May 11, 2017

INDEX Blog
Subscribe to MNIP News via e-mail
Suscríbete a MNIP Noticias via correo electrónico

Barrier Free Playgrounds

Now the weather is beginning to turn warmer people are excited to get outdoors for some fun. Here is a list of barrier free playgrounds in Massachusetts for children to enjoy.

Belchertown

Jessica’s Boundless Playgrounds
Chestnut Hill Community School
59 State Street
This playground opened in 2014.

Boston

BCNC Chinatown Playground
38 Ash St, Boston
Smooth surface throughout, Visually-impaired play components, Transfer stations, Safety fence

Brockton

 Brookfield School
135 Jon Drive

Concord

 Percy Rideout Park
51 Laws brook Rd.
Smooth surface throughout, Ramps to play components, Sound-play components, Transfer stations, Accessible swing, Visually-impaired play components, Safety fence

Dennis

All Access Playground
West Dennis Graded School House
67 School St.
This playground provides recreational opportunities for children of all abilities.

Fairhaven

Everybody's Playground
Leroy L. Wood School
60 Sconticut Neck Road
This playground has a surface that is smooth enough for a wheelchair, and is resilient enough to cushion a fall.

Framingham

 Musterfield Project
27 Arsenal Rd
Smooth surface throughout, Single entrance, Safety fence

Millbury

Woolie World
Washington Street
Accessible swing, Sound-play components

Rockport

Amelia Grace Place
Rockport Elementary School
(It is open to the public during non-school hours).  Playground includes accessible swings, climbing structure that enables a wheelchair to go to the top, and many ground-level activities.

Turner Falls

Playground at Unity Park
56 First Street, Turners Falls
Smooth surface throughout a surface that smooth enough for a wheelchair, and is resilient enough to cushion a fall.

Westfield 

Stanley Park
400 Western Avenue
Ramps to play components, Safety fence

Worcester

Abby Kelley Foster School
10 New Bond Street
Playground includes a ramped structure and a rope climber.

This is a small sample of the playgrounds you will find on our Recreation - Barrier Free Playgrounds Fact Sheet.

Do you know of any barrier free playgrounds we should add to the list? Contact Audrey Huntley at audrey.huntley@umassmed.edu

 

---

Follow Us

INDEX is on Facebook and Twitter! Feel free to like us and follow us as we share disability and autism resources.

MNIP Database Training

There may be some people on your staff who would benefit from our MNIP training. It includes the use of the databases on-line and the use of all the resources to which you have access as MNIP members. If you or anyone at your organization would like to be trained for the first time, or would like a refresher on using MNIP resources, please contact Angie Aguirre at Angelica.Aguirre@umassmed.edu.

Joining the MNIP

If your agency is not yet a member of the MNIP and is interested in joining, or if you know of an agency that is interested, please direct it to our application page. There is no charge for membership in the MNIP. Members receive the MNIP newsletter; have access to a members' site with electronic tools to facilitate provision of information and referral; and participate at periodic trainings and conferences. An organization, which provides information and referral for people with disabilities at no cost to the public, is encouraged to apply for membership. If you have any questions, please contact Audrey Huntley at Audrey.Huntley@umassmed.edu.

MNIP Funders

INDEX and the MNIP are funded by: Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, and Executive Office of Health and Human Services.

Getting in Touch with INDEX Staff

Email us at info@disablityinfo.org. Or, call us at 1-800-642-0249 or 774-455-4056.

About INDEX

INDEX is a program of Commonwealth Medicine, the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

Note: View archived MNIP issues. Useful information about our Web sites and network members can be found within those issues.

To receive this newsletter in text-only format, please send a message to info@disabilityinfo.org

April 27, 2017

INDEX Blog
Subscribe to MNIP News via e-mail
Suscríbete a MNIP Noticias via correo electrónico

Autism Insurance Resource Center

The Autism Insurance Resource Center is here to help families find insurance coverage for autism treatment services.

