Housing Workshop
2018-12-19 10:00 - 12:00, 2018-11-21 10:00 - 12:00, 2018-10-17 10:00 - 12:00, 2018-09-19 10:00 - 12:00, 2018-08-15 10:00 - 12:00, 2018-07-18 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | BCIL Offices, 60 Temple Place, 5th Floor, Boston Center for Independent Living, Boston, MA, 02111, United States
Join us on the first and third Wednesday of every month to learn more about and how to apply for affordable housing options in your area. Our knowledgeable staff will answer all your questions and put you on the path to finding the housing that is right for you.

DAAHR Forum on One Care and ACOs
2018-12-13 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | St. Paul’s Cathedral, 138 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02111, United States
Save the date!
DAAHR Forum on One Care and ACOs on December 13: What are your concerns?
We’re 61+ months into One Care and MassHealth plans to expand the program big time. We’re 8+ months plus into Accountable Care Organizations, a gigantic overhaul of MassHealth.
• What’s working for you with these plans? What isn’t?
• Can you access your specialists? PCAs? Peer supports? Equipment? Medications? Supplies?
• Does locking enrollees into One Care for a year concern you?
We need to hear from you! MassHealth needs to hear from you! Attend the forum!
When: Thursday, December 13, 2018 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Where: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church meeting room, 138 Tremont Street, Boston
Who’s being invited: ACO and One Care enrollees, advocates, MassHealth, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
For accommodations or more information contact Shaya French at BCIL at sfrench@bostoncil.org / 617-338-6665 or Lenny Somervell at the DPC at lsomervell@dpcma.org / 617-542-3822.

College 101 Workshop Series
2018-11-17 11:00 - 13:00, 2018-10-25 15:30 - 17:30, 2018-10-20 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | The Boston Center for Independent Living, 60 Temple Place, Boston, MA, 02111, United States
College 101 Workshop Series
Considering going to college? Let’s explore the basics.
This fall workshop series goal is to give participants ages
16-22 a basic understanding of the college process.
Workshops will include interactive activities along with a presentation. Topics to be explored include: why someone would go to college, how to apply, financial aid, exploration
of different college programs in the area and more.
We hope you will join us for the entire series!
Workshop 1: College 101
Saturday, October 20 from 11 AM – 1 PM
at BCIL (60 Temple Place, 5th Floor, Boston).
Please bring a bag lunch.
Workshop 2: Meet & Greet with Disability Services at Bunker Hill Community College
(250 New Rutherford Avenue, Boston) ** please note location change**
Thursday, October 25 at 3:30 PM
Workshop 3: Study Skills
Saturday, November 17 from
11 AM – 1 PM at BCIL. Please bring a bag lunch.
To register or request accommodations: email Dan Harris
at dharris@bostoncil.org or call 617-338-6665

2018 BCIL Annual Meeting
2018-11-15 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | State Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, 02116, United States
We wish to invite you to BCIL’s Annual Meeting, which will be held on Thursday, November 15 at 6:00 p.m. at the State Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza in Boston.
In the past year we’ve advocated for more affordable and accessible housing, a stronger consumer voice in how MassHealth runs its programs, and for improved Ride service and more accessible buses and subways. And our staff has provided quality IL services to thousands of people across the region.
Please join us as we look back on important successes and look ahead to another year of service and advocacy for independent living and disability rights!
On the meeting agenda, after a light meal, will be brief business reports, a review of 2018, board elections, and conference of awards. Representative Marjorie Decker, a key leader in the legislature of our successful efforts to increase funding for the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), will be our keynote speaker.
If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Susan Smith at BCIL for planning and food purposes: ssmith@bostoncil.org or 617-338-6665, x210. Also, please let us know by November 8 if you’ll need an accommodation.
Should you wish to obtain a proxy ballot for board elections if you are unable to attend the meeting, please contact Shawn Kelley by phone at 617-338-6665 x 201 or at skelley@bostoncil.org.
Your support in the past and for the coming year is much appreciated!
We hope to see you on the 15th for a fun and spirited evening.
Sincerely,
Bill Henning, Director

2018 BCIL Annual Meeting
2018-11-15 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | State Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, 02116, United States
BCIL holds its Annual Meeting every November to provide a summary of our year’s activities to our members as well as present a financial report and elect new members of our Board of Directors. All dues-paying members are encouraged to attend.
2018 Annual Meeting
Thursday, November 15, 2018 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
State Transportation Building – 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116
On the meeting agenda, after a light meal, will be brief business reports, a review of the past year, board elections and awards. The keynote speaker will be announced soon.
To RSVP your attendance email Susan at ssmith@bostoncil.org or call 617-338-6665.
We hope to see you!

