, Jimmy Buffett and Godsmack to name a few -- and Nick has absorbed them all. They have also caught many animated movies and action films and have spent a lot of time at the Museum of Fine Arts looking at the work of Impressionists from Monet to Van Gogh. Nick's eyes light up when surrounded by beautiful art, and his Dad's light up to see him so happy. "He has been the love of my life", says Steve Morse, Nick's dad and former music critic at the Boston Globe for 30-plus years.

Nick Morse can be contacted at:

nickmorseart@gmail.com

Congratulations to our Sue Martin

2011-02-04T10:53:00.001-08:00

A Good Story to Share on a Cold Day

2011-02-04T10:05:00.000-08:00

I tried not to be biased, but I had my doubts about hiring Stevie. His placement counselor assured me that he would be a good, reliable busboy.

But I had never had a mentally handicapped employee and wasn't sure I wanted one. I wasn't sure how my customers would react to Stevie.

He was short, a little dumpy with the smooth facial features and thick-tongued speech of Downs Syndrome. I wasn't worried about most of my trucker customers because truckers don't generally care who buses tables as long as the meatloaf platter is good and the pies are homemade.

The four-wheeler drivers were the ones who concerned me; the mouthy college kids traveling to school; the yuppie snobs who secretly polish their silverware with their napkins for fear of catching some dreaded "truck stop germ" the pairs of white-shirted business men on expense accounts who think every truck stop waitress wants to be I shouldn't have worried. After the first week, Stevie had my staff wrapped around his stubby little finger, and within a month my truck regulars had adopted him as their official truck stop mascot.

After that, I really didn't care what the rest of the customers thought of him. He was like a 21-year-old kid in blue jeans and Nikes, eager to laugh and eager to please, but fierce in his attention to his duties. Every salt and pepper shaker was exactly in its place, not a bread crumb or coffee spill was visible when Stevie got done with the table. Our only problem was persuading him to wait to clean a table until after the customers were finished He would hover in the background, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, scanning the dining room until a table was empty. Then he would scurry to the empty table and carefully bus dishes and glasses onto his cart and meticulously wipe the table up with a practiced flourish of his rag. If he thought a customer was watching, his brow would pucker with added concentration. He took pride in doing his job exactly right, and you had to love how hard he tried to please each and every person he met.

Over time, we learned that he lived with his mother, a widow who was disabled after repeated surgeries for cancer. They lived on their Social Security benefits in public housing two miles from the truck stop. Their social worker, who stopped to check on him every so often, admitted they had fallen between the cracks. Money was tight, and what I paid him was probably the difference between them being able to live together and Stevie being sent to a group home. That's why the restaurant was a gloomy place that morning last August, the first morning in three years that Stevie missed work .

He was at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester getting a new valve or something put in his heart. His social worker said that people with Downs Syndrome often have heart problems at an early age so this wasn't unexpected, and there was a good chance he would come through the surgery in good shape and be back at work in a few months.

A ripple of excitement ran through the staff later that morning when word came that he was out of surgery, in recovery, and doing fine.

Frannie, the head waitress, let out a war hoop and did a little dance in the aisle when she heard the good news. Marvin Ringers, one of our regular trucker customers, stared at the sight of this 50-year-old gra ndmother of four doing a victory shimmy beside his table

Frannie blushed, smoothed her apron and shot Marvin a withering look.

He grinned. "OK, Frannie, what was that all about?" he asked.

"We just got word that Stevie is out of surgery and going to be okay."

"I was wondering where he was. I had a new joke to tell him. What was the surgery about?"

Frannie quickly told Marvin and the other two drivers sitting at his booth about Stevie's surgery, then sighed: " Yeah, I'm glad he is going to be OK," she said. "But I don't know how he and his Mom are going to handle all the bills. From what I hear, they're barely getting by as it is." Marvin nodded thoughtfully, and Frannie hurried off to wait on the rest of her tables. Since I hadn't had time to round up a busboy to replace Stevie and really didn't want to replace him, the girls were busing their own tables that day until we decided what to do.

After the morning rush, Frannie walked into my office. She had a couple of paper napkins in her hand and a funny look on her face.

"What's up?" I asked.

"I didn't get that table where Marvin and his friends were sitting cleared off after they left, and Pete and Tony were sitting there when I got back to clean it off," she said. "This was folded and tucked under a coffee cup"

She handed the napkin to me, and three $20 bills fell onto my desk when I opened it. On the outside, in big, bold letters, was printed "Something For Stevie."

"Pete asked me what that was all about," she said, "so I told him about Stevie and his Mom and everything, and Pete looked at Tony and Tony looked at Pete, and they ended up giving me this." She handed me another paper napkin that had "Something For Stevie" scrawled on its outside.. Two $50 bills were tucked within its folds.. Frannie looked a t me with wet, shiny eyes, shook her head and said simply: "truckers."

That was three months ago. Today is Thanksgiving, the first day Stevie is supposed to be back to work..

His placement worker said he's been counting the days until the doctor said he could work, and it didn't matter at all that it was a holiday. He called 10 times in the past week, making sure we knew he was coming, fearful that we had forgotten him or that his job was in jeopardy. I arranged to have his mother bring him to work. I then met them in the parking lot and invited them both to celebrate his day back.

Stevie was thinner and paler, but couldn't stop grinning as he pushed through the doors and headed for the back room where his apron and busing cart were waiting.

"Hold up there, Stevie, not so fast," I said. I took him and h is mother by their arms. "Work can wait for a minute. To celebrate your coming back, breakfast for you and your mother is on me!" I led them toward a large corner booth at the rear of the room.

I could feel and hear the rest of the staff following behind as we marched through the dining room. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw booth after booth of grinning truckers empty and join the procession. We stopped in front of the big table. Its surface was covered with coffee cups, saucers and dinner plates, all sitting slightly crooked on dozens of folded paper napkins. "First thing you have to do, Stevie, is clean up this mess," I said. I tried to sound stern.

Stevie looked at me, and then at his mother, then pulled out one of the napkins. It had "Something for Stevie" printed on the outside. As he picked it up, two $10 bills fell onto the table.

Stevie stared at the money, then at all the napkins peeking from beneath the tableware, each with his name printed or scrawled on it. I turned to his mother. "There's more than $10,000 in cash and checks on that table, all from truckers and trucking companies that heard about your problems. "Happy Thanksgiving."

Well, it got real noisy about that time, with everybody hollering and shouting, and there were a few tears, as well.

But you know what's funny? While everybody else was busy shaking hands and hugging each other, Stevie, with a big smile on his face, was busy clearing all the cups and dishes from the table. Best worker I ever hired.

Plant a seed and watch it grow.

At this point, you can bury this inspirational message or forward it fulfilling the need!

If you shed a tear, hug yourself, because you are a compassionate person.

Well.. Don't just sit there! Send this story on! Keep it going, this is a good one.

Greetings from Milwaukee

2010-12-06T11:49:00.000-08:00

Sister Magdalena

Earlier this fall, I was in Milwaukee for a meeting with all the other corporate ministries that are sponsored by the Sister's of St. Francis of Assisi. I was able to meet with several of our sisters who worked at Cushing. I thought you would like to see the pictures I took.

Chris Pike and can you name everyone else? There is Sr. Clarinda...

Graduation 1971

2010-12-01T04:56:00.000-08:00

Greg Wood, a Cushing alumni from Texas, and I have been communicating via email and Facebook about his time in Hanover. Recently, he sent me a picture of his class tip with Sr. Rita to Washington, DC from 1971. As it happened, it was the same year I graduated from high school. What struck me was that my high school did not offer a trip to Washington to meet our representatives in Congress but, a school for students with disabilities provided that opportunity. I think that was pretty progressive and another example of the commitment of our founder, Cardinal Cushing and our sponsors, The Sister's of St. Francis of Assisi to provide the highest quality education to our students. A tradition we uphold today.

Greg is next to Sr. Rita

Greg also donated a flag that was flown over our United States Capitol in memory of Senator Kennedy. We will be flying it proudly on our Hanover campus.

The Russians Came and Make Way for Ducklings

2010-11-01T06:45:00.000-07:00

Touring the campus with Jim Middleton and me.

Recently, the Weymouth Rotary welcomed a group of visiting Russian human service leaders, interested in intellectual disabilities, and toured them to various non-profit agencies. We hosted them for a day and shared with them the Cushing Centers.

They couldn't resist the Cushing Trader.

Now you are probably wondering about what Make Way for Ducklings have to do with this post. Last week, the Lederman family donated an original water color of a painting of "Make Way for Ducklings" to the student library at Hanover. It is a childhood favorite of Class of 2011 student Amanda Lederman. Along with the painting Amanda and her family donated 2 copies of the book in addition to many of Amanda's childhood books.

Amanda and Jude Morgan.

The Lederman's with Doug Frazier and me.

A Report from One of Our Classrooms

2010-10-25T11:31:00.000-07:00

'Nala' Comes to Cushing

This past fall, 'Nala', a trained therapy dog has been coming on Thursdays to visit the school program. Barbara, a volunteer in the Challenger Classroom, has been doing presentations to each class with Nala. They have been learning about how to care for pets, such as Nala, by bathing, brushing, and even cleaning teeth!

Nala has also spent time with some students. They have been taking turns and doing oral reading of books and stories to Nala. The students have stated that they feel 'relaxed' while reading aloud to Nala.

We all have enjoyed the Nala visits and have learned about how animals can really help people.

The Challenger Classroom

Bill Brett's latest party photos around Boston - Boston.com

2010-10-21T05:48:00.000-07:00

This week I attended the New England Council's Annual Dinner.

MIT's McGovern Institute Studies Autism

2010-10-18T08:26:00.000-07:00

Last week I attended a program honoring 10 years of the McGovern Institute and its study of the brain. Among the speakers, Gerald Fischbach, M.D. of The Simons Foundation, stood out to me as he shared the work being done in understanding autism. He also explained that we are not in the middle of an autism explosion, as some media would like you to believe. Instead, we are now able to classify people who have other disabilities in addition to autism. So, we are seeing people with autism and intellectual disability, autism and bi-polar, autism and Down syndrome, etc. The actual numbers of individuals with just autism has not changed but, we are now able to include in the autism spectrum and the numbers being counted, people with autism in addition to other conditions.
Jane Pauley, who shared her own story of mental illness and Alan Alda were also among the evening's speakers.

Jo Ann and Alan Alda

All Together at Cushing Centers

2010-10-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

Feel Good Today

2010-09-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

Paul Daugherty delivered the keynote address at the Remarkable Families Symposium on Friday, April 3, 2009 in the Cintas Center. Paul is a graduate of Washington and Lee University with a degree in journalism. He has worked in Baltimore, Norfolk, Va., and Dallas and is now a columnist for the Cincinnati Enquirer. He is an award-winning sports journalist and author and has been Ohio's Columnist of the Year seven times. Married with two children, Paul is also a dedicated husband and father who has been involved in disabilities advocacy for several years.