 Some of the resources offered include:

• FAQs about ARICA, FAQs en Español, FAQs bằng tiếng Việt
• Information about MassHealth and ABA
• Healthcare Coverage for Adults with ASD; Frequently Asked Questions for Parents
• Information for Employers and Individuals covered by Self-Funded Plans
• ABA Providers in Massachusetts list
• Webinars and events

Sign-up to receive updates to ARICA via e-mail  

Find more information at http://www.disabilityinfo.org/arica/

 

---

Follow Us

INDEX is on Facebook and Twitter! Feel free to like us and follow us as we share disability and autism resources.

MNIP Database Training

There may be some people on your staff who would benefit from our MNIP training. It includes the use of the databases on-line and the use of all the resources to which you have access as MNIP members. If you or anyone at your organization would like to be trained for the first time, or would like a refresher on using MNIP resources, please contact Angie Aguirre at Angelica.Aguirre@umassmed.edu.

Joining the MNIP

If your agency is not yet a member of the MNIP and is interested in joining, or if you know of an agency that is interested, please direct it to our application page. There is no charge for membership in the MNIP. Members receive the MNIP newsletter; have access to a members' site with electronic tools to facilitate provision of information and referral; and participate at periodic trainings and conferences. An organization, which provides information and referral for people with disabilities at no cost to the public, is encouraged to apply for membership. If you have any questions, please contact Audrey Huntley at Audrey.Huntley@umassmed.edu.

MNIP Funders

INDEX and the MNIP are funded by: Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, and Executive Office of Health and Human Services.

Getting in Touch with INDEX Staff

Email us at info@disablityinfo.org. Or, call us at 1-800-642-0249 or 774-455-4056.

About INDEX

INDEX is a program of Commonwealth Medicine, the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

Note: View archived MNIP issues. Useful information about our Web sites and network members can be found within those issues.

To receive this newsletter in text-only format, please send a message to info@disabilityinfo.org

March 30, 2017

INDEX Blog
Subscribe to MNIP News via e-mail
Suscríbete a MNIP Noticias via correo electrónico

Interpreter Services

MGH Point to Point Talk Program Booklets

American Hospital Association (AHA) Award Winning Booklets
English in the Hospital - Point to Talk is a 44-page, easy-to-use booklet developed by the Massachusetts General Hospital to aid non-English speaking patients in communicating with their caregivers.

For patients who do not read in their language, two pages of illustrations can provide the basis for rudimentary communication, which could be critical in emergency situations. This booklet is available in 19 languages.
Complete the Order form and mail in or send by fax:

"English in the Hospital"
The General Store Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, MA 02114
Telephone: 617-726-2363
Fax: 671-724-4823
Fee: $7.00, plus shipping

MGH: Patient's Rights in Requesting An Interpreter
MGH: Working With An Interpreter
MGH: Becoming An Interpreter

Educational Interpreter Services

Each school district is required to provide an interpreter.
A Parent's Guide to Special Education
Available in several different formats and three languages: English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Massachusetts Department of Education has Individualized Education Program (IEP) forms and the Parents' Rights Brochure have been translated into sixteen languages. A glossary corresponds to each language translating common education terms.

IDEA Regulations Regarding Native Language and Limited English Proficiency Issues

300.29 Native Language
300.345 Parent Participation
300.324 Development, review and revision of IEP
300.500 General responsibility of public agencies; definitions

Parent's Notice of Procedural Safeguards
Massachusetts’s Department of Education. Translated in nine languages.

