The Traveling Wheelchair

500 Harrison Avenue,
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617-727-5608
http://www.mass.gov/dds

A fter my appointment at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center – Radiology – Clinical Center, my mom, Tony, Ric and I stopped at the Boston office of Department of Developmental Services (DDS). I’ve wanted to visit for quite some time to thank them all for everything they’ve done to make it possible for me to live a happy and fulfilled life in the community.

Leaving the nursing home where I lived in for 20 years was the best thing that ever happened to me. While living in the nursing home, I was isolated from the community and had very few rights. Due to much support and encouragement from many at DDS, I finally decided to move to the community. What a great choice that was; for now I am able to be a part of the community and able to independently make my own choices. I LOVE MY NEW LIFE!

The  Department of Developmental Services (DDS) office in Boston is located in an old but renovated building. Street parking is available with a 2 hour limit, if you’re lucky enough to find a spot. Parking is also available in a parking lot, located on the side of the building for a minimal fee. Once out of my van, we strolled along a wide cement walkway that leads to the entry door. Located on a grassy area in the center is a huge textile pulley wheel, which my friends and I think is symbolic of a textile mill that may have once been located here.

Access is easy for the entry door is automatic with a simple push of a button. Once inside, I found the lobby open and spacious with plenty of room to maneuver my chair. A security guard is stationed at a desk inside this lobby. She asked us where we were headed; we told her to the DDS office; she pointed up and kindly told us it is located on the second floor.

We all looked up and could see the second floor above from this open lobby. We all got on the elevator, located in this lobby and were pleased to find it spacious with plenty of room for me in my chair, my mom and my friends. This elevator has two doors, one on either side; I wheeled in forward and when it stopped on the second floor, I wheeled right out, still facing forward, without needing to turn my chair.

After exiting the elevator, we turned a corner and traveled across a very cool self-supporting steel bridge; below this bridge is the lobby. Located off to the side at the end of this bridge is a beautiful steel sculpture; none of us are quite sure what it represents but we think it represents some modern art architecture.

We reached the entry door of the office of Department of Developmental Services (DDS). It is a glass door that is locked for security reasons. As soon as we approached, a very kind receptionist sitting at a desk buzzed us right in. She asked if we had an appointment; my mom told her we didn’t and we explained we stopped by because we were in the Boston area.

My mom asked if Ken Smith, Assistant Deputy Commissioner or Larry Tummino, Deputy Commissioner were in for they provided me much support and encouragement during my transition from the nursing home to my community home. She told us that Larry was out at a meeting but called Ken; she kindly asked us to wait in the reception area of the lobby. This area is spacious and comfortable with plenty of room.

Ken Smith came right out and warmly greeted me, my mom and my friends. To my pleasant surprise, he introduced me to Commissioner Elin Howe. Commissioner Howe really impressed me for she is caring, compassionate and sensitive. I experienced a warm feeling when she spoke with me for I found her to be genuine and kind. I really appreciate her taking the time to listen to every word I said. We talked a lot about my trip to Washington DC and the Accessibility of the 2009 Inauguration of President Barack Obama. We also spoke about the importance of  Massachusetts House 3785 and  Senate 1948 : “An Act relative to the transportation of individuals seated in wheelchairs”.

I told Commissioner Howe how much I LOVE MY NEW LIFE. She told me that she follows the work I’m doing on my website in trying to make the world more sensitive, respectful, safer and accessible to all. Marianne Meacham, General Counsel came out to see me and my mom. Marianne is a very compassionate and caring person who also provided much encouragement when I transitioned from the nursing home to my community home. After we all spent much time talking, we said our goodbyes for I wanted to head back home for my roommate, Josh. Commissioner Howe invited me to come back and visit anytime. I truly appreciate the time she took from her busy schedule to spend with me this day.

As we were about to leave, Ed Bielecki of M.A.S.S. – Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong came into the office. Ken introduced us and we spent more time speaking with Ed about M.A.S.S. We made plans to meet Ed one day soon at my home in Middleboro.

Before we left to travel back home, we checked out the restrooms. The restrooms, located off a wide hallway are wheelchair accessible, spacious and fully ADA compliant. We also saw a conference room, located at the end of this hallway; it is fully wheelchair accessible and spacious. My mom told me she has attended past meetings in this room when she was Chair of the nursing home’s  Family Council.

I give Department of Developmental Services (DDS) FIVE STARS for wheelchair accessibility.

I give Commissioner Elin Howe, Larry Tummino, Ken Smith, Marianne Meacham and all the dedicated employees of Department of Developmental Services (DDS) FIVE PLUS STARS for the wonderful work they do helping to make the world more sensitive, respectful, safer and accessible to the persons with disabilities they serve. THANK YOU COMMISSIONER HOWE AND ALL OF DSS!!!!