Keynote Address

Thank you very very much for inviting me to speak to such a "remarkable" group of people. Life has given you a gift. If you don't realize that already, you will in time. I promise you.

My daughter Jillian is 19. She is a senior in high school, who will attend Northern Kentucky University in the fall. She has performed in the school play, she has managed the school volleyball team, she was on the junior varsity dance team that entertains at halftimes of basketball games. Believe it or not, she holds the school record in her weight class for the bench press, the dead lift and the squat. (Dad already had one son. Maybe he wanted another.) Last summer, she worked 12 hours a week in a daycare center, making almost $8 an hour. The kids loved her, and cried when she left to go back to high school.

And she has Down Syndrome. In some respects, that matters a great deal. In others, it matters not at all. It's about perception, mostly. It's about insisting on getting what you pay for, and not leaving the ticket counter or the insurance office -- or the high school conference room -- until you get it.

Ultimately, it's about giving your child the chance every other child gets.

People look, but they don't see. People, and I'm talking qualified professionals, people trained in special education, too often don't look at Jillian and see possibility. They look at a child with Down Syndrome. They don't see who she can be. They conjure a stereotype. It's easier that way.

Jillian once had a special ed teacher who sat in an IEP meeting with us and said, quote, she can't learn. Jillian has had teachers, too many teachers, who could not be bothered to explore her possibility. It has been amazing, watching these teachers, who at some young age must have though teaching was an opportunity to change a kid's life. Presented with Exhibit A in my daughter, most of them have attempted the bare minimum. They have missed their calling. They're enriched only by a paycheck. My wife Kerry and I have spent 19 years trying to change their perceptions. We will never stop. We have been guided by one thought:

Expect. Don't accept.

We have not allowed our daughter's aspirations to be tethered to the the way people look at her, without seeing her. We let Jillian set her own bar. Wanna dance on a team? If you're good enough. Wanna get a summer job working with kids? If they'll hire you. Wanna set the school weightlifting record. Sure, great, absolutely. No steroids.

We never say never. Never is not a word. It's a self-defeating state of mind.

We have to change the way people think before we can change the way they act. Altering perceptions is like breaking a stone with drops of water. It can be done, if you're willing to take the time.

It hasn't been easy. Who said raising any child was easy? Kerry and I have blazed more trails than Daniel Boone. We have sat in countless meetings with teachers and administrators. We have spent countless nights and hours agonizing over homework assignments that were not modified for Jillian or overly dumbed-down for Jillian, you know, that kid with Down Syndrome. We have exhausted a lifetime's worth of patience in 12 short years.

We have spent an equal amount of time educating the educators. Don't just look at our daughter. See her.

Don't put up Stop signs for my kid. Let her direct her own traffic. If you don't, we will be there, hauling you into a meeting, demanding for Jillian what you so freely offer every other kid: An honest chance. Let her tell you the height of the bar. Expect, don't accept.

Great strides are made when we remove the word No from our vocabularies, when we expand our thinking to account for the impossible. We went to the moon, didn't we? We eradicated polio, we can take pictures with a telephone. We elected an African-American president of the United States.

All any of it required, at base, was a disbelief in limitations. She can't learn? No, you're not willing to let her try. As parents, we cannot let that go unchallenged, not ever. We owe our kids that much. Expect, don't accept.

Do not give in to those who would ignore their better natures, because it's easier to retain a stereotype than change it. Change requires work, but it's the only way we improve as human beings. When people resist change, protest. Scream real loud. Give 'em hell. Don't let them tell you what your kid can do. Expect, don't accept.

Let me tell you some about the life of Jillian Daugherty, young and improving.

On the harshest emotional night, Jillian Phillips Daugherty couldn't wait to get out. The occasion of her birth was melancholy to everyone but her. Jillian loved being born. Her older brother Kelly had taken his sweet time. He slept late in the womb. Fourteen hours of labor before he emerged, wary and wailing. Jillian couldn't wait to see everybody. It took less than an hour. She came out like a watermelon seed between two fingers. Hel-lo world!

I think about this all the time now, whenever Jillian wakes up early on days she can sleep late, or hears me coming into the house and screams like it's 1955 and I'm Elvis. Jillian can't wait for the next moment, the next hour, the next chance to be Jillian. Jillian wasn't born 19 years ago. She was unleashed.

When she was a couple months old, she developed mucous in her chest and lungs so thick, she could barely breathe. Jillian was in the hospital 11 days and nearly to the point she needed a respirator. Then one more in a silent army of doctors poked her in the heel with yet another needle.

Ticked her off.

Jillian screamed so profoundly, it knocked the snot from her chest.

She's never stopped expressing herself. There was a time, many, many years ago, when I yelled at her for some transgression or another. Unfortunately, having Down Syndrome doesn't mean you won't spill apple juice or try to ride the dog like she's National Velvet.

Anyway, I'm airing Jillian out. During a pause in the action, she looks up and says, "Do you want a piece of me?"

My daughter is a piece of work.

Something that we as parents have learned is, every small achievement is worth celebrating: Tying shoes, answering the phone, writing thank-you notes, making the bed, fixing breakfast. After each of these little triumphs, I always ask myself: Who got the better part of this deal? Jillian? Or me?

As parents, we've spent lots of time hearing what our kids can't do, will never do. We heard it from the first day. She'll never be able to... complete the sentence. We never bought into that. You get what you expect. Not what you accept. It is the difference between settling and battling. The difference between daydreams and real ones. You get what you expect. Not what you accept.

Jillian would never ride a two-wheeler. That's what we heard. She wouldn't have the coordination. Even if she did, she wouldn't have the stamina. These Down kids, you know, they're fragile little people.

Many years ago, we got Jillian a bike with training wheels. She used it for a summer. Then the training wheels came off. For awhile, Jillian's wheels came off, too. It was like a guy in Nebraska, finding his sea legs.

Jillian, being Jillian, banged into this two-wheeled business with both feet. And both knees, both elbows and a forehead or two. We spent three months learning to ride the two-wheeler. It was like cracking a code or something. Every day, I'd drag poor Jillian out to the driveway we share with three other houses. I'd help her up, get her started and hold the back of her seat as she began pedaling.

For a month at least, Jillian ran that bike the way Mike Brown runs the Bengals. She'd sway and swerve and after about a 2-yard gain, crash.

We made progress, though, mainly because Jillian has a will like an I-beam. The kid never quit. The amazing thing was, she wasn't doing it so much for her as for me. She knew how much I wanted her to ride that two-wheeler. She saw how happy it made me when she managed a few more feet than the day before. My joy became hers.

Then one day, I pushed and ran alongside and... let go. Jillian kept going, to the end of the driveway, dread mixed with elation. "Dad, I'm doing it. Oh my gosh." She was off and riding. I was in the clouds. The last time Jillian and I went riding, we did 20 miles on the Loveland Bike Trail.

Don't accept. Expect.

What else did we hear? These kids won't read. Jillian reads at about a 6th-grade level. She's in a book club. These kids aren't good socially. There are times I wish that were the case. In her elementary school, Jillian was known as The Mayor. In intermediate school, she was appointed an ambassador, a 6th-grader charged with showing the rookie 5th-graders around the building.

Education should be the business of instilling hope. Too often, it isn't. I don't like being a pioneer. I'm not curing polio. I'm just expecting teachers to do their jobs. I'm not accepting any less. There are teachers at Jillian's school now who frown at the mention of my name. And my wife's. We're a pain in the ass. Other parents have to change diapers. We have to change minds.

But what a payoff.

Here is what Jillian does. Here is the service she performs, by being her: She opens my eyes to the wonder of the ordinary. I've enjoyed the little wins with Jillian I took for granted with her brother: Using a fork, spelling, times tables, discerning the incredibly vital difference between homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures. Actually, for several years, Jillian has had homework I can't do, making me wonder who's got the syndrome thing here.

I would never have seen any of this without Jillian's vision. I look forward to the next generation of milestones: Jillian home alone overnight, Jillian in her own apartment. Jillian, God help us, learning to drive.

As these kids grow, so do we. We spend less time asking why and more asking why not. Their limitations are obvious. What's less apparent is how many of those limitations disappear when we expect better and more, from them and ourselves. And when we accept nothing less. Their potential is limited only by our preconceptions.

I remember in the weeks and months after Jillian was born, listening to a Bruce Springsteen song called Walk Like A Man. One of the lines was, "I was young and I didn't know what to do, when I saw your best steps stolen away from you; I'll do what I can. I'll walk like a man."

I was wrong about that. From the instant she appeared, Jillian has never lost a step. She doesn't get cheated, to use a baseball term. Jillian gets her hacks. We quickly got over the immediate emotions surrounding her birth. Jillian, happily, never got over being Jillian.

I see Jillian with different eyes. I love her with a different part of my heart. I can't help that. But I don't expect anything less from her. And I accept nothing less than all she has.

Life doesn't let us in on many secrets. One of them is, happiness comes to those who do the best with what they have. The more we struggle in our limited, human way, to make sense of things, the more we see that some things don't come with sense included. The best we can do is the best we can do.

It's called Down Syndrome because a guy named Down identified it. It's not down at all, not for the kids and the teachers and classmates who choose to embrace them. Certainly not for those of us who are privileged to know them and love them.

As parents of children with disabilities, we face unusual challenges. But also, unique opportunity. As we blaze the trails, bend the minds and tweak the perceptions, we reap the rewards of knowing we've made the world a better place. We're only as good as the way we treat each other.

It's hard. It's damned hard. But we wouldn't be here today if we didn't believe, with everything we've got, that it's worth it. Expect, don't accept. Carry on and thank you again for the privilege of speaking to you today.

A Picture Can Be Worth 1000 words

2010-09-28T08:55:00.000-07:00

As I was leaving our Hanover campus one recent day, I stopped and observed a student and a staff person near our chapel and I was moved by what I saw. And thankful to have a camera.

New Beginnings

2010-09-24T06:14:00.000-07:00

While we officially recognize January 1st as the beginning a new calendar year, September is also a time of new beginnings. The summer winds down, vacations conclude and a new school year begins for many. Here at the Cushing Centers, we have, in addition to the new school year, some exciting things to share with you.
We have 90 residential students and over 30 day students in Hanover-our largest enrollment in over 6 years. Our Hanover campus is buzzing with the excitement of so many new and returning faces. In Braintree, our students and adults are eager to begin a new year.
Our intergenerational Hanover community where people of all ages and all abilities work, live and play together is being played out in some new ways. Our dining room now welcomes the residents of Cushing Residence to share lunch with our students every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. A nutritious and economical meal is enjoyed by seniors as they eat alongside our students and staff.
Another exciting venture is the expansion of menu items offered at our Bass Village Cafe. From 11 AM-2 PM, Mondays-Friday, beginning Sept. 27th, soups and made to order sandwiches will be added to the menu. In addition to being a great local coffee shop, we look forward to welcoming the lunch crowd.
Whether you are eating in the dining room or the Bass Cafe, you will be served a great meal with a big smile as our students learn valuable work skills.

