5 out of 5 stars
Vision & Vision Loss Services, DDS
Shriver Clinical Services Corporation
607 North Ave. Door 14
Wakefield, MA 01880
www.mass.gov/dmr/visionloss

5 out of 5 stars
Four Points by Sheraton Norwood Hotel & Conference Center
1125 Boston-Providence Turnpike (Route 1)
Norwood, MA 02062
Phone: 781-769-7900
http://www.fourpointsnorwood.com/

Wednesday, I had the wonderful opportunity of attending the fifth “Focus” on Vision Impairment & Blindness Conference; Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Intellectual Disability & Vision Loss at the very accessible Four Points by Sheraton Norwood Hotel & Conference Center.

In July, Kathleen Kenney, M.Ed., Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, The Carroll Center for the Blind, my mobility specialist and I reviewed the accessibility of this hotel which you can read by clicking on  Four Points by Sheraton Norwood Hotel & Conference Center. We found it was a wonderful accessible place to hold this year’s “Focus” Conference.

Elizabeth Fagan, Sales Manager did a superb job ensuring all attendees who are blind, deaf or in wheelchairs have full and equal access. Thank You Elizabeth!

The “Focus” on Vision Impairment & Blindness Conference; “raises awareness of the increased prevalence for vision impairment, legal blindness, and deafness among people with intellectual disability and offering resources to help has been there mission”.

The generous “Focus” Sponsors, Friends and Supporters of this year’s conference were: Co-Lead Sponsors: Perkins Training Center; MA Commission for the Blind; Sponsors: DDS Southeast Region Training Council; Shriver Clinical Services Corp.; Friends: New England Eye Institute; New England College of Optometry; Supporters: The Arc of Massachusetts; Eye Hopes; and New England Consortium of Deafblind Projects.

Once again Lisa DiBonaventura, M.A., COMS, Statewide Director for Vision & Vision Loss Services, DDS did a wonderful job gathering all the organizations together as the Conference Chair. This year’s “Focus” Conference was a HUGE SUCCESS thanks to Lisa’s hard work and devotion!

There were over 300 persons attending the conference; including professionals from private and state human service agencies, families and individuals. All attending shared information with others regarding the needs of individuals with cognitive disability and vision loss.

Last year I attended the “Focus” on Vision Impairment & Blindness Conference at Holiday Inn Conference Center . This is my second “Focus’ Conference and it was wonderful to see friends from last year’s conference and make new friends at this year’s conference.

I especially enjoyed once again meeting DDS Commissioner Elin Howe. She warmly thanked me for my 5 Star review in April of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) - Boston Office .

This year’s Keynote Speaker, Susannah Rowe, M.D., M.P.H, Assistant Professor, Boston University School of Medicine, spoke about “Comprehensive Cataract Care & Cataract Surgery for Special Needs Populations”.

Literature Tables, Poster Displays and Vendors showing the newest technology were located by the entrance of The Gold Wing and Tiffany Ballroom. Various sessions by Presenters were held in different meeting rooms that provided State of the Art Technology.

You can view the “Focus” brochure which lists ALL the wonderful Participants @ http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dmr/events_focus_brochure.pdf.

I was delighted to see Jim Keating from Beacon Home Health Care had the Liko Hoyer Lift products on display. I love the Liko Sabina Hoyer Lift that I’ve had for six years. The Liko Lift is one of the first reviews I wrote for my website in March of 2008 which you can read by clicking on Liko Sabina Hoyer Lift.

The luncheon served in the Tiffany Ballroom was absolutely delicious! The accessible seating was very easy to access; the table was of a perfect height for my wheelchair; and the servers were all courteous, respectful and kind.

Immediately following the luncheon, two Awards were presented:

• “The Gift of Lunch” Award was presented by Kathy Stoffel to a conference attendee in memory of Mark Holt.
• “The Paul McDade”  Award for Distinguished Leadership was presented by DDS Commissioner Elin Howe to award recipient Senator Therese Murray, Senate President. Senator Murray has been a champion for individuals with intellectual disability and vision impairment, blindness or deafness across Massachusetts.