Massachusetts Independent Living Listening Sessions
2018-10-23 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | BCIL Offices, 60 Temple Place, 5th Floor, Boston Center for Independent Living, Boston, MA, 02111, United States
We want to hear from you!
Massachusetts Independent Living Listening Sessions
Boston Center for Independent Living Listening Session
October 23, 2018
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
60 Temple Place, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02111
You are invited to share your ideas on Independent Living in Massachusetts. We need your help as we develop our new Three-Year State Plan for Independent Living. We encourage you to share both your stories and your creative ideas.
• What is working well?
• What is not working?
• What could be improved?
• What else should Massachusetts be doing?
Cosponsored by the Massachusetts Statewide Independent Living Council and the Massachusetts Independent Living Centers
To confirm communication access or other reasonable accommodations please contact: sadie@masilc.org or call 508-620-7452

2018 BCIL Trek, Trot & Treat - a Costumed Run, Walk and Roll for Independence
2018-10-21 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | MA, United States
Join us on Sunday, October 21, 2018 for our 2nd Annual BCIL Trek, Trot & Treat – a Costumed Run, Walk, and Roll for Independence. This family friendly event will be held indoors from 1-3 pm at the UMass Boston Clark Athletic Center – located at 100 William Morrissey Blvd., Boston.
All proceeds will help BCIL and their mission to eliminate discrimination, isolation and segregation by providing advocacy, information and referral, peer support, skills training, PCA services, and transitional services in order to enhance the independence of people with disabilities.
How it will work: You can walk, run, or roll (10 laps = 1 mile) and get family and friends to sponsor you for any amount (per lap or a flat amount) OR BCIL will have a designated runner that you can ask friends and family to contribute to on your behalf.
All runners will receive their own bib number and finisher ribbon!
Click here to print your sponsor page. Donations can be made via the form below or can be mailed directly to BCIL (60 Temple Place, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02152 Attn: Susan Smith) All contributions are tax-deductible.
2018 Trek, Trot & Treat event flyer
2018 Trek, Trot & Treat Pledge Form
2018 Release of Liability – All participants must sign a waiver of liability
Sponsor a Runner
Costumes: We encourage you to wear your Halloween costume and be entered into the costume contest. Special prizes will be awarded. To be eligible to win in the costume contest, you (or a designated runner on your behalf) must complete at least 1 lap.
Stop by and join in the fun! All ages and abilities welcome! Healthy refreshments will be available.

Vision Board Workshop - An Art Workshop for Adults with Disabilities
2018-10-19 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | The Boston Center for Independent Living, 60 Temple Place, Boston, MA, 02111, United States
Vision Board Workshop – An Art Workshop for Adults with Disabilities
No artistic experience required! Join us for an evening
of creating art, collaborative work and collage. We will
focus on the themes of community, connection, hope,
and envisioning a bright future.
Friday, October 19, 2018 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Boston Center for Independent Living
60 Temple Place, 5th floor Boston MA 02111
To register, or to request accomodations, contact: abernard@bostoncil.org 617-338-6665

Art and Connection - An Art Workshop for Youth with Disabilities Ages 14-22
2018-08-17 11:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | BCIL Offices, 60 Temple Place, 5th Floor, Boston Center for Independent Living, Boston, MA, 02111, United States
Join us for an afternoon of art-making, centered around the theme of connection, self-care, and relaxation. Youth are invited to explore, experiment, and solve problems as they create and interact with art. No artistic experience is required, youth ages 14-22 are invited to come ready to learn something new. We will create using drawing materials and collage. Please bring a bagged lunch. Water and snacks will be available.
Event will be held at BCIL offices located at 60 Temple Place, 5th Floor, Boston
Questions, to register and to request accommodations:
Email: kcoppola@bostoncil.org or call 617-338-6665