Earlier this week, we joined with people throughout the world in celebrating the Intergenerational Day of Peace through the Pinwheels for Peace project. We made a public and visual statement about our feelings about peace/ tolerance/ cooperation/ harmony/ unity by planting pinwheels in our own peace garden-The Sister's of St. Francis of Asissi Peace Garden.

Special Olympics: Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day Facts

2010-09-10T12:41:00.000-07:00

Special Olympics: Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day Facts

Herb and Susan Zarkin Visit

2010-08-27T08:56:00.000-07:00

Caroline Dane admires the student art that was presented to the Zarkins.

Our students presented the Zarkin's with original student art.

Recently, our Project Forward students shared with BJ's Chairman, Herb Zarkin and his wife, Susan, their college and Cardinal Cushing experience. The generosity of the Zarkin Family Foundation provided funding for our students to attend Cape Cod Community College.

Governor and Kitty Dukakis visit Cushing

2010-08-25T06:41:00.000-07:00

Our Leadership Team were as excited as our students.

This week we were treated to a real thrill as history came to life for us in Hanover. Governor Michael Dukakis, who served as governor for 12 years, visited classrooms and work sites, delighting students and staff with stories of Massachusetts and national issues and politics. It was a timely visit since our students are studying Massachusetts. They even joined in classroom activities in the Challenger classroom. While we were all excited to meet someone who contributed so much to our state and our country, we were equally impressed with Kitty's work in Kenya and for sharing with staff her battle with depression and her advocacy on behalf of others. Her book, Shock: The Healing Power of Electroconvulsive Therapy, is a moving account of her battle and healing. We wish them both happiness and thank them for spending a rainy afternoon with us. Enjoy the pictures:

The Governor is about to help our students with a map of MA by filling in Brookline

We believe!!

I Am Proud to Work at a Non Profit

2010-08-25T06:07:00.000-07:00

From the Board Cafe...

The most listened-to radio show in America got it wrong again last week. Conservative radio personality Rush Limbaugh said about nonprofit staff: "Bunch of lazy idiots. Many of them don’t want to really work. Nonprofits siphon contributions . . . these people are rapists, in terms of finance and economy."

We like what Robert Egger had to say on the subject, but maybe Rush is right for once. We nonprofit staff are so lazy we would rather follow environmental regulations than create huge amounts of work for ourselves trying to cap mismanaged oil wells. We're so lazy we'd rather advocate for preventive care than suffer from chronic illness and expensive treatments. Most nonprofit staff are so lazy they don't even bother to collect paychecks: they're volunteers.

And talk about idiotic: we're such idiots we thought we could get the vote for women, Medicare for the elderly, and regulations against unsafe toys. We thought it was okay for kids in wheelchairs to go to regular schools. We thought we could overturn apartheid in South Africa.

If we're accomplishing this much being "lazy idiots," maybe by working a little harder we could get rid of hateful, inaccurate radio hosts?

Special Olympics: Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day

2010-08-23T08:33:00.000-07:00

Special Olympics: Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day

Jennifer Aniston uses the R-word

2010-08-20T16:00:00.000-07:00

'Finally! FMAP Passes House, Mass Share: $506 Million'

2010-08-11T05:18:00.000-07:00

'Finally! FMAP Passes House, Mass Share: $506 Million'

I Want to go to College-And At Cushing Our Students Do!!

2010-08-09T12:08:00.000-07:00

News from Arc Massachusetts

2010-08-06T06:53:00.000-07:00

FMAP Passes Senate; House to Vote Tuesday

On Thursday, August 5, the U.S. Senate voted 61-39 to pass a bill whose amendments will extend some measure of enhanced Medicaid (FMAP) funding to states, including an expected $506 million to Massachusetts.

The bill, H.R. 1586, would extend portions of FMAP funding that were set to expire in December of this year. With passage of the legislation, $15 billion will be used to extend increased funding through June of 2010, though at a lower rate than included in the ARRA stimulus package.

Republican senators Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe, both of Maine, voted to pass the bill. Massachusetts' senator John Kerry also voted in favor of the legislation. Senator Scott Brown voted against it.

The bill cleared a procedural hurdle on Wednesday when the Senate approved a motion for cloture on the bill, preventing a filibuster. After the Wednesday vote, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced that she would call back the House to pass the bill. With the bill's passage through the Senate today, the House will consider the bill next Tuesday.

The extension of increased FMAP funding is welcome news in Massachusetts, where Governor Patrick was forced to make significant cuts to the human services safety net and local aid in anticipation of increased funding being rejected.

"I applaud the U.S. Senate for moving forward on this critical effort to save jobs, support education, and maintain critical services for working families and our most vulnerable citizens," Governor Patrick said in a statement. "I especially appreciate the leadership of Senator Kerry in ensuring that this bill comes to a vote on the merits. We are lucky here in Massachusetts to have an entire House delegation that has already shown their strong and vocal support for this initiative and I am hopeful that after final Senate approval the House will act on this vital legislation quickly."

The Arc played a central role in efforts pushing Sen. Brown to change his vote against funding FMAP, holding a vigil with partner organizations in his Boston offices in late June. We are disappointed that Sen. Brown did not come around, but thankful that the Senate as a whole did. The quality of life of several thousand individuals and families is dependent on those funds for critical cuts (including $19 million in the Department of Developmental Services alone) to be restored. We applaud our federal lawmakers for their persistence on this critical issue.

In This Issue
FMAP Passes Senate
R-word Removed from Mass. General Laws
Autism Insurance Reform Signed
Local Business Supports Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
Letter to the Editor
Looking for a Roommate
About Us

The mission of The Arc of Massachusetts is to enhance the lives of individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. We accomplish this through advocacy of supports and services based in the community.

Governor Signs Bill Removing R-word from Mass. General Laws

Advocates yesterday crowded Governor Deval Patrick's office as he signed legislation replacing the words "mental retardation" with "intellectual disabilities or disability" in the Massachusetts General Laws.

The legislation, "An Act Eliminating the Word 'Retardation' from the General Laws" (H4922), was sponsored by Rep. Tom Sannicandro whose son has Down syndrome. The bill's passage reflects the passionate work of advocates, particularly self-advocates with developmental disabilities, and follows last year's renaming of the Department of Developmental Services, which had previously been called the Department of Mental Retardation.

"This is an important step in addressing the stigma faced daily by people with disabilities. Words do matter," said Leo Sarkissian, executive director of The Arc of Massachusetts. "As we saw last year with the DMR name change, removing the R-word from as many government documents and agencies as possible makes a real difference in how thousands of people with disabilities and their families feel about themselves and those charged with helping them," Sarkissian added.

"This has always been a civil right issue for me," said Sannicandro, who is Vice Chair of the Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities. "With today's bill signing, we fulfill the promise we made when we changed the name of the Department of Mental Retardation to the Department of Developmental Services; a promise to treat all persons with intellectual disabilities with dignity and respect."

"This important change reflects our commitment to promoting dignity and respect for people with disabilities," Governor Patrick said.

Autism Insurance Reform Signed into Law

On Tuesday, August 3, after months of advocacy from individuals, families, and disability organizations, including The Arc, Governor Patrick signed legislation that requires insurance companies to cover essential medical services for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders. In a ceremony at Fenway Park, Patrick praised the bill, saying he was "proud that Massachusetts now has one of the most comprehensive autism coverage laws in the nation." Patrick also commended the redoubtable efforts of individuals with autism and their families, noting that the success of the bill demonstrated "the way government is supposed to work."

The hundreds gathered in the Fenway stands to celebrate the occasion comprised a wide range of individuals who had contributed to the success of the bill.

"No one should be denied a healthy outcome because of the high cost of services. This is a victory for the courageous families who live with the uncertainty of autism daily," said Senator Frederick E. Berry, who sponsored the bill in the Senate.

Reflecting on the scope of the historic bill, Representative Barbara L'Italien, who sponsored the bill in the House, said, "today we are taking the necessary steps to transform the lives of people throughout the Commonwealth, so that all individuals with autism have access to services and treatment."

"Autism insurance coverage represents a systemic change in how many people with autism in Massachusetts will access critical treatment," said Amy K. Weinstock, Insurance Committee Chair for Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM). "We are grateful to the members of our community for their tireless advocacy and for the amazing support of Autism Speaks. Representative L'Italien and Senator Berry, we are incredibly fortunate to have you as our champions. Governor Patrick, thank you for making autism insurance coverage a reality for our families."

The enacted legislation is now a part of the Massachusetts General Laws at http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/seslaw10/sl100207.htm.

MASS. MARKET: Duxbury firm finds future in workers with disabilities - Quincy, MA - The Patriot Ledger

2010-08-02T14:01:00.000-07:00

MASS. MARKET: Duxbury firm finds future in workers with disabilities - Quincy, MA - The Patriot Ledger

Students Visit Channel Seven

2010-07-29T06:50:00.000-07:00

Our wonderful friend, Dave Kartunen, weekend anchor at Channel 7, invited our students to tour the studios and see the news last weekend. These photos tell the story.

i have a voice

2010-07-27T07:23:00.000-07:00

Furniture Painting Day

2010-07-26T10:51:00.000-07:00

Painting day started about 10 years ago, when art teacher Randy Wiskow found some chairs at the Thrift store that needed to begin a fresh new life! It has grown into a yearly project. Twice during the summer, all the students are invited to paint 20-30 pieces and paint! Painting continues throughout the year if we get any unique pieces. Pieces are sold on campus at the CushingTrader, auctioned off at fundraisers, given as gifts to donors and staff leaving and decorate the halls, classrooms and offices throughout our campus! We like to paint chairs the best, as one of the students commented years ago,” just think how many people have sat in this chair, each person has his or her own story, if the chair could talk, what a story it could tell!” Chairs are donated by staff, parents and items that Randy finds on his drive to and from work. In Randy's words, "I think what I like about this project is the smile on the students faces as they give each new piece of furniture a bright, new life!"

Cardinal Cushing Centers in Hanover holds open house for sports program - Quincy, MA - The Patriot Ledger

2010-07-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

Cardinal Cushing Centers in Hanover holds open house for sports program - Quincy, MA - The Patriot Ledger

Hanover: Educator's book tackles unique period for special needs students - Hanover, MA - Hanover Mariner

2010-07-09T05:42:00.000-07:00

Hanover: Educator's book tackles unique period for special needs students - Hanover, MA - Hanover Mariner

Savings Plans for Persons with Disabilities

2010-07-06T09:33:00.000-07:00

By James Brett
July 5, 2010

As the nation struggles with economic recovery from the recession, government leaders at all levels are making difficult choices to fix budget shortfalls. For those who rely on publicly-funded programs for crucial health and other human services, there is a pressing need to find ways to compensate for any future benefit cuts. The most vulnerable populations, such as people with disabilities, need to plan now for future needs.