Interpreting Resources

If an individual or an agency is in need of interpreting services for American Sign Language (ASL), Signed English transliteration, spoken English, oral, tactile and close vision interpreting for Deaf and Deaf - Blind individuals, or CART services on behalf of hard of hearing and/or late deafened individuals in a wide variety of settings such as medical, legal, mental health, employment, education and recreational situations in Massachusetts, he/she can contact the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) at 617-740-1600 (Voice) or 617-740-1700 (TTY) or Toll-free voice:1-800-882-1155 Toll-free TTY: 1-800-530-7570. Although there are fulltime staff interpreters employed by MCDHH, the majority of requests are filled by freelance interpreters. All CART requests are filled by freelance CART Providers. For more information in Massachusetts for CART:Statewide Interpreter and CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) Referral Service

Over-the-phone Interpretation

Language Line Services
In over-the-phone interpretation, Language Line Services interpreters listen to your limited English speaking (LEP) customer, analyze the message and accurately convey its original meaning to you or your staff member. It provides a quick and easy way for an organization to provide service to customers, clients or patients who speak limited English. Language Line provides interpretation from English into more than 240+ languages, 24 hours a day.

Professionally trained and tested Language Line Services interpreters do not interpret word-for-word, but meaning-for-meaning. This is why non-English conversations can seem to take longer. Many English concepts that are communicated in one or two words can take several phrases to accurately describe in another language.
Language Line Services is also the only telephonic interpretation provider that offers Certified Medical Interpreters in more than 20 languages.
The Massachusetts Trial Court has a contract with The Language Line. This is used when there isn't an interpreter available for the language needed. The language line may be used for intake interviews at the probation department, for arraignments or other simple proceedings.
Customer Service: 1-800-752-6096
Email: customercare@languageline.com
http://www.LanguageLine.com

Additional Over-the-phone Interpretation Links:

Certified Languages International
CyraCom
New World Language Services
Language Scientific, Inc. - Technical & Medical Translation

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Interpreting Services

Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH)
Requests for ASL interpreters are made either directly by Deaf, Deaf-Blind, late deafened, hard of hearing and hearing individuals and/or agencies, organizations, schools, employers, businesses, doctors, hospitals, police departments, and courts.

MCDHH Interpreter Service
600 Washington Street,
Boston, MA 02111
617-740-1600 (Voice)
617-740-1700 (TTY)
800-882-1155 (Toll Free TTY)
617-740-1880 (Fax)  with a interpreter/CART Request Form
Emergency: Legal emergencies are received 24 hours 7 days/week at 800-249-9949 TTY/VOICE.
Hours: 8:45 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday

MCDHH Request for An Interpreter
PEPNet-Northeast Tip Sheets available for free download

•    Interpreting & Biomechanics
•    Hiring a Qualified Interpreter
•    Math Signs
•    Oral Translitering

Some of the Tip Sheets are available in Spanish.

For more information see our Interpreting Services Fact Sheet

---

Follow Us

INDEX is on Facebook and Twitter! Feel free to like us and follow us as we share disability and autism resources.

MNIP Database Training

There may be some people on your staff who would benefit from our MNIP training. It includes the use of the databases on-line and the use of all the resources to which you have access as MNIP members. If you or anyone at your organization would like to be trained for the first time, or would like a refresher on using MNIP resources, please contact Angie Aguirre at Angelica.Aguirre@umassmed.edu.

Joining the MNIP

If your agency is not yet a member of the MNIP and is interested in joining, or if you know of an agency that is interested, please direct it to our application page. There is no charge for membership in the MNIP. Members receive the MNIP newsletter; have access to a members' site with electronic tools to facilitate provision of information and referral; and participate at periodic trainings and conferences. An organization, which provides information and referral for people with disabilities at no cost to the public, is encouraged to apply for membership. If you have any questions, please contact Audrey Huntley at Audrey.Huntley@umassmed.edu.

MNIP Funders

INDEX and the MNIP are funded by: Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, and Executive Office of Health and Human Services.

Getting in Touch with INDEX Staff

Email us at info@disablityinfo.org. Or, call us at 1-800-642-0249 or 774-455-4056.

About INDEX

INDEX is a program of Commonwealth Medicine, the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

Note: View archived MNIP issues. Useful information about our Web sites and network members can be found within those issues.