Boston Americans with Disabilities Act Celebration Day
2018-07-24 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Boston City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Square, Boston, MA, 02201, United States
Americans with Disabilities Act Celebration Day
Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Mayor’s Commission for Persons with Disabilities would like to invite you to the 28th annual celebration of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
12:00pm – 2:00pm
Boston City Hall Plaza
The theme for the 28th annual ADA DAY is Accessibility Works! Local organizations which serve the disability community and city departments will be on hand to answer your questions at the ADA Celebration Day resource fair. There will be music, entertainment, t-shirts for attendees, and lunch will be provided. Be there! This is a free event for children, families, and people of all abilities. Come to celebrate.
To pre-register and request accommodations, please click here: Pre-Register and Request Accommodations
* Pre-registration is not required to attend.
This event is wheelchair accessible and scent free. ASL and CART have been requested. To request additional accommodations, contact the Mayor’s Commission for Persons with Disabilities at 617-635-3682 or disability@boston.gov

BCIL Expanded Services Meeting
2018-07-19 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Central Boston Elder Services, 2315 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02119, United States
The Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL) has been awarded a contract from the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to provide expanded independent living services in the Boston neighborhoods of Dorchester, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Roslindale, Roxbury, and West Roxbury and the towns of Dedham and Milton. We are very excited about this opportunity and want you to know that you can learn more about our services by attending a meeting on our services to be held on Thursday, July 19 at 1:00 pm at Central Boston Elder Services at Dudley Square in Roxbury (2315 Washington Street, Boston 02119).
We have been providing services across Boston and in 34 surrounding communities for decades and are especially excited about the chance to further deepen our connections and services.
BCIL Mission Statement:
The Boston Center for Independent Living is a frontline civil rights organization led by people with disabilities that advocates to eliminate discrimination, isolation and segregation by providing advocacy, information and referral, peer support, skills training, PCA services, and transitional services in order to enhance the independence of people with disabilities.

South Shore REV-UP Disability Voter Forum
2018-07-16 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Braintree Town Hall, 1 John F Kennedy Memorial Drive, Braintreet, MA, 02184, United States
Join BCIL and ACCESS: Advancing Community inClusion and Equality on the South Shore. for this forum on voter rights and voting access for people with disabilities. South Shore REV-UP will include voter information & registration, community discussion, & a voter engagement fair.
The forum will be held on July 16, 2018 from 6 – 8 PM at the Braintree Town Hall Auditorium ( 1 John F Kennedy Memorial Drive Braintree, MA 02184).
SOUTH SHORE REV-UP IS FOR EVERYONE!
People with disabilities: This event is by and for PWD. Come share voting experiences, questions, challenges, and solutions. Register to vote, take the REV-UP Voter Pledge, & network at our Voter Engagement Fair!
Allies & advocates, election officials & poll workers, campaign workers: Come & learn what’s needed for better access, discuss accessible practices to keep voters with disabilities informed and engaged.
RSVP & get more info at
For questions, to request a table at the fair, or to request reasonable accommodations, please contact SouthShoreAccess@gmail.com
Organized by BCIL: The Boston Center for Independent Living and ACCESS: Advancing Community inClusion and Equality on the South Shore.

Housing Workshop
2018-07-03 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | BCIL Offices, 60 Temple Place, 5th Floor, Boston Center for Independent Living, Boston, MA, 02111, United States
Join us on the first and third Wednesday of every month to learn more about and how to apply for affordable housing options in your area. Our knowledgeable staff will answer all your questions and put you on the path to finding the housing that is right for you.
Note: Due to the July 4th holiday, this workshop is scheduled for Tues. July 3.

ACO Forum
2018-05-31 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | NonProfit Center, 89 South St., Boston, MA, 02111, United States
How’s it working for you? MassHealth has enrolled close to 100,000 people with disabilities in Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). Is this working for you? Concerns? What’s going great? Attend the ACO Forum on Thursday, May 31 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm at the Non Profit Center, 89 South Street, Boston. Sponsored by Disability Advocates Advancing our Healthcare Rights (DAAHR).
For accommodations for any event please contact Shaya French by email or at 617-338-6665.