Bipartisan legislation pending in Congress, known as the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, would establish tax-exempt accounts for individuals with a disability to pay certain expenses for education, housing, transportation, employment support, medical care, and certain life necessities. Creation of such accounts, similar to a 529 tax-advantaged plan for higher education, would provide an incentive for and encourage long-range planning. It’s never too soon to plan ahead.

Indeed, projections for the insolvency of Social Security and Medicare already accelerated last year. And paying for these programs is only part of the challenge facing the federal government as unemployment remains high and revenues decline. States, too, are struggling with budget shortfalls.

As a result, many people with disabilities and their families are feeling the impact of the recession. Since 2008, 25 states and the District of Columbia have made cuts to medical, rehabilitative, home care and other services for the elderly and people with disabilities, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

There are also about 2 million to 2.4 million elderly or people with disabilities who are on waiting lists and in need of some type of long-term services and supports, noted the National Council on Disability in recent months.

And the need for services is not going to go away when the economy recovers and — perhaps — funding is restored. People are living longer and that includes people with disabilities. Currently there are some 54 million Americans — or 18.7 percent of the population — that have some form of disability, according to the most recent data from the census. Of those, 35 million have a severe disability.

Poverty is more prevalent among people with disabilities, which also underscores the need for publicly-funded support programs. The poverty rate for people with severe disabilities is 27 percent and 12 percent for those with non-severe disabilities. Compare that with 9 percent for people without a disability.

If government funding does not support all of the services needed, then individuals and families will need to find ways to supplement. A qualified disability savings account could be set up in a way that would not exclude the individual from receiving government services, but rather encourage them to save, so that funds could be used to supplement benefits.

The account could be created like other special savings accounts which have been established through the federal tax code, to provide savings vehicles for vacations, college education and emergency spending. Contributions to the qualified disability savings account would not be tax deductible to the contributor. Nor could the account be used as a tax shelter.

But distributions to the beneficiary, and all account interest earnings, would accumulate on a tax-free basis for the benefit of the individual with disabilities. These distributions could be used to pay a third-party service provider for a number of services. For example, funds could be used to supplement transportation, the hiring of an aide to offer one-on-one support, or for eye or dental care that may not be covered by Medicare or Medicaid.

In a time when government agencies are trying to do more with less, it’s hard to predict what level of support will be available in the future. Now more than ever, it is important to encourage families to save what they can.

Parents want the best future for their children. And families of people with disabilities are no different. But to ensure that their children continue to experience the highest quality of life, throughout adulthood, they may need to rely more on public programs. At the same time, they may want to help ensure that the funds are there when their child needs services down the road. Creating an opportunity where parents can save to benefit their child in the future will help them achieve this important goal.

James Brett is chairman of the Governor’s Commission on Intellectual Disability.

Where High Expectations Lead You

2010-06-29T07:49:00.000-07:00

Fifteen years ago, my son, Jon came home from high school and told me he had bad news, "My teacher, June G. told me that because I have Down syndrome, I can't get my driver's license." I told him that was not true. If he wanted to get his license, we would help him to study and give him driving lessons. The next thing we did was to take him out of June's class and and Marblehead High and the low expectations June and the school had for him. June was a good teacher, but since she was not on the same page as us, she could not teach Jon. You see, we had high expectations for Jon and set the bar just beyond where anyone else thought he could achieve. This wasn't about whether Jon could drive, it was bigger than that. If Jon wanted to drive, like any other person, he would receive instruction and then he would either pass or fail. That was the natural consequence. To deny Jon the opportunity, would be to deny his person hood. Down the road, someone could use this thinking to say he couldn't stay by himself, take public transportation or whatever other low expectations people had. So, Jon enrolled at Swampscott High, our neighborhood school, where there were high expectations and no limits for him. After taking driver's education, he decided that in fact, he was not interested in driving after all. It was his decision-not June's.
Today Jon, age 31, lives by himself-I mean by himself. No roommates. Staff assist him a few hours a week. He has a job, friends and is active in his community.
Last night, Jon called. He drove a car.

From Best Buddies

2010-06-28T04:57:00.000-07:00

by KELSEY JORDAN

Best Buddies Massachusetts

At the start of 2010 Best Buddies and Cardinal Cushing Centers paired up to introduce the Best Buddies Jobs program to student-aged participants in the vocational program in Hanover. Cardinal Cushing Centers is a non-profit school that works to prepare students with disabilities with an education and vocational training that will allow them to succeed after graduation.

Because of their extensive vocational training, Cardinal Cushing students are prepared to excel in competitive work environments. The goals of the Best Buddies Jobs program and Cardinal Cushing Centers compliment one another and offer exciting opportunities for the students.

Through the Best Buddies Jobs program, five students have been placed in jobs in the Hanover area including Verc Enterprises Briteway Carwash, The Fresh Market, Super Stop & Shop and Cohasset Cycles.

Verc Enterprises is retail convenience store/gasoline station group operating in twenty locations in MA and NH. Most recently Leo Vercollone, President of Verc Enterprises, raised his employee population of people with disabilities to 15%. In March, Verc Enterprises hired two Best Buddies participants from Cardinal Cushing Centers at their Norwell Briteway carwash.

Josh and Brandon, were hired to perform maintenance work around the carwash. Originally, they were responsible for cleaning the vacuums, waiting area and washing the windows. After their first couple weeks, they were excited to be given the opportunity to help the other employees in the carwash tunnel during their “down time” at work. Two months later, Josh and Brandon are enjoying working full time in the “tunnel”, as they call it, power washing the cars before they enter the carwash.

Another Best Buddies Cardinal Cushing participant, Robert, began working at The Fresh Market, a specialty super market in Hingham in March. He is a courtesy clerk bagging groceries and carrying them out to customer’s cars. Robert loves his new position and is striving to reach a goal of moving up to cashier in the next couple months.

Other Best Buddies Cardinal Cushing participants, Michael and Dustin, work at Super Stop & Shop as a bagger and Cohasset Cycles as a bicycle tuner.

Manager of Stop & Shop, Colin Macloud sought out Best Buddies when he knew he had a position to hire for as he was already familiar with the hard working and positive ethics Cardinal Cushing students have.

Bicycling has been Dustin’s favorite hobby for a long time and he spends most of his free time either riding or repairing bikes around Cardinal Cushing. On Dustin’s first day at Cohasset Cycles, owner John Wilkie, had set up a bicycle tuning stand for him and asked him to dive right in. Four bicycles later when asked what Dustin thought of his new position he replied “just another day in paradise.” Best Buddies is thrilled to be working with such a positive student population at Cardinal Cushing.

Real Threat to Services In Massachusetts

2010-06-23T04:36:00.000-07:00

The Arc and ADDP are glad to announce that Mass. Families Organizing for Change and Mass Advocates Standing Strong are also on board for the Vigil for the Vote...Save the Safety Net

Senator Brown's office is located in the JFK Federal Building, Suite 2400
New Sudbury Street, Boston, MA 02203 (across from Boston City Hall)

Detailed directions are here:

http://www.cms.gov/RegionalOffices/Downloads/13_RO1_Directions.pdf

Vigil for the Vote and to Save the Safety Net
Advocates, Consumers and Family Members to Hold Vigil in Scott Brown's Boston Office

Unless Scott Brown and his fellow Senators agree to end the GOP filibuster on the Jobs Extender's Bill (H.R. 4213), Massachusetts will lose nearly $700 million in extended FMAP dollars.

This loss will force the Massachusetts budget to be drastically cut, endangering health and human service programs that make up the state's safety net.

Today, more than 50 U.S. senators are set to approve the release of the FMAP funds, but the minority can delay passage by extending debate. Rules in the Senate require 60 votes to stop debate (cloture).

Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown is one of several key lawmakers who is refusing to vote to end debate and subsequently preventing a vote on FMAP from succeeding in the senate.

We need your help to move the vote, and get the money to Massachusetts.

At this point, there are no other options. So ADDP and the Arc of Massachusetts are joining with four other states to convince Senator Scott Brown and others to "Allow the Vote."

Join the Vigil in Scott Brown's Senate Office

We will hold a daily vigil in his office starting this Thursday, June 24, until the Senate takes action on FMAP.

Thursday, June 24
Friday, June 25
Monday, June 28
Tuesday, June 29

We will hold the vigil from
10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. each day.

To join the vigil, please email kate@addp.org, and let her know of your plans to attend.

Leo V. Sarkissian, Executive Director
Sarkissian@arcmass.org
The Arc of Massachusetts
217 South St.                  (781) 891-6270, xt. 106
Waltham, Ma 02453          (781) 891-6271 (fax)

To contribute to The Arc online, visit: https://www.arcmass.org/HowYouCanHelp/DonateNow/tabid/277/Default.aspx

The Arc of Massachusetts’ mission is to enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. We accomplish this through advocacy of supports and services based in the community.

Thought you Would Want to Know

2010-06-15T09:54:00.003-07:00

Disability Stats and Facts

· People with disabilities constitute the nation's largest minority group, and the only group any of us can become a member of at any time.

· Between 1990 and 2000, the number of Americans with disabilities increased 25 percent, outpacing any other subgroup of the U.S. population.

· People with disabilities represent the single largest minority group seeking employment in today's marketplace.

· Of the 69.6 million families in the United States, more than 20 million have at least one family member with a disability.

· According to the U.S. Department of Education, workers with disabilities are rated consistently as average or above average in performance, quality and quantity of work, flexibility, and attendance.

· Over 65 percent of working-age adults with disabilities are unemployed. Of these working adults, nearly one third earn an income below the poverty level.

· People with disabilities are nearly twice as likely as people without disabilities to have an annual household income of $15,000 or less.

· The unemployment rate of people with disabilities is ten times greater than the national unemployment rate, yet many of those unemployed individuals have the skills you need.

· 1 billion people globally report having a disability, and people with disabilities in the U.S. control aggregate annual income of > $1 trillion

· 2.3 million undergrad & grad students reported disabilities in 2004, more than double the 1.1 million reported in 1996

· The employment rate for people with disabilities was 38.1% in 2005, roughly half of that for people without disabilities

· There are 133 million people in the United States living with a chronic health condition. That number is expected to increase by more than one percent a year to 150 million by 2030. 75 percent of people with chronic health conditions are younger than 65

· Globally, people with disabilities represent an emerging market on par with the size of China

· Approximately 54 million Americans have at least one disability, making them the largest minority group in the nation. As our baby boomer population ages and more veterans return from war, this number will double in the next 20 years.

· Notwithstanding the strides made in disability rights in the past 25 years, the majority of people with disabilities are poor, under-employed and under-educated due largely to unequal opportunities. People with disabilities constitute the largest minority group in the United States, making up an estimated 20 percent of the total population. It is a diverse group, crossing lines of age, ethnicity, gender, race, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status.

