On September 26, 2023, MASILC (MA Statewide Independent Living Council) sponsored another great in-person conference (first since 2019!) run by the new Coordinator, Aliza Levine.
The agenda and speakers were informative – 3 Commissioners and a state Secretary. Secretary Augustus was especially interesting, as he spoke about his priorities as the new Housing Secretary. Since housing is one of the biggest barriers to independent living, we will be watching his work (and sharing our advice!) carefully.
The workshops were also very good with topics ranging from IEPs (Individualized Education Program) to immigration. You can find the details (and many of the same photos) at the MASILC website.
Commissioners:
- Commissioner John Oliveira, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
- Commissioner Opeoluwa Sotonwa, Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Commissioner Toni Wolf, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
Secretary
- Ed Augustus, Housing Secretary, Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
Woman talks to Leslie Leslie at the Federation for Children with Special Needs table
Woman visits the Work Without Limits Table
Mass Rehabilitation Council Table with Audrey, Kim and Anna
Steve (IA) and Nancy (MASILC)
two women talk over schedule
Commissioner John Oliveira, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
Commissioner John Oliveira, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
Commissioner Opeoluwa Sotonwa, Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Commissioner Toni Wolf, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
exhibit table
Strategic Tax Planning table
NAMI MA table
My Ombudsman table
Vandy, Gabriel and Paul
REQuipment table
Toni Wolf (MRC) and Courtland (BCIL)
Man speaks with Kobena of MASSMatch
Woman visits My Ombudsman table
Brianna Stavros
PLAN table
Erin and Rose from MWCIL
Rebecca and Leslie from Federation for Children with Special Needs
Stacey from New England ADA center
Anne
MCDHH Table