I was asked if I could share what it means to me and my family to get vaccinated… The vaccine is bringing me hope.
Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine: Carole’s Story
Like so many our world came to a crashing halt on March 16, 2020. It really hasn’t moved forward in almost a year. It has become so very lonely for our daughter Grace. No school, limited visitors, limited nursing support, and the constant fear that my job as a preschool owner would bethe way this […]
Social Engagement in Times of Pandemic
Social connections can be sustained, deepened, and even built during pandemic times. This workshop will offer a brief presentation the challenges we face as related to our role and relationship building efforts amidst the current pandemic, as well as the opportunities to stay connected socially within our communities, while physically distancing. Together, we will address […]
Partnering in a Pandemic: Insights from an MFOFC Family Leader
The thoughts below were written by Roxi Harvey, an ABC and FLS alum who assumed a leadership role in the Boston SpEd PAC during COVID and recently published an article she co-wrote with Emma Fialka-Feldman. The link to the OpEd is below. What new leadership roles have you stepped into in this pandemic? What has […]
Northeast Family Leadership Series grad speaks at Governor’s press conference
Congratulations to Family Leadership Series graduate, Raquel Quezada, who spoke as part of the Governor’s press conference on guidance for re-opening schools on June 25, 2020. Fast forward to 25:30 to hear what Raquel had to say! Way to go Raquel ??? We’re so proud of you and your advocacy!
Updated DDS Visitation Guidance
Last week, DDS issued new guidance surrounding visiting individuals living in facilities. Based on this data and the feedback DDS received from families regarding their Outdoor Visitation Guidance (issued June 10, 2020), DDS has revised their Visitation Guidance. These guidelines were developed with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to ensure safe visitation. Families choosing […]
COVID’s Impact on Person-Centered Arrangements: Parent Panel Discussion
How have person-centered living arrangements fared during the COVID-19 crisis? In this concluding webinar in the series, we will check in with three parents who practice person-centered planning for adult children with disabilities. Presenters: Kathy Brill Sandra Heller Dr. Laurel Peltier Learn more and register at https://massfamilies.org/housing-webinar-series/june-24-covid-parent-panel-webinar-registration/
Massachusetts Attorney General Issues Guidance on Hospital Visits
Last week the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office released guidance on disability rights and reasonable accommodations during the pandemic. The guidance lays out accommodations that may be necessary in workplaces, apartment buildings, hospitals, and stores that remain open to the public. Access the guidance and read the press release by following this link: https://www.mass.gov/news/ag-healey-issues-guidance-on-disability-rights-during-covid-19-pandemic To download […]
Updated Remote Learning Guidance from DESE
Recently, it was announced that Massachusetts schools would remain closed through the end of the 2019-2020 school year. DESE followed up with *updated* remote learning guidance, including a 25-page intensive guide on remote learning, along with prerequisite content standards for both elementary and secondary student success. For Special Education specific information regarding remote learning, school […]
Family Resource Toolkit from DESE
Schools must provide a Free and Appropriate Education (FAPE) regardless of where students are spending the day. DESE released a letter that offered guidance for families on coping with the changing landscape of education, as well as a Family Resource Toolkit last week that lists resources on Covid-19 specific questions, support for families, hotlines, assistive […]