Legislation

House Bill 984 the “Real Lives” Bill

This bill requires the Department of Developmental Services to apply for a Masshealth waiver and reorganize the way it delivers services so that “the money follows the person.”

It will allow persons with intellectual disabilities and their families to have more control over how their allocated funds are spent and on which programs and supports.

This will not incur any new or additional funding. DDS supports this bill.

Please contact state Representative Jennifer Benson at 617-722-2637 for more details or to express your opinion.

You can read the entire bill on the malegislature.gov website.

Resources

Acton Memorial Library has many excellent selections relating to people with disabilities.

New Publications

Rewiring for Loved Ones: A Lifeline to New Connections after Brain Injury
by Dolen, Carolyn E.

Rewiring for Survivors: A Lifeline to New Connections after Brain Injury
by Dolen, Carolyn E.

'A 1976 auto accident in a Minnesota snowstorm left Dolen with a brain injury and a prognosis of "suicide or the psych ward". She was motivated, however, to prove the health-care team wrong. In part, the story of her continuing recover, in part, a manual for survivors and loved ones, these books are readable, practical resources that parallel each other in general content and approach. Dolen explains normal brain anatomy and functions, as well as what happens when the brain is injured. Readers learn that no two patients are alike; injuries range from mild to severe and in the worst cases lead to death. Concentration, attention span, organizational skill, emotion, sleep and behavior can be affected. Both books offer in depth explanations of how to get the most from health-care professionals and educate readers about treatment, recovery, post-injury rehabilitation and adaptation. Chapters focus on a specific aspect of therapy; spiritual, cognitive, emotional, nutritional, physical, social and vocational. Included is a valuable list of resources, organization and web sites arranged in the same order as the chapters. A reference list for each chapter complete the content. VERDICT Survivors is a powerful testament to how courage and spirit can aid in recovery and like Loved Ones, equips readers with knowledge and understanding to help with the many problems accompanying head injuries. Both titles are highly recommended for their intended audiences; - Jodith Janes, Cleveland Clinic Fdn. Lib. Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.

Coming soon

The Illustrated Guide to Assistive Technology and Devices, Tools and Gadgets for Living Independently - by Suzanne Robitaille

Amyotrophic Laterl Sclerosis: A Guide for Patients and Families - by Hiroshi Mitsumoto

Barrier-Free Travel: A Nuts and Bolts Guide for Wheelers and Slow Walkers - by Candy B. Harrington and Charles Pannell