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| The Arc of Massachusetts Forums |
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| You are not authorized to post a reply. | | | Author | Messages | |
John
Posts:4
 | | 06/28/2007 6:21 PM |
 Alert | Wednesday, June 27, was the first public hearing of the NEWLY NAMED Joint Committee on Children, Families and PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. For me, it was a personally rewarding moment, as I had spent many hours over 3 years alongside dozens of other advocates representing disability groups from around the state in lobbying for the addition of the words “persons with disabilities” to the committee’s official title, a seemingly symbolic but important achievement, that had been opposed by the (now) retired former House Co-Chair.
I entered the hearing room, and was surprised to see a standing room crowd. Since many of the bills scheduled to be heard were not particularly controversial (or so I thought) I did not anticipate there would be so many people, but due in large part to the DMR “name change bill” dozens of self-advocates, including those from Mass. Advocates Standing Strong (and The Arc), were present to listen and testify in support of the proposal to remove “retardation” from the title of DMR.
The lawmakers gaveled the hearing into order and introduced newly-appointed EOHHS Assistant Secretary Jean Flatley McGuire, who was joined by outgoing EOHHS Assistant Secretary & DMR Commissioner Gerry Morrissey. McGuire expressed appreciation for the many years of public service rendered by Morrissey, while Morrissey remarked that he felt fortunate to have been able to serve alongside scores of dedicated advocates, legislators and colleagues over his many years of service with the state.
While the crowd gave Morrissey a standing ovation, I reminisced back to my days as a DMR Service Coordinator during the mid-90’s when we said our good-byes to outgoing DMR Commissioner Phil Campbell, and sized up former Deputy-DMR Commissioner Morrissey, who introduced himself to our office staff while making his rounds visiting DMR personnel around the state. My mind jumped ahead to the image of Gerry, as he began the long trek up “Heartbreak Hill” during the Boston Marathon (I don’t recall the year). I had no idea Gerry had planned to run, and was completely taken by surprise as he chugged on past our usual cheering spot at the corner of Route 16 and Comm. Ave. in Newton, where we usually encountered former DMR colleague and marathon-route resident Joan Katz, who, along with Mary Barry, were always on hand to pass out orange wedges.
I hollered some words of encouragement. Gerry looked over, his face more red than I’d ever seen it (before or since, if that can be imagined), and managed a weak smile and a wave before setting his gaze determinedly ahead to face the 8 agonizing miles that lay before him. Maybe the memory was triggered by my overall impression of Gerry’s demeanor over the years, steady and determined, while working through the pain that inevitably came with the job. Having run a marathon myself (never again) I could appreciate the pain and while I doubted Gerry posed much of a threat to the Kenyans that day, I was equally certain he would cross the finish line.
Okay, back to the hearing - the remainder of the time, lasting some 5 hours, was eventful for the number of individuals who delivered heartfelt testimony on issues related to bills officially on The Arc’s platform, and those that were not, including legislation related to Asperger’s Syndrome and Community Based Services for Physically Disabled Adults Age 60 and Under.
Members of The Arc’s Government Affairs Committee, Pat Pakos, Pat Feeley and Chairwoman Evelyn Hausslien, testified, as did Megan Rasbold Gabbard, a self-advocate who provided compelling testimony in support of H1898, An Act to establish self-determination for persons with disabilities. I testified with DPPC General Counsel, Ralph Calderaro in support of protective legislation, not officially part of The Arc’s platform, but consistent with the mission of our organization.
Go to our "State House Policy Page" and click on "Bills" to see the full list of bills on yesterday's agenda and testimony provided by The Arc. | | | |
| EVELYN
Posts:2
| | 06/30/2007 5:47 AM |
Alert | | I was pleased to see the great turnout at the hearing on Wednesday. People of all ages, across disability, with a variety of opinions spoke passionately about what each was interested in. Some of the committee have family members who are persons with a disability, and I knew of their interest. I was gratified at the time and attention other committee members gave to the many people who took the time to testify. This is democracy at work and it looked good. | | | |
| EVELYN
Posts:2
| | 06/30/2007 5:47 AM |
Alert | | I was pleased to see the great turnout at the hearing on Wednesday. People of all ages, across disability, with a variety of opinions spoke passionately about what each was interested in. Some of the committee have family members who are persons with a disability, and I knew of their interest. I was gratified at the time and attention other committee members gave to the many people who took the time to testify. This is democracy at work and it looked good. | | | |
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