· We all have a personal stake in this community: it is open to anyone who might experience an accident, illness, genetic difference or the effects of aging. And yet, the Foundation Center reports that out of over 3 billion dollars spent in philanthropic giving, only 2.9 percent of grants made by institutionalized philanthropy are directed to programs serving people with disabilities.

· Disability Inclusive Grantmaking is the mission of DFN: inclusion of disability in grantmaking programs and inclusion of people with disabilities in grantmaking organizations.

· Disability belongs in any grantmaking program that supports diversity. Or education. Or employment. Or housing. Or civic participation, arts and culture, technology, health care or any other element of life. The interests and needs of people with disabilities mirror those of other groups.

· Disability Funders Network, or DFN, was established in 1994 to be a catalyst for creating a new understanding of how funders can respond to disability issues and promote awareness, support and inclusion of people with disabilities and disability issues in grantmaking programs and organizations.

· By broadening the definition and understanding of disability, grantmakers can be more responsive to the full range of issues affecting the country's largest minority group

· According to the Social Security Disability Resource Center (SSDRC), more than 50 million Americans have some level of disability. Of these individuals, 44 percent have a disability that is not considered severe and are able to work year round on a full-time basis. Of the total number, 80 percent are individuals who are 80 years of age or older. Additionally, among the 51.2 million Americans with disabilities are 1 million individuals who report they are unable to hear and 1.8 million individuals who report they are unable to see. (source: U.S. census data released May 2006; read the full news release)

· For more than a third of individuals with disabilities, assistive technology is essential to being able to take care of themselves at home. (source: 2004 Harris Poll)

· Disability rates vary among the major racial and ethnic groups (source: U.S. Census 2000):

o African-American and American Indian/Alaska native persons report the highest rate of disability, at 24.3 percent for each group.

o Asians reported the lowest rate of disability, 16.6 percent.

· Disability rates vary geographically, as well (source: U.S. Census 2000):

o Nearly 40 percent of persons reporting a disability live in the South - twice the 20 percent of each of the other three geographic areas. Persons living in Alaska, Utah and Minnesota each reported the lowest rates of disability, about 15 percent. Persons living in West Virginia reported the highest rate of disability, at 24.4 percent, followed by Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky and Mississippi, each over 23 percent.

· Of the 49.7 million noninstitutionalized individuals aged five and older who reported having a disability in the U.S. 2000 Census (source: U.S. Census 2000)

o 9.3 million reported having a sensory disability involving sight or hearing.

o 21.2 million reported having a disability that limits their ability to engage in basic physical activity such as walking, climbing stairs, reaching, lifting or carrying.

o 12.4 million reported having a physical, mental or emotional condition that makes it difficult to learn, remember or concentrate.

o 6.8 million reported a physical, mental or emotional condition that makes it difficult to dress, bathe or get around inside the home.

o 18.2 million reported their disability makes it difficult to venture outside the home.

· Census 2000 data on disability:

o www.census.gov/prod/2003pubs/c2kbr-17.pdf

· Census Data on the 14th Anniversary of the ADA

· August 2004 NOD/Harris Poll data:

o Press release: www.nod.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Feature.showFeature&FeatureID=1422

o Key indicators: in Word format and PDF format.

o Detailed results: in Word format and PDF format.

o Presentation by Humphrey Taylor, chairman, Harris Interactive: in PowerPoint format and PDF format.

· 2005 Census Data Regarding People with Disabilities

Graduates at Cardinal Cushing in Hanover receive advice and encouragement - Brockton, MA - The Enterprise

2010-06-14T09:46:00.000-07:00

Graduates at Cardinal Cushing in Hanover receive advice and encouragement - Brockton, MA - The Enterprise

Cushing School springtime gala honors supporters and student, while raising funds - The Boston Globe

2010-06-10T06:55:00.000-07:00

Cushing School springtime gala honors supporters and student, while raising funds - The Boston Globe

Cardinal Cushing Centers Networking Event

2010-05-27T07:23:00.000-07:00

We had over 100 people at the Networking Event held at the House of Blues Foundation Room on May 19th! The evening was amazing, bringing young professionals from all sectors, and some of our graduates, to forge new relationships with Cushing and each other.

In the coming weeks, we will be identifying needs for a service event in the late Summer/early Fall because so many of these wonderful people want to learn more about our work.

We thank all of you for sharing your time, talents and treasures with Cardinal Cushing Centers. Special thanks to Nikki DiGuilio, Hadley Harris, Dave Kartunen, Laurie Maranian and the House of Blues Foundation Room. We are most grateful!

Enjoy these pictures of a great evening and let us know if you want to get involved.

Cardinal Cushing Centers in the News

2010-05-26T05:04:00.002-07:00

Check out the links below to see fabulous pictures of a successful car wash in Hanover.
http://www.wickedlocal.com/hanover/photos/x2084254519/Cushing-Center-students-hold-car-wash?photo=1&set=0&page=0#ph1

Four students graduate from St. Coletta Day School in Braintree - Brockton, MA - The Enterprise

2010-05-26T05:04:00.001-07:00

Four students graduate from St. Coletta Day School in Braintree - Brockton, MA - The Enterprise

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By Kristen Walsh

For The Patriot Ledger

Posted May 22, 2010 @ 07:58 PM

Last update May 23, 2010 @ 02:02 PM

BRAINTREE —

From the moment the graduates marched into the auditorium on Saturday, dressed in their caps and gowns and accompanied by family members to guide them, the pride was evident on their faces.

It was also clearly a day long in the making. The four graduates of St. Coletta’s, all 22-years-old, completed the school’s program for people ages 6 to 22 with special needs. One of the graduates attended the school for 14 years.

The traditional graduation advice was given with a slight twist. Jo Ann Simons, president and CEO of St. Coletta and Cardinal Cushing Schools of Massachusetts, encouraged graduates to love their friends, listen to their family, always call if they are going to be late, and never forget gloves in winter.

“While it was our job to teach and guide you, it was also our job to learn from you. You have been our teachers,” Simons told them.

Commencement speaker Nicholas Santacroce, a faculty member of the school, recalled stories having faith in himself, the graduates, and the gift of special education for everyone involved.

“If we look beyond the physical, emotional, and mental disabilities, we can see the very essence of their souls,” Santacroce said. “There is joy, laughter, honesty, innocence and love in their souls.”

All of those traits were clear when each name was called and the graduates were brought on stage to receive their certificates. They smiled from ear to ear, clapped for themselves and each other along with the audience, and for some, basked in the moment, not wanting to leave the stage.

Sometimes Something on YouTube Needs to Be Watched

2010-05-21T09:45:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=9xwCG0Ey2Mg
This inspiring video, about the abilities of a young man and his father, is my early Father's Day gift to all the fathers out there. Enjoy!

From ADDP-Many Disabled will be Homeless & Jobless Under SWM Budget

2010-05-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

Is this the Record Senators wish to run on for re-election?

Hundreds of letters have been sent to Senators by people with disabilities, their families and advocates pleading to not make people with disabilities homeless and jobless.

Individual Senators have written back, saying: "I will work hard to see that people with disabilities are a high priority in the FY 2011 budget."

Despite these assurances, the Senate Ways & Means budget will make 86 to 100 people currently living in group homes lose their homes.

Despite these assurances, the Senate Ways & Means budget will make up to 700 people lose their jobs funded through Developmental Disabilities & Mass Rehab Council budgets.

The Senate Ways & Means budget has not been debated in public.

Senators who support community services for people with disabilities will offer a series of amendments to the Senate budget next week.

The Senate may either address our concerns in a "consolidated amendment", not featuring a debate on our amendments by either granting our requests or ignoring them, or they may allow a discussion and voice vote on our amendments, or they may conduct a formal roll call vote on our amendments.

ADDP, The Arc, MFOFC will be sitting in the Senate Gallery every day of the Senate debate to witness whether the Senators hold a full and public debate on our issues and whether Senators will deliver on their private assurances of support for disability programs.

We will report to our thousands of supporters who will ask their legislators this week and during the election where they stood when the disability community cried out for help.

We will be asking legislators to explain how they can accept $4 Billion dollars in Enhanced Medicaid intended for health and human service programs and then cut the programs for which these dollars are intended to help preserve?

Please attend the Senate Debate on the FY 11 Budget

ADDP, The Arc of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change, and our other disability allies will be attending each session of the Senate's debate on passing the FY 2011 budget.

If you can attend the Senate debate, please note which day you can attend and the time period in which you can be present. Please send this information to Oanh Bui at oanh@addp.org.

Senate Budget Debate will be held:
Monday, May 24 (if the Senate decides to move early)Tuesday, May 25Wednesday, May 26Thursday, May 27Friday, May 28 (if needed)

Please let Oanh know if you can attend in the morning, afternoon or evening.

If we are present for the Senate budget debate, perhaps our hope will not be in vain.

ADDP Budget Restoration Priorities

Residential Services, Line Item 5920-2000: Restore $6 million to prevent 100 people from losing their current homes.
Day and Employment Programs, Line Item 5920-2025: Restore $7 million so 45o people will keep their jobs and day services.
Family Support, Line Item 5920-3000: Restore $1.5 million so individuals with disabilities and their families can receive in-home supports.
MRC Brain Injury Services Line Item 4120-6000 underfunded by $2 million reducing community supports for 95 people currently receiving service. The Brain & Head Injury trust fund has been declining in receipts and will force severe program reductions for people currently in residential and employment programs.
MRC EEP Line Item 4120-3000, 300 people will lose service unless this line receives an additional $1.5 million. This program serves people with multiple disabilities.

The Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers consists of 128 community organizations from across Massachusetts that provide services and supports to thousands people with developmental disabilities, or traumatic brain injuries. The membership of the Association hold more than 90 percent of the Department of Developmental Services community residential, day and family support contracts. Members also provide Medicaid-funded day habilitation services and Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission-funded supports.

Cardinal Cushing Staff Lead Efforts for Orphanage in Haiti

2010-05-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

An Orphanage for Haitian children that tends to their basic needs while providing education for a brighter tomorrow.

Please sponsor a child with a commitment of $25 each month. If not,

a onetime donation in any amount is also greatly appreciated.

Donation can be made online or sent to:

Angels voice orphanage @

Central Baptist Church

67 Washington St

P.O. Box 427

Quincy, MA 02169

www.angelsvoiceorphanage.com

Tune in tomorrow night to watch ABC’s What Would You Do, airing at 10:00 p.m. (EST).

2010-05-18T12:18:00.000-07:00

Will anyone sound the whistle when they see two commercial pilots drinking heavily at an airport bar? Who will stand up for a bagger at a grocery store with special needs being harassed by an ignorant customer? Using hidden cameras, “What Would You Do?” sets up everyday scenarios and then captures people's reactions. Whether people are compelled to act or mind their own business, John Quiñones reports on their split-second and often surprising decision-making process, on a special edition of “Primetime: What Would You Do?” airingWEDNESDAY, MAY 19 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on ABC.