I was honored to be asked to Present “Accessibility Reviews by Kenny & Company” in which Tony, Ric and I spoke. We began by showing a 4 minute video of My Story and The Traveling Wheelchair which you can view on You Tube @  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH9GxS1R8ec.

We spoke about accessibility, my accessible home, my Permobil Power Chair and our wheelchair accessibility reviews for my website The Traveling Wheelchair.  We also spoke of the important 2009 Massachusetts legislation filed; House 3785 and Senate 1948: “An Act Relative to the Transportation of Individuals Seated in Wheelchairs “regarding the safety of transporting wheelchair-seated travelers.

I passed out the RIDE SAFE brochure which provides Critical Information to help you travel more safely in motor vehicles, while seated in your wheelchair which you can find online @ http://www.travelsafer.org/.

I wasn’t able to stay for the Special Closing Performance by The M.A.I. Band (The Music and Art Innovation Organization) but heard it was fantastic.

If you want information on next year’s “Focus” Conference or about the services and/or training offered by ‘DDS Vision Loss’, just call 508-384-5539 or click on MA Health and Human / Blindness and Low Vision.

Kenny & Co give the fifth “Focus” on Vision Impairment & Blindness Conference FIVE STARS. The “Focus” Conference is an inspiring event where all share information to help improve the services for individuals with cognitive disability and vision loss.

We also give FIVE STARS to the 2010 “Focus” Conference Committee: Lisa DiBonaventura, M.A., COMS, Statewide Director for Vision & Vision Loss Services; Jean E. Ramsey, M.D., M.P.H., Boston University School of Medicine; Barry S. Kran, OD, FAAO, New England College of Optometry, New England Eye Institute; Meg Robertson, COMS, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind; Betsy Bixler, M.Ed., Perkins School for the Blind; Kathleen Kenney, M.Ed., COMS, The Carroll Center for the Blind; and ALL Participants for helping to make the World more Sensitive, Respectful, Safer and Accessible to all.

And FIVE STARS to Four Points by Sheraton Norwood Hotel & Conference Center and Elizabeth Fagan, Sales Manager FIVE STARS for providing a wonderful accessible and barrier free conference.

Hope to see you in 2011 at the sixth “Focus” on Vision Impairment & Blindness Conference; Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Intellectual Disability & Vision Loss.

Thank-You!!

3 out of 5 stars
Longwood Medical Center
1 Blackfan Circle
Boston, MA 02115
Phone: 617-739-2492
http://www.bertuccis.com/

Last week I had a morning and an afternoon appointment at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Between appointments my mom, Ric, Amanda and I ventured out to Bertucci’s Brick Oven Pizzeria to have lunch for it is a short stroll from BIDMC. We all enjoyed a delicious lunch at this wheelchair accessible restaurant.

The main entry doors are not automatic so Amanda held the door open while Ric pushed my manual chair inside. Once inside these doors you will find yourself in a small foyer with a door on the left which leads to the restaurant and a door on the right which leads to the bar/lounge. You can also access the bar/lounge from inside the restaurant as well.

A hostess kindly opened the restaurant door for us as soon she saw us enter the foyer. She warmly greeted us and then showed us to a table that was of a perfect wheelchair accessible height. This restaurant has some inaccessible booths yet plenty of wheelchair accessible tables.

We ordered a luncheon special and all enjoyed our delicious meals plus the complimentary fresh tossed salad and fresh baked bread they serve all customers before the meal. Our waitress was very kind, warm and friendly.

Before leaving, we checked out the wheelchair accessibility of the bar/lounge area. It has 2 large flat screen TVs hanging above the bar. The bar is NOT wheelchair accessible for it is too tall for my manual chair. There are booths set along the side wall of the bar/lounge area that are not accessible. There is only one corner table in the lounge that is wheelchair accessible yet it is difficult to view the flat screen TVs from this table.

