Hi, my name is Michelle Donatello, and I’m the vice president of the Massachusetts State Association of the Deaf (MSAD). Nini Silver of the Disability Policy Consortium (DPC) got my attention tonight with the vlog she posted concerning a meeting that was held recently with Heidi Reed, the Commissioner of MCDHH, and Charlie Carr, the Mass Rehab. Commissioner (MRC), and Janet LaBreck, Commissioner of the Mass. Commission for the Blind (MCB). At this meeting there was discussion of possibly merging the three Commissions (MCDHH, MCB, MRC) into one Disability Commission. We at MSAD strongly oppose this idea of a merger. We are greatly concerned about this, and we take it very seriously.
What has MCDHH done for us? Did you know that MSAD helped to establish MCDHH back in 1984? This was because Deaf and Hard of Hearing people faced many barriers that severely impacted our quality of life. Since its establishment in 1984, MCDHH has done an amazing job of eliminating many of these barriers and providing much-needed programs and services to the Deaf community.
Let’s suppose the merger happens, what will the impact be on Deaf and Hard of Hearing people? First of all, it will mean the loss of staff who have expertise in serving Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Late Deafened people; loss of staff who are fluent in ASL and knowledgeable about Deaf culture; loss of staff who are familiar with our needs and who support our right to communication access. Loss of these enterprising staff would severely impact our quality of life, our families and children, at home and at work and at school.
What exactly are the programs and services that MCDHH provides to our community? 1) Interpreter Referral: this department assigns interpreters and CART providers all over the state, monitors quality assurance, and advocates for our right to communication access. 2) Case Management: this department provides coordination of complex services, advocating for our rights to programs and resources in healthcare, education, housing, the legal system, as well as community services through contracts with independent living centers around the state. Case managers also attend IEP meetings to ensure that our children receive a better quality of education and that their goals are met. 3) CATTS: this department educates the pubic about Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Late Deafened people, spreading the word about Deaf Culture and ASL, teaching about access and technology, and providing trainings to police and fire departments, schools, hospitals, and private industry, etc. concerning our needs and our rights, and the laws which protect our rights.
Now if MCDHH merges with MCB and MRC, we would lose control of all these services, which we fought so hard to get in the first place. We know best what our community wants and needs, and so we must speak out now against merging the three commissions, or else we will lose our control and we will lose our voice. We must keep the power to decide ourselves. They cannot decide for us. We cannot let them decide. We must voice our own decision. MCDHH has been a spokesperson for our community all these years and is viewed as our face and our voice, advocating for us and helping to eliminate obstacles. MCDHH has a critical role and must remain independent and visible in our community.
Now, what actions does MSAD want from you? Please email MSAD right away with your comments and reasons why you oppose the merger. Explain your concerns and your positive experiences with MCDHH and how its programs and services have helped you.
Please send them to us at: president@msad.org.
Thank you for your time and undivided attention.