This series shows what people actually do in the face of everyday dilemmas that test their character and values. Tomorrow's scenarios include:

· SPECIAL NEEDS – SPECIAL TREATMENT: People with intellectual disabilities have more professional opportunities than ever before, but they still face ignorance and even bigotry. Working in cooperation with the National Down Syndrome Society, an actor with Down syndrome poses as a bagger in a grocery store. But it doesn’t take long for an ignorant customer – also an actor – to start protesting. “What’s the matter with you? Are you retarded?” he complains. Will unwitting observers, waiting their turn at the cashier, take a stand against this abuse or will they ignore it?

'Great Story' of People With Down Syndrome Two Agencies Work Together to Squash Marginalizing Myths Published: May 17, 2010

2010-05-18T04:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, May 17th and the day this story was published was my son with Down syndrome's 31st birthday. One of these days, I will tell you about his great story...

http://adage.com/goodworks/post?article_id=

By Tom Cook

When we first accepted the opportunity to develop a public awareness campaign for the National Down Syndrome Society, it was a collective desire to help out, to take a breather from sweating brands to maybe building something more inwardly satisfying. We knew little about Down syndrome and those who had it, no more than the average person out there. Little did we know it was going to become very personal, very fast.

Our two agencies—Pedone Advertising in New York, and York & Chapel in Milford, Conn.—learned that the issue was an extremely emotional one after many interviews with parents, doctors and self-advocates.

There are many misconceptions and outdated stereotypes about people with Down syndrome. For example, one myth says people with Down syndrome have a short life span. In fact, they are living longer than ever before. Their average life expectancy is nearly 60 years, and they are going to school, working and contributing to society in many ways.

Spend some time with a self-advocate, and you'll feel a change coming over you. People with Down syndrome are funny. They fall in love. They have jobs and careers. Talk to them for a bit, and you'll see they have day-to-day problems, dreams and things they don't like to do. In fact, they are just like me and you.

Oh, and one other thing: Some of them have great stories.
This is where it started to get personal for our companies. Both agencies think it's important to get involved in pro bono efforts. Our people like it, our other clients appreciate it and, frankly, pro bono clients usually give agencies more creative freedom. So mixed with the altruism is also a good dose of business sense. We jumped into the "My Great Story" campaign with full enthusiasm, looking forward to meeting the self-advocates.
For example, take Sujeet Desai. Featured as "The Traveler" in one of the "My Great Story" PSA print ads, he has traveled the world performing on the clarinet and six other instruments, acquiring admiring fans. Like the PSA says, he's performed in front of an audience of thousands and has been honored by the prime minister of

Singapore

.
You tell his family that his life is not worthwhile, that he's not making a difference.
Then there's Sara Wolf, who is featured as "The Public Speaker" in the other PSA print ad. She loves talking in front of kids, young adults, seniors and whoever else will listen about how much she loves her life and how Down syndrome has never stopped her from reaching her goals. She's spoken in front big-time audiences, even on stage at New York's Waldorf Astoria alongside Barbara Walters.
That's just two stories—and we didn't have to dig too deeply to see there were thousands more.
These weren't people to be marginalized and ignored—they were people to be celebrated and included in our world. Theirs were stories that needed to be told, and we were lucky to be chosen to tell them.
As Mike Pedone, president of Pedone put it, "Nothing was going to stop us now. We had a chance to change the minds of an entire country—what ad guy wouldn't leap at the chance?"
So the "My Great Story" public awareness campaign was born. York & Chapel set to work redoing the society's website and building a community site that would allow families to tell and share all their stories. York expanded the idea online to Facebook and MySpace, while Pedone commissioned a photographer and production company to shoot and document the campaign.
If you have the opportunity, take a look at the print ads. It was a day of monkeys, exotic backdrops and a lot of laughter.
Six months after the campaign's launch, the stories of Sujeet and Sara have been viewed by more than 100 million people in media outlets such as Allure, American Way, Condé Nast Traveler, Continental Magazine, CNN Airport Network, Fortune, Glamour, Golf Digest, Lucky, Newsweek, SELF, Time, USA Today, Vogue and Wired. To date, more than $3.5 million in ad space and services has been donated in support.
Dave Ho, the president of York & Chapel, calls the "My Great Story" campaign one of the most gratifying and satisfying projects he's ever worked on. And as the guy who got to interview both Sujeet and Sara and watched with respect as they struck their poses during the shoot, I couldn't agree more.
Keep an ear out for Sujeet and Sara—their stories aren't nearly done. Not by half.

Graduation Season Brings New Hurdles for Families of Students with Intellectual Disabilities Most parents unprepared when children age out of the special education system

2010-05-17T10:48:00.000-07:00

Boston….. May 18 2010 Along with three million students graduating from high school this June are another 500,000 young adults aging out of the special education programs which, since 1975, have assured children with disabilities an appropriate free public education up to the age of 21. For the 300,000 of them with substantial intellectual disabilties, graduating from the safety net of integrated services in the school setting shifts the task of structuring a productive life for the disabled to parents who are often unprepared for the complexity of the task, according to Jo Ann Simons, president of the National Down Syndrome Society and CEO of the Cardinal Cushing Centers, Inc. Ms. Simons, author of the new Down Syndrome Transition Handbook, says that planning for this moment should begin at least five years before the child graduates from special education.

“People with intellectual disabilities rarely make enough money to sustain themselves, if they can even hold a job,” says Ms. Simons. “ There is no guarantee that what the person with disabilities needs will be available. Parents have to assemble a patchwork of discretionary public and private resources to enable a young adult to have a meaningful and safe life.”

Envisioning and planning the child’s next 30 or 40 years is overwhelming; that is why the planning should begin early in manageable chunks and involve the child. Ms. Simons' new book is the first to itemize all the elements for parents to consider, as well as the pros and cons of various options and means of support. “The planning must begin early in high school when deciding what course of study your child will pursue, and continue from there,” advises Ms. Simons.

“If you are wealthy, you only need half the advice, “ says Ms. Simons, herself the mother of a 31 year old son with Down syndrome. The book addresses financial issues as well as housing, health care, legal, employment, and personal/social issues and presents an array of options. There’s no one right approach, she says. Decisions depend on what works for each person and each family.

Housing is one example. Where will the disabled adult live? If not with parents, who should own the house. If a social services agency owns a home, the agency decides about roommates; if parents own and lease back the home, they have some control of roommates. Should the disabled adult have a guardian? Many years have been spent educating the child to make decisions; should the right to make decisions be foreclosed?

Ms. Simons says that while the book was written to encompass the special medical issues of people with Down syndrome, all the non-medical issues raised in the book are applicable to parents of all children with intellectual disabilities.

Billions of dollars have been spent on special education so that children with disabilities can be as productive as possible. This book helps parents leverage that investment over the rest of their child’s life.

End

Note: The book is the culmination of the author's professional and personal experiences guiding hundreds of families with an intellectually disabled child through the transition process, and parenting her own son with Down syndrome, now an adult living independently. Its conversational style reassures parents overwhelmed by a complex process and its frank advice offers a reality check for parents whose child will soon venture into the adult world, or whose adult child has yet to leave the nest.   The Down Syndrome Transition Handbook outlines the steps of transitioning.

It addresses broad issues such as meaningful ways to fill one's days (work, volunteering, leisure activities, training and education, exercise), transportation (driving vs. using public transportation), independent living, eligibility for benefits, social and sexual activity, and legal issues.

About the Author: Jo Ann Simons, M.S.W., is CEO of the Cardinal Cushing Centers of Massachusetts, a residential learning center. She is Chair of the National Down Syndrome Society and of LIFE, Inc. on Cape Cod. In addition, she served as the President of the National Down Syndrome Congress and on the Board of Special Olympics, Inc., and was a founder of the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress. She and her husband live in Swampscott, Massachusetts. They have two adult children.

Down Syndrome Transition Handbook
Pub. Date: March 2010 * Publisher: Woodbine House
Paperback, 375 pp. * ISBN-13: 9781890627874
Cost: $24.95

Contacts:

For review copies, contact Fran Marinaccio, Woodbine House, 301-897-3570, email fmarinaccio@woodbinehouse.com

interview requests to

Jo Ann Simons

(781) 829-1200

e-mail: jsimons@coletta.org

Congratulations to Our Margaret Lelakes

2010-05-04T12:29:00.001-07:00

Margaret Lelakes, Cushing Centers Director of Volunteer Services, pictured with CEO Sig Kozaryn, after she received the Department of Developmental Services Having Fun/Enriching Lives Award at a ceremony held in April. Honored for her long-time commitment to the individuals we serve, Margaret has the unique responsibility of recruiting, training, and matching volunteers who live in the South Shore/Plymouth Area and beyond to positions throughout the organization. She is the person who inspires members of the community--from Church group members to retired senior citizens, from business people to high school students--to share their time, energy, knowledge, and compassion. We join DDS in congratulating Margaret!

Special Olympics athletes show off their motor skills at annual St. Coletta’s event

2010-05-03T11:19:00.000-07:00

BRAINTREE —

Everyone was a winner Friday at St. Coletta’s Day School, as more than 40 Special Olympics athletes showed off their motor skills in the school’s gymnasium.

“Everybody enjoyed the day,” said St. Coletta’s director of education Ron Shepherd. “Students are being recognized for the skills they have. The staff and the students worked hard and it’s a lot of fun.”

Shepherd, who has been with the school for 22 years, said this is the 15th consecutive year St. Coletta’s has hosted Motor Activities Day, which consistently draws 40 to 60 participants.

This year, students from Brockton and Quincy schools joined others from St. Coletta’s, a Braintree school for special-needs students.

“These are the foundation skills,” Shepherd said. “Hopefully they can move on to more traditional sports someday.”

For the event, St. Coletta’s teams with Special Olympics, which brings medals and banners. Volunteers from the Special Olympics Adult Program also work with teachers at each station to make sure everything goes smoothly.

The gymnasium was sectioned into four activity stations, which focused on the athletes’ hand-eye coordination, visual perception and body awareness. The stations included variations of sports such as baseball, bowling and high jump, and one had bubble blowing.

At the end of the event, each participant received a gold medal.

Meanwhile, those on the sidelines also got a kick out of the festivities.

“The biggest kick I get is watching good teachers,” Shepherd said. “They really get a chance to enjoy it.”

Katy Fitzpatrick may be reached at kfitzpat@ledger.com.

"Monica and David" won best documentary at the Tribeca Film Festival

2010-05-03T05:48:00.000-07:00

Check out the winner of the best documentary at the Tribeca Film Festival. http://www.monicaanddavid.com/
It is a beautiful story of love, committment and marriage of a man and a woman who have Down syndrome.