The restroom is spacious and wheelchair accessible. The handicap stall is large with the safety grab bars at a good height; the accessible sink is of a good height as is the hand drier. The main problem is a trash can stored under the accessible sink blocks wheelchair access to the sink; and the pipes under the accessible sink are not covered as is now ADA required.

A Take Out area is located in the front of the restaurant where customers can order and pick up their takeout orders. The counter here is of a good accessible height of approximately 36”.

I give this Bertucci’s Brick Oven Pizzeria THREE STARS for wheelchair accessibility. In order to earn the other Two Stars they would need to install an automatic entry door so a customer in a wheelchair can enter and exit independently; lower a section of the bar to a wheelchair accessible height so a customer in a wheelchair can enjoy a drink or food at the bar; remove the trash can from underneath the accessible sink in the restroom; and cover the pipes under the restroom accessible sink which is ADA required.

Tuesday
MARCH 30, 2010
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
at
Middleboro Council on Aging – COA
558 Plymouth Street
Middleborough, MA
http://www.middleborocoa.com/

Information, Resource Tables, Agency Representatives

TOPICS INCLUDE: Advocacy, Health Insurance, Food Programs, Employment Services, Home Modification and Housing, Job Search, Transportation, Support Services and a wide variety of helpful Community Resources

ARC
D.E.A.F
Pro-Home
Independent Associates
GATRA Transportation
MA Dept of Public Health
MRC Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
Middleborough Council on Aging
Middleborough On the Move
Middleborough Public Library
Middleborough Youth Advocates
Office for Economic and Community Development
Old Colony Elderly Services
One Life at a Time
Plymouth Career Center
SERVE Food Program
SHINE Medicare Program
South Shore Housing

Everyone is welcome to join the COA for the lunch at noon

Hot Open Face Turkey Sandwich, gravy, vegetable, dessert

$4.00 suggested donation

Please call to reserve your seat 508-946-2490

Sponsored by Middleboro On the Move and the Middleboro COA

5 out of 5 stars
283 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA, 02115
Phone: 617-277-5202
http://www.starbucks.com/

A very wheelchair accessible Starbucks is located right inside the Binney Street lobby of the Shapiro Clinical Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. I always stop at this Starbucks for a cup of their delicious fresh brewed coffee when I have an appointment at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

The street entrance of Starbucks is located on Longwood Avenue. The single entry door here is not automatic, yet the entry door located inside the lobby of the Shapiro Clinical Center is always left open during store hours.

This Starbucks offers coffee drinks, food items, roasted beans, coffee accessories and teas. The cashier counter where you place and pay for your coffee or food is of a perfect wheelchair accessible height.

The pick-up counter located at the opposite end is of a great accessible height too. The condiments are set on a counter that is of a good accessible height and all condiments are easily within my reach.

There are four tables set outside this Starbucks in a sitting area with couches and chairs inside the Binney Street lobby of the Shapiro Clinical Center. Two of the four tables are of a good accessible accessible height; the other two are tall bar style tables.

I love the bottle Ethos Water Starbucks sells. For every bottle of Ethos Water sold, $.05 cents is directed to the Ethos Water Fund to help finance sustainable water programs around the world; helping children around the world get clean water and raising awareness of the world water crisis through Ethos Water.

I give this Starbucks in Boston FIVE STARS for wheelchair accessibility.

Recently while my friends and I were at Legacy Mall in Dedham we stopped at Whole Foods for a delicious and healthy lunch. Whole Foods at Legacy Place is the newest and largest Whole Foods Market in New England. I was quite impressed with the wonderful wheelchair accessibility of this huge store as well as with the delicious wholesome food with no preservatives they offer.

There are plenty of handicap parking spaces located close to the entrance. The double sliding entry doors are my favorite kind of automatic entry doors for as soon as you approach they slide wide open.