To receive this newsletter in text-only format, please send a message to info@disabilityinfo.org

March 23, 2017

INDEX Blog
Subscribe to MNIP News via e-mail
Suscríbete a MNIP Noticias via correo electrónico

Free Tax Help and Income Tax Filing Resources

 

Here are some resources for free help with filing Massachusetts and Federal income taxes. These resources are for people with disabilities, seniors, and low income families. Please check each site for eligibility requirements. Income tax help is available in all areas of the state.

Massachusett Department of Revenue Free Filing and Preparation Resources

Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) Tax Assistance - Help for people in the Greater Boston area.

Community Action Free Tax Assistance -  For residents of Western Massachusetts in the Franklin, Hampshire and North Quabbin regions.

Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance Find a Free Tax Site  - Search by town or city for free tax help near you.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance at Bunker Hill Community College

AARP Free Help Filing Your Taxes

AARP Tax-Aide Site Locator

Boston Tax Help Coalition
Flyer

---

Follow Us

INDEX is on Facebook and Twitter! Feel free to like us and follow us as we share disability and autism resources.

MNIP Database Training

There may be some people on your staff who would benefit from our MNIP training. It includes the use of the databases on-line and the use of all the resources to which you have access as MNIP members. If you or anyone at your organization would like to be trained for the first time, or would like a refresher on using MNIP resources, please contact Angie Aguirre at Angelica.Aguirre@umassmed.edu.

Joining the MNIP

If your agency is not yet a member of the MNIP and is interested in joining, or if you know of an agency that is interested, please direct it to our application page. There is no charge for membership in the MNIP. Members receive the MNIP newsletter; have access to a members' site with electronic tools to facilitate provision of information and referral; and participate at periodic trainings and conferences. An organization, which provides information and referral for people with disabilities at no cost to the public, is encouraged to apply for membership. If you have any questions, please contact Audrey Huntley at Audrey.Huntley@umassmed.edu.

MNIP Funders

INDEX and the MNIP are funded by: Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, and Executive Office of Health and Human Services.

Getting in Touch with INDEX Staff

Email us at info@disablityinfo.org. Or, call us at 1-800-642-0249 or 774-455-4056.

About INDEX

INDEX is a program of Commonwealth Medicine, the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

Note: View archived MNIP issues. Useful information about our Web sites and network members can be found within those issues.

To receive this newsletter in text-only format, please send a message to info@disabilityinfo.org

February 16, 2017

INDEX Blog
Subscribe to MNIP News via e-mail
Suscríbete a MNIP Noticias via correo electrónico

Translation Services

Definitions

Translation - is the written communication in a second language having the same meaning as written communication in the first language.

Translator - is a person who transfers a message in writing from one language to another.

Certified Translator is a person who has passed the required DSHS (Department of Social and Health Services) written translation examination or has passed the American Translators Association written examination.

National

American Translators Association (ATA)
American Translators Association is the largest professional association of translators in the U.S. ATA's primary goal is fostering the professional development of individual translators and interpreters. Its membership includes translators, interpreters, teachers, project managers, web and software developers, language company owners, hospitals, universities, and government agencies. Association membership is available to individuals and organizations.
225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 590
Alexandria, VA 22314
Telephone (703) 683-6100
Fax (703) 683-6122
ata@atanet.org
ATA -.Translation: Getting it Right 

New England

The New England Translator Association (NETA)
NETA has members who translate in all of the major European languages and in many of the Asian languages. NETA website provides advice on how to choose a translator and listings of NETA members and their languages. It also provides a list of the Massachusetts Translator and Training Programs. It also provides a list of the Massachusetts Translator and Training Programs.