SLIDESHOW: Students are joining the conversation in Hanover sign language class - Quincy, MA - The Patriot Ledger

2010-04-30T12:16:00.001-07:00

SLIDESHOW: Students are joining the conversation in Hanover sign language class - Quincy, MA - The Patriot Ledger

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Secretary's Awards for Excellence in Energy and Enviironmental Education

2010-04-29T13:29:00.000-07:00

I am excited to share with you that Brian Giampietro and the Cardinal Cushing Green Team have been selected to receive a Certificate of Honor at the annual Secretary’s Award Ceremony at State House, Boston in the Great Hall on Friday, April 30th at 11 a.m. Congradulations to our Green Team seen here at Fenway Park.

Our Own Larry Sauer's Commentary on Education Funding

2010-04-28T06:14:00.000-07:00

The Patriot Ledger

Posted Apr 24, 2010 @ 04:22 PM

COMMENTARY BY LAWRENCE E. SAUER — Many people in Massachusetts know education funding is one of the most crucial and challenging issues we are facing, and that some students are lacking in educational resources.

Now, imagine a special needs student, already disadvantaged, who is struggling but may not have access to necessary learning tools and treatment in school because of a lack of funding that has reached crisis proportions.

Through my work at Cardinal Cushing School, I witness this happening to special needs students every day, so I’m asking the Legislature to listen.

Gov. Deval Patrick’s proposed 2011 budget cuts funding for special education by 41 percent and freezes private special education schools tuition rates for the second year in a row. This, while increasing regular education spending by $178 million. The special education cuts, if carried out through the budget process over the next several months, will mean that the needs of the most severely disabled children in our state will not be met.

Another factor is the increasing number of disabled children surviving to school age because of medical advances. The number of moderately-to-severely disabled children, age 0-3, served in Massachusetts early intervention services has more than tripled, increasing from 6,000 to 26,000 from 1992 to 2007. Children born at low birth weight or those born prematurely are surviving in higher numbers, and are far more likely to require intensive, highly specialized and costly services for many years to come.

The private schools, members of the Massachusetts Association of Approved Private Schools, that teach our state’s special needs students offer highly trained specialists, and in many cases operate 24/7, 365 days a year. They have experts to teach autistic children, experts who educate deaf and blind students, and have teachers and clinicians for those with other learning-and-behavioral disabilities.

Chapter 766 schools serve over 6,000 of the most challenged and vulnerable public students in our state. These students are only placed in C766 schools when public schools are not equipped to provide the specialized education and treatment they require. In many cases, the graduates are able to become productive members of society and contribute to our economy, often living independently and holding meaningful jobs.

Not only do many of the graduates go on to become contributing members of the state’s economy, the schools bring in over $165 million to the commonwealth annually through out-of-state students, and they employ nearly 11,000 teachers, clinicians and child care staff.

I encourage lawmakers to ensure all children – those taught out of district in private special needs settings as well as others – get the best education possible.

Lawrence E. Sauer is vice president for student programs and Services at Cardinal Cushing School, a special education day and residential school in Hanover.

Remembering Marsha Brieteneicher

2010-04-27T07:43:00.000-07:00

The Cardinal Cushing Centers and especially our Braintree St. Colleta Day School community suffered a great loss recently. Marsha Brieteneicher died after a brave struggle with cancer. Marsha was one of, if not, our longest serving employee still with us. She began working with the school in the sixties, with a break of a few years in the 70s. She work approximately 40 years for the organization. She was an important part of the glue that held Braintree together and allowed it to grow and flourish. She cared deeply about the students and the staff she worked with. She is sorely missed.

She is pictured with. from right to left, Sean Finnerty, Marsha, Kris Lanf, Ron Shepherd and Steve Hughes.

Another Art Show ( and I never get tired of bragging)

2010-04-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

On Thursday evening, April 15th, several Cardinal Cushing artists will have their art exhibited at the 3rd Annual Arc of Massachusetts Art Exhibit and Auction at the National Heritage Museum, Lexington, MA. Each artist will have their work auctioned to the highest bidder, proceeds go to the artist and massarc to help fund their programs. This is a great honor for our artists, as each piece of art was screened by a committee and chosen for its unique quality. I am very proud of these artists and all the artists in the Art program, as they continue to create spectacular pieces of art, everyday amazes me.

The artists participating in Lexington are, Julie with a tempera paint sponge print, Marie with a watercolor tile press print, Miguel with a tempera paints on tissue paper and Nick 's watercolor markers on cotton fabric. Nick is also showing his art at the Cambridge Art Association’s open studio event on April 24-25,. I already blogged about his one man show in Cambridge earlier this year!

First Book Sold

2010-04-08T08:19:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture from the recent Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress convention. Thanks to Heather for the picture and to all of you who stopped by and bought the book-and learned more about Cardinal Cushing Centers. I really want to increase the number of people who follow this blog. When I reach 50 followers, one lucky follower will win an Ipod shuffle. Please help and sign up to be a follower.

Steve Morse Mentions us in Boston Globe Autism Article

2010-04-05T07:25:00.000-07:00

A spectrum of experience, in song

Benefit CD tries to dispel myths about autism

By Steve Morse, Globe Correspondent
April 4, 2010

John O’Neil spent seemingly “20 hours a day’’ thinking about what to do for his autistic son, James. He and his wife sued James’s school district in New Jersey to get extra help. They hired specialists to work with him at home. Finally, on the commuter train to his job in Manhattan, O’Neil starting writing confessional poems that would become song lyrics in the hands of his neighbors, who are in the indie-folk band the Cucumbers. The songs rattled off the frustrations and the joys of raising an autistic child.

“Nothing’s ever brought me so much happiness; nothing’s ever caused me so much pain,’’ went one tune recorded by Jackson Browne as part of the new benefit album, “Sing SOS,’’ standing for “Songs on the Spectrum.’’

I can relate. I’m also the parent of an autistic boy. My son Nick, 21, has fought valiantly, just as James O’Neil has. In fact, James, now in eighth grade, closes out the new album (due out Tuesday and available at www.singsos.org) with his own poem put to music. He explains his world view: “My thoughts have just been a forest.’’

Or, as Kelly Flint, another singer on the album (and mother of an autistic son) notes: “Autistic children don’t go from A to B. They go from A to CDEFG, then to B.’’ So true.

Hopefully people will listen, because this smartly cathartic album — which includes tracks by Marshall Crenshaw, Dar Williams, and Ari Hest — tries to dispel myths about autism, which affects 1 in 100 children.

“Autism is a concept that sounds weird and scary to people,’’ says O’Neil, an editor and writer at The New York Times. “Part of the reason that we haven’t responded adequately as a society is that many people don’t know what it is. They think of it not as an ‘us’ situation but as a ‘them’ situation.’’

Wikipedia describes autism as a “disorder of neural development caused by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior.’’ No one, unfortunately, knows what causes it.

O’Neil’s son, who has made remarkable progress and jumped on the phone to chat for this story, was “far away and lost in autism’’ when he was younger, recalls Jon Fried of the Cucumbers, who wrote most of the music with his wife, Deena Shoshkes. In the song “Diagnosis’’ is this wrenching line: “How far will he fall — send me a ladder to his soul . . . [He’s] alone in a corner rocking in a chair staring into a mirror.’’

These and other tracks challenge the listener, but they’re generally framed in breezy melodies stretching from Beatlesque folk-pop to moving, Rosanne Cash-like ballads to buoyant Everly Brothers influences.

O’Neil’s son now plays guitar and is mainstreamed in an eighth-grade classroom. My son, Nick, has made strides, too. He has become a skilled abstract painter who just had a monthlong exhibit at ZuZu in Central Square and will show his work as part of Cambridge Arts Council’s Open Studios on April 24-25 at the Ice Cream Factory Lofts in North Cambridge. He has been a student at the Cardinal Cushing Centers in Hanover, which has done wonders with him.

The album was aided by producer Mike Visceglia, who has played bass with Williams and Suzanne Vega and put together a band for the project. Singer Marshall Chapman was the first national act to be coaxed on board. He sings “Understanding,’’ a backbeat-fueled rocker with the verse, “There’s a boy inside who’s having fun — maybe of a different kind.’’

Chapman has a niece with autism. “She has a higher level of innocence compared to other people her age,’’ he says. “She is very loving, and she loves my two kids. We have a close family, and I see her a lot. She’s in my thoughts, so I was glad to be part of this project.’’

Browne replied next, and his presence sparked others to join such as Ollabelle, Richard Julian, Jonatha Brooke, Dan Bern, and Don Dixon and Marti Jones, who have an autistic son.

The most poignant number is “House on Fire,’’ sung by Williams. It’s about O’Neil’s comment on a traditional father’s hope of playing baseball with his son and maybe building things with him. But now, she sings, “the baseball glove is gathering dust, the tools in the woodshed rust.’’

“I liked the way that song got right to the point,’’ says Williams, who has friends with children on the spectrum. “It deals with fantasy hitting reality head on.’’

I used to take my son to watch baseball games, but he couldn’t follow the path of the ball. For the same reason, he couldn’t play soccer. Today, though, he can dribble a basketball and serve a volleyball. These kids, O’Neil says, are “full of surprises.’’ His boy still has trouble fitting in socially (as does mine), but O’Neil says: “He has come a long way.’’

Suddenly, James grabs the phone from his dad and is on the line, describing his progress. “It’s like the Evanescence song ‘Bring Me to Life,’ ’’ he says. “It’s the same concept of open-mindedness. . . . It’s about bridging the normal world and the autistic world.’’

At first, O’Neil worried about James’s reaction to the album, but James admits to being excited at the thought that he might now be a “celebrity.’’

Then he says something that startles with its immediacy: “I feel like I’ve gotten to the normal world.’’

Steve Morse, a former Globe staff music critic, can be reached at spmorse@gmail.com.

© Copyright 2010 The New York Times Company

Cindy Erbe's Retirement

2010-03-31T12:57:00.000-07:00

This week, we are wishing Cindy Erbe best wishes in her retirement. Cindy has been with us for over 30 years and at a party yesterday, there were many hugs and some tears. Several of our students spoke with great warmth of her devotion and committment to them and how much she will be missed. You will be, Cindy!!!

Easter and Passover Greetings

2010-03-30T07:49:00.000-07:00

For the sake if this entry lets assume that Spring usually brings with it flowers, sunshine and warmer weather. It also brings two important religious holidays: Easter and Passover. While Passover commemorates the Israelites freedom from slavery, Easter commemorates Jesus' resurrection and ascension.

Embedded within the tale of Jesus' life and death and the tale of the Israelite's fight for freedom lies the common theme of faith and courage.

As we begin to celebrate these important holidays, let us be blessed with faith and courage and I wish you all who celebrate these holidays a Happy Easter and a Happy Passover.

Our Adult Services Department Receives Highest Recognition

2010-03-24T05:23:00.000-07:00

I am very proud to share with you that our Adult Services department received, from the Department of Developmental Services, in their review of our programs, a Two Year Certification with Distinction. This is the highest level of licensure and agency can receive and it is only awarded to 20% of agencies in the state. Congratulations to each staff person in our residential and day programs for providing the highest level of services and supports and to Jean Rogers, Tara Jordan and Leslie Kelly for their leadership.

