Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission Renamed to 'MassAbility'

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BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey signed legislation that renames the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to MassAbility.
 
Governor Healey filed this bill last year to reflect the administration's goal of expanding the agency's reach and ushering in a new, more inclusive model for disability career services and independent living. The legislation also removes outdated terms from the general laws like "handicap," "handicapped," and "retarded," replacing them with "barrier," "person with a disability," and person with an "intellectual disability." 
 
"Words matter. This legislation ensures that the names and terms we use accurately reflect the strength and capabilities of the disability community, supports our goal of helping the people we serve achieve autonomy and independence, and breaks down stigma," said Governor Maura Healey. "I'm grateful to our partners in the Legislature for advancing this legislation, and to the members of the disability community and our team at MassAbility and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services who advocated to make this a reality in Massachusetts" 
 
The new name directly resulted from feedback from the disability community and was selected following significant research, focus groups, surveys, and conversations with the community, businesses, providers, and advocacy organizations. 
 
"The new name MassAbility and language changes reflect both the state and agency's commitment to inclusivity, because we know that words matter," said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. "MassAbility represents pride and self-determination. It's about rights and equal access. It's about building a future and being fully present and counted in the world." 
 
The name directly resulted from feedback from the disability community and was selected following significant research, focus groups,surveys, and conversations with the community, businesses, providers, and advocacy organizations. 
 
"This historic legislation represents the state's commitment to propelling the disability movement forward," said MassAbility Commissioner Toni Wolf. "Language has the power to shape people and culture, tackle stigmas, biases, and stereotypes. For too long, the words we've used have not reflected the strengths, resilience, and determination of the disability community. This legislation changes that. We are changing life in Massachusetts for the better, making it more equitable, accessible, and inclusive for people with disabilities."  
 
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Dalton Select Board Candidate Forum Set Thursday

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — iBerkshires.com is hosting a Select Board candidate forum at the Senior Center on Thursday, April 24, at 6 p.m. 
 
Pittsfield Bureau Chief Brittany Polito will ask the candidates questions curated from voter submissions. 
 
The number of questions will be limited by the 90-minute time limit. Each candidate will begin with a two-minute opening statement. Following this, Polito will ask questions. 
 
For every question, the candidates will each have up to 1 1/2 minutes to answer, followed by 30 seconds each to rebut or follow up. The moderator can allow for further debate on a particular question if needed. 
 
At the conclusion of the event, each candidate will have up to 90 seconds to deliver a closing statement.  
 
The event is also being livestreamed on the iBerkshiresTV YouTube channel and broadcast on Dalton Community Cable Association's Channel 1301 in Dalton.  
 
The election is at the Senior Center, located at 40 Field St., on May 12 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Don’t forget to also attend the town meeting on Monday, May 5, at 7 p.m. at Wahconah Regional High School. 
 
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