Once inside I was really impressed seeing the huge aisles that have plenty of room to maneuver your wheelchair. Whole Foods is the world’s first certified organic grocer. I love it that this Whole Foods offers many locally grown products produced right here in New England. All items for sale are well organized and easy to view. Most items are easily within my reach. All the employees are very kind, helpful and knowledgeable. If you can’t reach an item, there are many employees who offer to help.

This Whole Foods is spotless and amazing. I loved the hot/cold bar which is of an accessible height; the cost of quality food is very reasonable too! The cashier counters are of a good wheelchair accessible height; the aisles of the cashier lines are wide with plenty of room for your chair. The tables are of an accessible height and I really enjoyed my delicious healthy lunch.

The restrooms are spacious, wheelchair accessible and fully ADA compliant.

I give Whole Foods at Legacy Place FIVE STARS for wheelchair accessibility. All the employees deserve FIVE STARS too for their kindness, sensitivity and helpfulness.

5 out of 5 stars
438 West Grove Street
Middleboro, MA 02346
Phone: 508-923-1314

While volunteering to collect nomination signatures for Congressman Barney Frank, who I believe is the BEST U.S. Congressman a constituent could have representing them, I came upon The Electric Beach and was pleased to find it is a very wheelchair friendly and accessible place to catch some sunshine!

There are plenty of handicap parking spaces in the plaza parking lot conveniently close to the entrance of The Electric Beach. As soon as I approached the entry door, Lois, the owner kindly opened the door so Josh could push my manual chair inside. Once inside Lois warmly greeted me. After seeing all the beautiful pictures of sunny beach scenes and smelling the tropical aromas of the islands I decided to take a short break to get a little sunshine.

Lois and the staff are very kind, friendly and helpful. Lois showed me to a tanning room with plenty of room for my wheelchair. The tanning bed is of a good wheelchair accessible height for transferring from your wheelchair. Josh and Ric had no problem helping me transfer from my chair into the tanning bed. I found it very easy to get comfortable in this tanning bed and really enjoyed the music, warmth and breeze from the automatic fan while I tanned. While tanning I dreamt that I was reclining in my Beach Wheelchair on a Caribbean beach with the smell of coconut!

The tanning beds and towels are very clean and sanitary. It is very important to protect your eyes when you tan indoors. Lois kindly let me borrow a pair of sanitized protective eye goggles while I tanned which I prefer more than the disposable Wink-Ease eye protectors. Hydration for your skin is also very important to use before and after tanning. I used a small packet of coconut scented hydrating body cream.

The Electric Beach sells outdoor and indoor tanning products. I love the  California Tan products they sell for outdoor tanning. I use California Tan lotions when I sun at the beach because they protect and keep my skin moisturized.

If you’re tired of dreary, rainy and cold winter weather and need a little sunshine to brighten the day I highly recommend a visit to The Electric Beach.

I give The Electric Beach FIVE STARS for wheelchair accessibility. Lois and all the staff deserve FIVE STARS too for their kindness, sensitivity and helpfulness!

Hello Readers,

If you are wondering what your next fun and adventurous outing might be, consider checking out Marcy Marchello’s latest Everyone Outdoors post on Maple Sugar Tours near Boston!

There are Maple Sugaring Events this month at three DCR State Parks in Massachusetts: Riverbend Farm in Uxbridge; Blue Hills in Milton; and Breakheart Reservation in Saugus

Access for people with disabilities is generally good in each location, but somewhat dependent upon snow and mud conditions, so Marcy recommends you call the park of interest and get an update.

To read all about these Maple Sugaring Events just click on Marcy’s Blog:  It’s Maple Sugar Time! Break out of the house and get a taste!

Hope to see you there!

Enjoy!!

Kenny & Company

0 out of 5 stars
37 Taunton Green
Taunton, MA 02780
Phone: (800) 275-8777
http://www.usps.com/

It’s been two years since I first went to the Taunton U.S. Post Office to apply for a United States Passport and was mortified to find there was NO wheelchair access into this federal United States Post Office. (You can read my March 2008 access review by clicking on Taunton U.S. Post Office.