Massachusetts

Catholic Charities Community Interpreter Services (CIS)
CIS translators can convert written text from one language to another. Our translators work on a variety of documents including but not limited to: legal documents, Individual Education Programs, student handbooks, birth certificates, diplomas, collateral material, employee manuals, Power point presentations and websites. Our translators can also edit and review documents that have already been translated.
Price quotes are provided at no cost and are based on the scope of the project, language, and requested turnaround time. We usually provide a quote within 24 hours. We have a dedicated team member that focuses solely on translation projects who will work with you to meet your translation and budget needs.
51 Sleeper Street
Boston, MA 02210
(617) 464-8100
cis_request@ccab.org

Cross Cultural Communications Systems, Inc. (CCCS)
CCCS provides translation and interpreting services in more than 40 languages. The multilingual project management includes cultural feedback on source materials, translation, proofreading and editing, graphic design and layout of letters, certificates, transcripts, legal documents, medical records, flyers, fact sheets, pamphlets, brochures, newsletters, books, and websites. Clients include health care institutions, human service agencies, government agencies, law offices, businesses and consulates.
781.729.5066 or 1.888.678.2227 (out of state).

The Center for Health Impact
(Formerly Language Link Translation Services of Central MA AHEC (Area Health Education Center)
Language Link, a division of Center for Health Impact, provides timely, accurate and culturally responsive translation services to our clients in order to facilitate communication and reduce language barriers. Examples of projects include consumer health promotions materials, medication manuals, behavioral health documents, training guides, governmental publications, and legal documents.
Willing to review materials and provide a free estimate.
Language Link provides translation services of written documents in the following languages:
Albanian, Chinese, English, Khmer, Polish, Portuguese (Brazilian), Portuguese (European), Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Additional languages may be available. Please contact Translation Services.
Erika Schulz
Manager of Translation Services
35 Harvard Street, Suite 300
Worcester, MA 01609
(508) 756-6676 ext: 14
translations@centerforhealthimpact.org

MCS Translation Services
Multicultural Community Service of Pioneer Valley (MCS)
208 High Street
Holyoke, MA
Phone: (413) 534-3299 x 109
Contact Person: Carlos Oliva, carlosoliva@MCSnet.org
Provides interpreter and translation services in Springfield and Holyoke area. DDS Funded. Fee Involved.
Languages available are Spanish, Khmer, Vietnamese, Russian, Portuguese, Chinese-Mandarin, Chinese-Cantonese, Korean, Haitian-Creole, Arabic, Nepali, and Farsi-Persian. Other languages – such as Polish, Cape Verdean and Ukrainian – are also available with sufficient prior notice.
http://www.mcsnet.org/

Translation Center, University of Massachusetts Amherst
The Translation Center offers professional translation and interpretation services in over 80 languages. Translations are fluent in the target languages, and have an advanced degree in the subject matter, be it business, medical, legal, scientific, or technological. We provide multilingual desktop publishing, translation and localization of websites, video voice-over and subtitling, foreign language narration, and are always ready to apply our translation expertise to new situations. As with document translations services, we provide thorough and efficient service at competitive rates and adapt our expertise to your needs.
Phone: (413) 545-2203
Fax: 413-577-3400
Email: umass.translation@umasstranslation.com

---

Follow Us

INDEX is on Facebook and Twitter! Feel free to like us and follow us as we share disability and autism resources.

MNIP Database Training

There may be some people on your staff who would benefit from our MNIP training. It includes the use of the databases on-line and the use of all the resources to which you have access as MNIP members. If you or anyone at your organization would like to be trained for the first time, or would like a refresher on using MNIP resources, please contact Angie Aguirre at Angelica.Aguirre@umassmed.edu.

Joining the MNIP

If your agency is not yet a member of the MNIP and is interested in joining, or if you know of an agency that is interested, please direct it to our application page. There is no charge for membership in the MNIP. Members receive the MNIP newsletter; have access to a members' site with electronic tools to facilitate provision of information and referral; and participate at periodic trainings and conferences. An organization, which provides information and referral for people with disabilities at no cost to the public, is encouraged to apply for membership. If you have any questions, please contact Audrey Huntley at Audrey.Huntley@umassmed.edu.

MNIP Funders

INDEX and the MNIP are funded by: Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, and Executive Office of Health and Human Services.

Getting in Touch with INDEX Staff

Email us at info@disablityinfo.org. Or, call us at 1-800-642-0249 or 774-455-4056.

