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were: Ad Lib, Inc., Berkshire Brain Injury Support Group,Berkshire County Arc, Berkshire Family and Individual Resources, Berkshire Mall, Carson Center for TBI Services of Western MA, Disability Advocates. Goodwill Industries, Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, Meridian Associates, Pittsfield Commission on Disabilities, and UCP Association of Berkshire County, Inc.
These agencies share a common mission and collaboration in helping people with disabilities to achieve their chosen lifestyles and dreams.
Legislative Breakfast
These same agencies were responsible for sponsoring and organizing the annual Legislative Breakfast, an important event that brings local legislators face-to-face with their constituents to answer questions about policies and budget matters of interest to members of the disabled community and those who support them.
On March 14, 2003, Christine Singer, Executive Director of UCP, welcomed a large gathering to the 2003 Legislative Breakfast. This year's breakfast was held at the ITAM Lodge in Pittsfield.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Singer talked about the history of the Legislative Breakfast, and how the committee which organizes Disability Pride Day is also responsible for the Legislative Breakfast. The Legislative Breakfast
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about disability issues.
BCARC Executive Director Kenneth Singer moderated the legislative question and answer session. Present were: State Senator Andrea Nuciforo Jr., and State Representatives William Pignatelli, Shaun Kelly and Peter Larkin. The legislators were welcomed, gave their opening remarks, and answered questions regarding the state budget and its impact on individuals with disabilities, their families, and the staff who support them daily. Pittsfield Mayor Sara Hathaway also weighed in with the city's position on these matters.
The presence of these legislators gave the public a first-hand opportunity to address these issues with the people representing them in Boston, bringing our state government to a local level and increasing awareness about issues concerning people with disabilities.
Mary Lou Maloney, Arc Mass legislative lobbyist, conducted a 30-minute training to teach people how to effectively advocate for people with disabilities at the legislative level. Ms. Maloney suggested that people attend public hearings and call legislators directly in order to get opinions about disabilities known to their representatives.
The message for everyone in attendance was the imperative that everyone must work together in these difficult economic times to both maintain and enhance funds
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Each year, county social services agencies celebrate Berkshire County Disability Pride Day to commemorate the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act. This year's event took place on March 8th at the Berkshire Mall.
UCP Board President and local advocate for the disabled, Pat Sheely, suggested having such an event in the Berkshires six years ago in hopes of increasing awareness of services and opportunities available to disabled individuals in the Berkshire community.
This year, more than 35 vendors participated, while 11 performers provided entertainment for everyone in attendance. Mr. Bob Wells, Chairman of the Board of Berkshire Bank and Pat Sheely both were guest speakers for the event, which also included a Kids Station, where there was face painting, a "Creative Arts Exhibit" sponsored by Ad Lib, Inc. as well as games and prizes. Berkshire Disability Pride Day is the product of a collaboration of 13 human service agencies and businesses within the county.
The event also would not have been possible without the support of local sponsors Berkshire Mall, Credit Union of the Berkshires, Berkshire Life, Adams Co-Operative Bank, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Pittsfield Co-operative Bank, and Legacy Bank.
The agencies involved in organizing Disability Pride day
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