Monday, my mom, Ric, Josh and I headed back to the Taunton U.S. Post Office to see if there have been any improvements made on accessibility and sadly there have been NONE.

There are NO handicap parking spaces surrounding this U.S. Post Office. There are a few short term (15 minute only) parking spaces for postal customers located on the side street by the rear door; yet none are marked as handicap parking spaces; and the sidewalk curb-cut is not marked or clear to see.

The main entrance has a staircase which is NOT at all accessible. A sign posted in front of the Post Office is very DECEIVING for it has a wheelchair accessible symbol with a sign stating “Accessible Entrance” with arrow directing you to the rear; yet there is NO wheelchair access from the rear to the main post office.

Located on the rear side of this Post Office is another wheelchair accessible sign which states “Accessible Entrance”; this sign is also DECEIVING for there is NO accessible entrance leading to the main lobby of the Post Office. Here you will find an accessible sloped walkway with railings on both sides which lead to the rear entry door.

There is NO handicap accessible sign posted on this rear entry door. The rear entry door is NOT automatic and very difficult to open for it swings outward, towards you which makes access difficult.

Once inside you find yourself in a dark, dingy hallway; another door leading into the basement of the Post Office is locked; there is a sign stating “Customers Please Ring Buzzer For Service”; yet the buzzer is NOT within my reach. This door is NOT an accessible entrance; there is NO wheelchair access leading to this U.S. Post Office. There is a large freight elevator on the side yet it is for ‘Postal Employees Only’.

Ric rang the buzzer for me; we waited about 5 minutes and a female postal worker greeted us. She asked what I wanted and I asked for a book of stamps. I gave her the exact amount of money ($8.80) for the cost of the stamps; she then shut the door leaving me in the dark, dingy hall; soon she came back and gave me my book of stamps. We exited and left.

Some have used the excuse that this Taunton U.S. Post Office is an historical building; therefore it is not required to be accessible. Yet I’ve been to many other historical buildings which have done barrier free renovations which nicely blend into the landscape of the historical building providing Universal Access.

One of the nicest U.S Post Offices I’ve been to is the Quincy U.S. Post Office which you can read about by clicking on Quincy U.S. Post Office.  It is an old historical building where very important American history took place; yet the Quincy U.S. Post office built a beautiful wheelchair accessible ramp leading to the front entrance which blends in nicely with the historical architect; there is no reason the Taunton United States Post Office can’t do the same!

I felt like a Second Class Citizen forced to enter in a rear door where there is still no access to the U.S. Post Office. Sadly, Discrimination Against Persons with Physical Disabilities still exist in America :-( I strongly believe it is the right of every American citizen to have full and equal access to all United States Post Offices which are federal government owned buildings.

In January of 2009, I filed a formal written complaint with the United States Access Board regarding the inaccessibility of the Taunton U.S. Post Office,  Fall River U.S. Post Office, New Bedford U.S. Post Office and  Plymouth U.S. Post Office . (You can click on the name of these U.S. Post Offices to read my reviews). I am extremely disappointed I have not heard anything regarding my postal complaints from the United States Access Board.

Once again I give the Taunton U.S. Post Office ZERO STARS for wheelchair accessibility. In order to earn any Stars, they would first need to build an accessible ramp on the side of the front stairs leading to the main entry door!

3 out of 5 stars
287 Washington Street
Attleboro, MA 02703
Phone: 508-761-6620
http://www.rubytuesday.com/

Last week while traveling in North Attleboro, my mom offered to treat Amanda, Ric and I to lunch at Ruby Tuesdays. I was pleased to find this Ruby Tuesday very wheelchair friendly and accessible except it doesn’t have wheelchair accessible seating in the lounge/bar.

There are three handicap parking spaces right up front and close to the entrance. The double set of entry doors are not automatic so Amanda kindly held both sets of doors open while Ric pushed my manual chair inside. Once inside we were warmly greeted by a nice host and manager of the restaurant. He showed us to a table that is easy to access and of a perfect wheelchair accessible height.