About INDEX

INDEX is a program of Commonwealth Medicine, the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

Note: View archived MNIP issues. Useful information about our Web sites and network members can be found within those issues.

To receive this newsletter in text-only format, please send a message to info@disabilityinfo.org

February 2, 2017

INDEX Blog
Subscribe to MNIP News via e-mail
Suscríbete a MNIP Noticias via correo electrónico

Summer Camps

Time flies! It's hard to believe with winter in full swing it's time to think about summer camps. Here are some resources.

Your child's teacher, Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) and other parents are a great source of information and ideas for summer camp options. In addition, local park and /or recreation departments may have weekly programs that offer inclusive activities for children. Some may have programs designed for children with special needs. You also can call local chapters of major disability organizations about camps in your area. Many organizations publish lists of camps and can connect you with camp directors and former campers.

Also try religious organizations, other community groups, your local YMCA and Boys and Girls Club to find out about summer camp opportunities for your child.

Camp Guides

Summer Fun Camp Directory
Federation For Children with Special Needs
Provides a links to over 200 camp web sites serving children with disabilities. Free downloadable online PDF Version http://fcsn.org/camps/

ACA Accredited Camps The American Camp Association is the national accrediting organization for camps. ACA provides information for campers with and without special needs.

SPED Child and Teen Massachusetts Special Needs Camp 2017

• inclusive February vacation activities and camps
• lists camps by region
• lists camp fairs

On-line Camp Search Engines and Resource

• Autism Speaks: Camps in Massachusetts
• Camps for Children with Diabetes
• Easter Seals Summer Camp
• Kids' Camps.com
  Well maintained site allowing searching by geographic area and by program type. Select "Special Needs Camps" category. Ages: children and adolescents. Various disabilities. Day- and overnight-camps listed.
• MySummerCamps.com
  Comprehensive directory and guide of summer camps for kids and teens with "special needs camps".
• Summercamps.com
  Summer camp directory with "Special Needs" category.

 More summer camp resources including Possible Financial Assistance Options can be found on our Summer Camp Resources 2017 Fact Sheet.

---

Follow Us

INDEX is on Facebook and Twitter! Feel free to like us and follow us as we share disability and autism resources.

MNIP Database Training

There may be some people on your staff who would benefit from our MNIP training. It includes the use of the databases on-line and the use of all the resources to which you have access as MNIP members. If you or anyone at your organization would like to be trained for the first time, or would like a refresher on using MNIP resources, please contact Angie Aguirre at Angelica.Aguirre@umassmed.edu.

Joining the MNIP

If your agency is not yet a member of the MNIP and is interested in joining, or if you know of an agency that is interested, please direct it to our application page. There is no charge for membership in the MNIP. Members receive the MNIP newsletter; have access to a members' site with electronic tools to facilitate provision of information and referral; and participate at periodic trainings and conferences. An organization, which provides information and referral for people with disabilities at no cost to the public, is encouraged to apply for membership. If you have any questions, please contact Audrey Huntley at Audrey.Huntley@umassmed.edu.

MNIP Funders

INDEX and the MNIP are funded by: Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, and Executive Office of Health and Human Services.

Getting in Touch with INDEX Staff

Email us at info@disablityinfo.org. Or, call us at 1-800-642-0249 or 774-455-4056.

About INDEX

INDEX is a program of Commonwealth Medicine, the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

Note: View archived MNIP issues. Useful information about our Web sites and network members can be found within those issues.

To receive this newsletter in text-only format, please send a message to info@disabilityinfo.org

January 19, 2017

INDEX Blog
Subscribe to MNIP News via e-mail
Suscríbete a MNIP Noticias via correo electrónico

Winter Recreation

 Here are some programs and groups who have accessible winter recreational programs. Many of these are open to people of all ages and abilities.

