OCES co-sponsored the Greater Brockton Area Legislative Roundtable at their Brockton office on February 7, 2020.
Left to Right: Speaking Senator Timilty, Joe Bellil of Easterseals, Karen Langley of REquipment and Gretchen Emmetts, Director of Pembroke COA
The legislative roundtable breakfast had 34 in attendance including: Senator Michael Brady, Representative Claire Cronin, Representative Michelle DuBois, Legislative Aide Matthew Hannon, Legislative Aide Kathleen Baxter, Legislative Aide Joanne Tierney, Representative Kathy LaNatra, Representative Matthew Muratore, Mayor of Brockton, Robert Sullivan, Representative Alyson Sullivan, Senator Walter Timilty, and Brockton Housing Authority Executive Director Thomas Thibeault.
The event was co-sponsored by OCES, Independence Associates, and Easterseals Massachusetts. The three organizations, which have similar missions, discussed their priorities and goals, with supportive housing for older adults and individuals with disabilities being a central issue. These agencies collectively emphasized the importance of REquipment who also attended this event to talk about the importance of the services and equipment that they offer the community.
“The need for supportive housing for older adults and individuals with disabilities is increasing and will continue to do so over the next 10 years,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “Expanding the funding for supportive housing is imperative. Our funding goal would support at least 10 new supportive housing sites and an estimated 1,500 older adults living in public housing with enhanced coordination and access to long-term services and supports.”
Legislators discussed what they see are some of the key issues affecting people with disabilities locally and at the state level. Closing remarks were made by Steven Higgins, Executive Director of Independence Associates Center for Independent Living and Paul Medeiros, President of Easterseals Massachusetts.
To learn more about Independence Associates, a Center for Independent Living, visit www.iacil.org. For more information about REquipment, durable medical equipment reuse, visit dmereuse.org. For additional information about Easterseals Massachusetts, visit www.easterseals.com/ma.