I thought you might be interested in some of the comments of the reviewers:

“Since the last review the agency had expanded various options within their residential and day network of supports. In addition to homes providing twenty four hour staff support and home placement services the agency now offered supports of less than twenty four hours. Currently two people were receiving this type of support; each had their own apartment and at least fifteen hours of staff support available. Day supports had been expanded with the opening of a Day Habilitation Center (Life Opportunities Unlimited). The Center emphasized a healthy lifestyle, community engagement, and choice. Staff at the Center included a Registered Nurse, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, and Behavioral Therapist.

This Licensure Review focused on the Cardinal Cushing Adult Services Program which consists of residential and vocational services for adults with disabilities over the age of twenty-two throughout Southeastern Massachusetts.

South Shore Industries is the vocational component of the agency, which offers employment options such as competitive employment, community based work crews, an onsite work center and volunteer opportunities to fifty-five people. The mission of the agency’s vocational services program is “committed to the exploration, development, and implementation of employment plans that reflect each individual’s preferences, skills, and needs.”

The agency provided strong support for people to take pride in their homes. A continued focus of the agency was to provide homes that reflect a valued presence within their neighborhood and reflect individual’s personal tastes and preferences. This was particularly evident in people’s bedrooms. Pictures of family members, special events and awards won were proudly displayed. Wall colors and themes reflected people’s interests. These continued efforts by the agency fostered homes that were personally meaningful and valued.

Cardinal Cushing Centers had maintained a strong and effective Human Rights Committee (HRC). The HRC met on a quarterly basis and regular attendance by all members with the required expertise was noted. Meeting minutes indicated a review of incident reports, behavioral interventions, investigations, and review of annual site visits by members. Individuals and staff were trained in human rights with weekly meetings being held within each home to discuss different human rights issues in more depth.

The agency had continued to strengthen its safeguard systems in the areas of financial management. In addition to the assurance that funds were accurately tracked an increased emphasis was placed on the development of skills to increase people’s independence with their finances.

Support in the area of nutrition had also received increased attention. Staff and those receiving support received training on healthy food choices and the availability of healthy food within the homes was routinely monitored by supervisory staff. Several people who participated in the review had made significant progress in achieving goals related to optimal weight.”

Please join me in congratulating our Adult Services Team.

South Shore Religious Educators

2010-03-22T11:05:00.000-07:00

Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking to religious educators representing various South Shore parishes, churches and the Archdiocese at a meeting at St. Mary's in Hanover. I talked about inclusion in religious life for individuals with intellectual disabilities. This has been an area of special interest for me since the 1980's. In a touch of irony, as I look out at the Kennedy building, one of the first times I spoke to a similar group was by the invitation of Eunice Kennedy Shriver when she assembled a group of clergy and lay people from various faiths to address the issue in 1988. We have made such progress in this area and to be among so many dedicated educators who provide inclusive opportunities for students made for an inspiring morning.

Thanks to Hill Holiday Employees

2010-03-18T09:35:00.000-07:00

Volunteers from Hill Holliday recently helped renovate a classroom at Cardinal Cushing School. They used all these amazing products that Rustoleum makes. Here are some of the Hill Holiday team.

Bass Cafe Opens for Dinner and Birthday Parties at Cushing

2010-03-15T08:50:00.000-07:00

The Bass Cafe, where students operate a bakery, open to the public six days a week, launched a new initiative Friday night. On this night, it became a private resturant. Students were able to make reservations and come to dinner with friends or even a date. As with everything we do, it was a teaching experience for our students from inviting someone to dinner and saving money to pay for dinner to grooming skills and resturant manners. Other students were able to be wait staff and practice employment skills. While nothing takes the place of a resturant in the community, most of our students have never had the opportunity to be completely independent in community resturants. Even at fast food places, family members or staff are usually around. The Bass Cafe provides an important bridge to independence and something new for residential students-a fun and inexpensive place for dinner. We hope to continue to operate the Bass Cafe dining experiences. Thanks to Anne Matheson and Terri Keenan of our Recreation Department for this new initiative. Enjoy the picture of two of our diners.
There is even more to share today-our Recreation Department is at it again. This time, Director, Tom McElman, is offering Birthday Parties at the Hanover school. Let us help you plan and design the perfect party for your child using our outdoor pool, inside gym, our climbing walls and adventure course. We provide the qualified trained staff, paper good and refeshments. Call Tom at 781-829-1295 or email him at tmcelman@coletta.org to start building the perfect birthday party where children of all ages and all abilities have fun.

My Transition Handbook

2010-03-10T07:30:00.000-08:00

I have spent more than a decade interested in the transition from school to adult life for individuals with intellectual disabilities. What began as a quest to make sure that my son had a meaningful life when he finished school developed into a professional interest. I began working with families to help them in transition, developed innovative programs and solutions and began presenting workshops throughout the country and even in Ireland and Japan! At one of my workshops, four years ago, Dennis McGuire, PhD and Co-Director of the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic at the Lutheran General Hopsital in Illinois, told me that my workshop ought to become a book. Since, I have great respect for his work and opinion and his own book had recently been published, I decided to give it a try. It has been a long process, but my book was accepted to be published by Woodbine House and is actually being printed this week. While the book will benefit any family with a child with an intelelctual disability, the publisher decided that it belonged in their Down syndrome series. They have determined that more books are sold when specific diagnosis are used in the title; like Down syndrome or autism. Even if your child does not have Down syndrome, I am sure the book will be of great value to you and the only items which may not be relevant are the references to the connection between Down syndrome and Alzheimers, obesity and heart defects. The information on funding, legal issues, housing, employment, family issues, testing, eligibility and everything else in the book will help any family with a child over the age of 13. Check it out: http://www.woodbinehouse.com/main.asp_Q_product_id_E_978-1-890627-87-4_A_.asp

Taking the Plunge

2010-03-09T10:09:00.000-08:00

In spite of last weekends unseasonable warm temperatures, taking a plunge into the cold Atlantic Ocean in the winter seems crazy. Unless, you are talking about The Passion Plunge, which raises money for Special Olympics Massachustts. It's a wild idea-teams are formed, people pledge money and committed (and slightly crazy) people jump into Nantasket and Revere Beach. Our Adult Services Special Olympics Program had a team of plungers under the direction of Team Captain and Volunteer Coordinator Margaret Lelakes (who by the way won for "best costume"-she's the duck in yellow). They raised over $1500 in the plunge for our team and together with other donations, have ensured that our spring and summer teams are set for their upcoming seasons. Thank you to our Cardinal Cushing Plungers and those who sat in the "chicken coop" instead of jumping into the sea.

Important Article in Yesterday's Boston Globe

2010-03-04T07:29:00.000-08:00

THOMAS HEHIR AND STEVEN ROTHSTEIN

Hold up on cuts to special needs

By Thomas Hehir and Steven Rothstein
March 3, 2010

THE LEGISLATURE and Governor Patrick are engaged in the budget process, an arduous task even in good economic times. Education has always been a primary function of state government, and the governor recognizes this with a proposed 5 percent increase in the general education fund.

But for students with complex needs, the proposed budget cuts services almost in half, possibly denying them the quality education to maximize their chance to take part fully in society. The budget would shrink reimbursements to school districts that send students with complex educational needs to specialized private schools. Out of $230 million in this fund called the “circuit breaker,’’ the fiscal year 2010 budget cuts $90 million, or 39 percent. The governor’s 2011 budget cuts another $5 million, or a total of 41 percent. Not only are cuts of such magnitude unequal, they penalize children who have some of the most pressing educational needs.

Most children in Massachusetts should be fully educated in neighborhood schools, but cutting circuit breaker funds puts tremendous pressure on communities unable to accommodate them. It is unreasonable to expect every district to have a full array of special services for every student who is blind, deaf, deafblind, physically disabled, has medical problems, or cognitive disabilities.

On the other hand, limiting services to children with complex needs unfairly deprives them of adequate preparation for adulthood. Private specialized schools complement public schools by serving those who need intensive training from highly skilled professionals. They offer different services, but are united in the overarching goal of communities to educate their children. That is why the state created the circuit breaker in the first place.

With special services at their public school, most children with disabilities thrive in the mainstream. A few with severe or multiple disabilities find it impossible to fit in. Some public schools may not be able to fund specialized teachers, adaptive technology and other special accommodations. Students may be isolated, marginalized. In such circumstances, the district recommends a specialized school setting in which these students can participate fully in academics and social activities, where their own abilities - not traits beyond their control - drive learning.

Specialized schools have unique expertise, making them incubators of innovation. They positively impact the entire system through an array of cutting-edge student programs and teacher training that, in turn, strengthen their community-based services. Without such centers of innovation and training, 6,000 children with complex medical, learning, and sensory needs across Massachusetts would be undereducated. Thousands more in mainstream classrooms would miss out on the optimal education they could receive from outreach programs, or from teachers who are trained through these schools.

There are economic, social and academic arguments for funding the circuit breaker that pays for specialized school tuitions. There is an inescapable moral imperative, too. If it is true that the worth of any society is measured by how well it treats its citizens that need assistance to fully engage in life’s opportunities, then the Commonwealth will be judged by how well it educates and cares for the most vulnerable children. Children who are blind, deaf, physically disabled, cognitively impaired, or emotionally ill need to have the full spectrum of educational options.

As citizens we must all speak for these students. We want to ensure they are taught all that they can learn, and give them an equal chance to become productive members of society. Providing the best education possible for every child is not a choice, it is our obligation to the future.

Thomas Hehir is professor of practice at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education, a member of the Perkins School for the Blind Board of Trustees, and former director of the US Department of Education’s Office of Special Education. Steven Rothstein is president of Perkins School for the Blind.

My Visit to the Marion Center

2010-03-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

Last week, I was invited to visit the Marion Center, run by the Sisters of St. Joseph B. Cottolengo of Italy, who came to Miami, at the request of Bishop Coleman Carroll in 1963 to develop a school and support services for children with intellectual disabilities. With growth, they have developed in a similar way to us and I met with several of their Sisters. Under the vibrant leadership of Sister Lucia, who at age 89, inspires everyone around her with her wisdom, intellect and great sense of humor. Some of our veteran staff may even remember her visit to Hanover a few years ago-she recalled the trip with fondness and even her trip through our tunnels.

Our Approach to Learning

2010-02-23T07:15:00.000-08:00

Today, as I walked to my office, I noticed a group of paper mache lungs in Cheryl Clark's classroom and went in the classroom to explore further. I learned from Cheryl that the students were studying the respiratory system and had used two of their art classes, with Randy Wiskow, to create the paper mache lungs. This approach to learning is common here at Cardinal Cushing. Our students have their lessons taught and reinforced across several educational settings.