  

DCR Outdoor Activities
DCR's Universal Access Program - Provides outdoor recreation opportunities for people of all abilities at Massachusetts State Parks. Winter activities include accessible snowshoeing, kick sledding, cross-country skiing and ice skating. Sit-skis and seated ice sleds offer options for those with limited mobility, balance or endurance. Check out the wonderful adaptive recreational activities at DCR's Universal Access Program.
413-545-5353 (Voice) or 413-577-2200 (TTY)

CHD Disability Resources - Adaptive Sports & Activities provides barrier-free recreational and competitive opportunities for people of all skill levels and age groups, as well as their family and friends in the Springfield area. For additional information, contact Program Manager: Jessica Levine. 
413-788-9695

Sudbury Winter Adaptive Sports & Recreation Programs - Over 20 programs (indoor & outdoor) for people of all ages and abilities.  They also offer an  Adaptive Ice Skating program. Anna Wood is the Recreation Therapist. All programs run by Amber are open for people from any community. Contact Amber.
978-443-1092 X3256
recreation@sudbury.ma.us

New England Disabled Sports - Offers skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. They also offer a military program. They have a winter scholarship program.
603-745-9333
info@nedisabledsports.org                         

All Out Adventures - Located in Easthampton, MA offers winter programs include snowshoeing, x-country skiing & sit-skiing, ice skating, sled skating and more!
413-584-2052
info@alloutadventures.org

New England Disabled Sports - Offers skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. They also offer a military program. They have a winter scholarship program.
603-745-9333
info@nedisabledsports.org        

For these are a few of the programs on our Fact Sheet  Winter Adaptive Sports & Recreation Activities for People with Disabilities

You can also find more winter sports programs at www.disabilityinfo.org.

---

Follow Us

INDEX is on Facebook and Twitter! Feel free to like us and follow us as we share disability and autism resources.

MNIP Database Training

There may be some people on your staff who would benefit from our MNIP training. It includes the use of the databases on-line and the use of all the resources to which you have access as MNIP members. If you or anyone at your organization would like to be trained for the first time, or would like a refresher on using MNIP resources, please contact Angie Aguirre at Angelica.Aguirre@umassmed.edu.

Joining the MNIP

If your agency is not yet a member of the MNIP and is interested in joining, or if you know of an agency that is interested, please direct it to our application page. There is no charge for membership in the MNIP. Members receive the MNIP newsletter; have access to a members' site with electronic tools to facilitate provision of information and referral; and participate at periodic trainings and conferences. An organization, which provides information and referral for people with disabilities at no cost to the public, is encouraged to apply for membership. If you have any questions, please contact Audrey Huntley at Audrey.Huntley@umassmed.edu.

MNIP Funders

INDEX and the MNIP are funded by: Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, and Executive Office of Health and Human Services.

Getting in Touch with INDEX Staff

Email us at info@disablityinfo.org. Or, call us at 1-800-642-0249 or 774-455-4056.

About INDEX

INDEX is a program of Commonwealth Medicine, the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

Note: View archived MNIP issues. Useful information about our Web sites and network members can be found within those issues.

To receive this newsletter in text-only format, please send a message to info@disabilityinfo.org

January 5, 2017

INDEX Blog
Subscribe to MNIP News via e-mail
Suscríbete a MNIP Noticias via correo electrónico

Fuel Assistance

Brrrr. Winter is here. Below are some resources to help stay warm this winter.

Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP)
The Federal Emergency Food & Shelter Program gives federal funds to local nonprofit and government organizations to help prevent hunger and homelessness. Local organizations can use funds to pay up to one month's utility bill for residents facing a fuel emergency.
To find your local organization choose “Funded Organizations” then Select "Massachusetts" then your county from drop-down list.

Locate your town office
Some cities and towns have local emergency fuel assistance programs for their residents. Call your town hall to find out if emergency assistance is available for fuel assistance.

Community Action Agencies (CAA)
Also known as Community Action Programs (CAP) provide emergency assistance to people in crisis. All Community Action Agencies offer fuel assistance. Depending on local Community Action Agency, it may offer transitional housing, homelessness prevention programs, temporary emergency food assistance programs and childcare voucher management services.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP is a government program to help low-income families and individuals pay their heating bills during the winter. The program is managed by the Department of Housing and Community Development in conjunction with 22 regional nonprofit and local government organizations. Eligibility for fuel assistance is based on having low income and low assets.

