DPC News & Updates

Advocacy, Legislation Savannah Lorenc Advocacy, Legislation Savannah Lorenc

4125-0100: Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing 

The Mass Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing provides vital access services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities. Increased funding can create recruitment, training and mentorship opportunities for ASL interpreters and CART transcriptionists, addressing the severe shortage of these professionals in Massachusetts.  

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Advocacy, Legislation Emily Combs Advocacy, Legislation Emily Combs

7004-9030: Incorporate Language Changes and Increase Total Funding for AHVP to $30M ($18.8M + Prior Appropriations Continued)

It can be especially difficult for people with disabilities to find homes that meet their access needs. The Accessible Affordable Housing Grants (AAHG) offers developers and landlords grants to create or rehabilitate physically accessible housing that prioritizes AHVP recipients. This program has funded projects across the state since its inception a few years ago. The Governor’s budget eliminated this program. 

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Advocacy, Legislation Emily Combs Advocacy, Legislation Emily Combs

7004-9031: Retain Accessible Affordable Housing Grants at $2.5M 

The Personal Care Attendant (PCA) program enables over 40,000 people with disabilities and elderly people to live in the community with dignity and independence. It also serves as an important source of work, disproportionately for women of color.  We support the retention of funding for the PCA program which reduces reliance on nursing homes, and advocate that the language curtailing the program in future years be removed. 

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