This Ruby Tuesday has many booths which are not wheelchair accessible for my chair cannot fit underneath and even if my chair could fit, it would stick out into the aisle blocking access for customers and servers. Many of the tables are very crowded together with little to no room to fit your chair; yet there are two large round tables in front of the windows located on either side of the restaurant which have easy wheelchair access.

We all chose the salad bar for our meal and I had no problem reaching the fresh food items which make a great salad. We all enjoyed our delicious salads. Our waitress was very kind, courteous and friendly. The manager was very kind, courteous and friendly as well!

The lounge/bar located in the center rear of the restaurant has 2 large flat screens TV’s hanging on the wall. These TV’s are easy to view from this area; yet there is NO wheelchair accessible seating in this area at all. The bar is too high for my chair; and all the tables are inaccessible booths.

Having NO accessible seating in a bar/lounge, I believe is a violation of the Section 17.4 of AAB/MA - Massachusetts Architectural Access Board @ http://www.mass.gov/Eeops/docs/dps/aab_regs/521017.txt.

The restrooms are spacious, wheelchair accessible and fully ADA compliant; except the pipes under the accessible sink are not covered as is a new ADA requirement. The soap and hand towel dispenser are easy for me to reach for they are set lower on the wall by the side of the sink.

I give Ruby Tuesday in North Attleboro THREE STARS for wheelchair accessibility. In order to earn the other Two Stars, they would need to install automatic entry doors so a customer in a wheelchair can enter and exit independently; and provide some wheelchair accessible seating in the bar/lounge either by lowering a section of the bar to an accessible height or permanently placing an accessible table in the lounge. All the employees deserve FIVE STARS for their kindness and sensitivity!

4 out of 5 stars
287 School Street
Mansfield, MA 02048
Phone: 508-337-3600
Website: http://www.knockouts.net/
You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fxbCXNJQIA

Wednesday after a meeting in Mansfield, my mom, Amanda, Ric and I came upon Knockouts Haircuts for Men. We went inside to see how accessible it was and once inside Ric and I both decided to get a haircut. We were really pleased with the outstanding haircuts and satisfying experience at this very wheelchair friendly and accessible salon for men.

Knockouts Haircuts for Men is a unique full-service, sports-themed salon providing haircuts and other grooming services including massage therapy, manicures, pedicures, and hair waxing exclusively for Men by offering a pampering experience that is not found at other salons or barber shops.

The female hairstylists all wear short boxing shorts. The boxing style décor consists of large leather chairs, individual flat screen TV’s with a remote control at each station and complimentary beverages. The salon originated in Texas and recent franchises have opened in New England.

The single entry door is not automatic so Amanda held it open while Ric pushed my manual chair inside. The waiting area has plenty of space for my chair; and all hair products for sale are within my reach. A large sign hanging on the wall of a list of all services is easy to see and read.

All the hairstylists’ chairs are removable with plenty of space for your wheelchair; shampooing chairs are removable as well and sinks are of an accessible height. You will love the extra pampering included with a haircut which consists of shampooing, hot facial towel and scalp massage.

Allisha, my hairstylist and Tonya, Ric’s hairstylist were very kind, sweet and professional. If you need a haircut and enjoy a little extra pampering, I highly recommend Knockouts Haircuts for Men.

After I got my haircut, we took a video of Ric getting his haircut, shampoo and the hot facial towel which you can view above or on You Tube @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fxbCXNJQIA.

The single restroom is large wheelchair accessible and fully ADA compliant; I could easily reach the faucet, soap and hand towels.

I give KNOCKOUTS FOUR STARS for wheelchair accessibility. In order to earn the Fifth Star they would need to install an automatic entry door so a customer in a wheelchair can enter and exit the salon independently. Allisha and Tonia deserve FIVE STARS for their kindness, sensitivity and great hairstyling skills.