Call the Cold Relief Heatline to find out where to apply for Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP), Weatherization (WAP), and the Heating System Repair and Replacement Program (HEARTWAP). HEATLINE at 800-632-8175 (voice/TTY)

For additional resources:

Links to Fuel assistance resources in Programs and Services

Utility Bills - Energy Assistance Discounts Fact Sheet

---

Follow Us

INDEX is on Facebook and Twitter! Feel free to like us and follow us as we share disability and autism resources.

MNIP Database Training

There may be some people on your staff who would benefit from our MNIP training. It includes the use of the databases on-line and the use of all the resources to which you have access as MNIP members. If you or anyone at your organization would like to be trained for the first time, or would like a refresher on using MNIP resources, please contact Angie Aguirre at Angelica.Aguirre@umassmed.edu.

Joining the MNIP

If your agency is not yet a member of the MNIP and is interested in joining, or if you know of an agency that is interested, please direct it to our application page. There is no charge for membership in the MNIP. Members receive the MNIP newsletter; have access to a members' site with electronic tools to facilitate provision of information and referral; and participate at periodic trainings and conferences. An organization, which provides information and referral for people with disabilities at no cost to the public, is encouraged to apply for membership. If you have any questions, please contact Audrey Huntley at Audrey.Huntley@umassmed.edu.

MNIP Funders

INDEX and the MNIP are funded by: Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, and Executive Office of Health and Human Services.

Getting in Touch with INDEX Staff

Email us at info@disablityinfo.org. Or, call us at 1-800-642-0249 or 774-455-4056.

About INDEX

INDEX is a program of Commonwealth Medicine, the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

Note: View archived MNIP issues. Useful information about our Web sites and network members can be found within those issues.

To receive this newsletter in text-only format, please send a message to info@disabilityinfo.org

December 20, 2016

INDEX Blog
Subscribe to MNIP News via e-mail
Suscríbete a MNIP Noticias via correo electrónico

Happy Holidays!

As another year draws to a close we want to thank all of our friends and colleagues for your support throughout the year.

We wish you a happy holiday season and look forward to working with you in the coming year.

 

Have a safe and happy holiday!

 

From everyone at INDEX and the Autism Insurance Resource Center

 

---

Follow Us

INDEX is on Facebook and Twitter! Feel free to like us and follow us as we share disability and autism resources.

MNIP Database Training

There may be some people on your staff who would benefit from our MNIP training. It includes the use of the databases on-line and the use of all the resources to which you have access as MNIP members. If you or anyone at your organization would like to be trained for the first time, or would like a refresher on using MNIP resources, please contact Angie Aguirre at Angelica.Aguirre@umassmed.edu.

Joining the MNIP

If your agency is not yet a member of the MNIP and is interested in joining, or if you know of an agency that is interested, please direct it to our application page. There is no charge for membership in the MNIP. Members receive the MNIP newsletter; have access to a members' site with electronic tools to facilitate provision of information and referral; and participate at periodic trainings and conferences. An organization, which provides information and referral for people with disabilities at no cost to the public, is encouraged to apply for membership. If you have any questions, please contact Audrey Huntley at Audrey.Huntley@umassmed.edu.

MNIP Funders

INDEX and the MNIP are funded by: Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, and Executive Office of Health and Human Services.

Getting in Touch with INDEX Staff

Email us at info@disablityinfo.org. Or, call us at 1-800-642-0249 or 774-455-4056.

About INDEX

INDEX is a program of Commonwealth Medicine, the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

Note: View archived MNIP issues. Useful information about our Web sites and network members can be found within those issues.

To receive this newsletter in text-only format, please send a message to info@disabilityinfo.org

December 8, 2016

INDEX Blog
Subscribe to MNIP News via e-mail
Suscríbete a MNIP Noticias via correo electrónico