2018 BCIL Marie Feltin Award Ceremony
2018-03-23 18:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, 138 St James Ave, Boston, MA, 02116, United States
BCIL MARIE FELTIN AWARD CEREMONY
This event honors individuals and institutions who exemplify the pioneering spirit of the late DR. MARIE FELTIN, a tireless advocate for disabled and chronically ill patients. Marie was a founder of Boston’s Community Medical Group, East Boston Health Center’s Home Care Program and the Urban Medical Group, neighborhood healthcare services that focused on encouraging patients to become actively involved in their care as a critical means to bettering their health. Marie was always available for her patients and was a modern day pioneer in providing medical care to society’s most neglected and vulnerable populations.
The ceremony is held in support of BCIL, and as a tribute to Marie’s legacy, which epitomizes BCIL’s mission of empowering individuals with disabilities to take control of their lives and live independently. BCIL promotes the CIVIL RIGHTS of all people with disabilities and our ENERGIZED ADVOCACY and SERVICES support and help create EQUAL ACCESS to healthcare, affordable housing, accessible transportation, and ADA compliance for thousands of Greater Boston residents each year, leading many to jobs, an education, and SELF-SUFFICIENCY for themselves and their families.
2018 BCIL Marie Feltin Award Ceremony

Massachusetts Annual Independent Living Education Day
2018-03-20 10:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02111, United States
You’re invited to the Massachusetts Annual Independent Living Education Day at the State House
Flyer – Massachusetts Annual Independent Living Education Day
Where: Grand Staircase, State House Boston MA
When: Tuesday March 20, 2018
Registration: 10:30 AM
Speakers: 11:00 AM
Lunch: 12PM
Legislative Visits: 1 PM to 3 PM
Why: Funding for Independent Living benefits all citizens of the Commonwealth.
What should you do: Call your legislators today and set a time to visit with them in their offices between 1:00 and 3:00 pm while you are at the State House. Invite them to join us for lunch and the presentations.
2018 Priorities:

Align MA AAB regulations with the ADA
Support Independent Living Centers
Services and supports for Youth
Increase funding for AHVP Vouchers
Access to Health Care

For more information, please email info@masilc.org. A bagged lunch will be provided to all participants. This event is supported by the SILC Public Education and Information Committee, the Commonwealth’s 11 Independent Living Centers, MRC State Rehab Council and Disability Policy Consortium.
Please contact MASILC at info@masilc.org to request or confirm communication access or other accommodations.

BCIL Member and Advocates Meeting - Building our Power!
2018-03-01 13:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | St. Paul’s Cathedral, 138 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02111, United States
Save the Date:
March 1, 2018 1:00 – 3:30 PM
BCIL Member and Advocates Meeting: Building our Power!
As 2018 unfolds, a host of issues are before us:
• Protecting Medicaid/MassHealth from harm in Washington.
• Ensuring consumer control for the PCA program.
• Having a consumer voice with ACOs and One Care.
• Being sure the MBTA and Ride meet our needs.
• Supporting affordable and accessible housing.
• Improving Medicaid (PT-1) transportation
Come to plan, volunteer, organize, mobilize!
March 1, 2018 1-3:30 pm
St. Paul’s Cathedral
138 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02111
Please contact Shaya French at sfrench@bostoncil.org for any questions or reasonable accommodations. The space is wheelchair accessible and we will provide both large print and electronic documents. Please let us know if you need CART or ASL. Light refreshments served.

Housing Application Workshop
2018-01-24 13:30 - 15:30, 2018-01-10 13:30 - 15:30, 2017-12-27 13:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | BCIL Offices, 60 Temple Place, 5th Floor, Boston Center for Independent Living, Boston, MA, 02111, United States
BCIL Housing Application Workshop
BCIL’s conference room, 60 Temple Place 5th Floor

This workshop is designed for people who have attended BCIL’s General Housing Search Workshop, but want support in completing applications and organizing their housing search.
During this workshop you can:
•complete applications you have obtained, and ask questions of an advocate (BCIL may have some applications available, but not guaranteed)
•learn techniques to make the application process easier
• obtain information about current open lotteries and wait lists
• call local housing authorities and management companies to request applications
This workshop is designed to provide you with the time and a place to ask questions complete applications, and organize your housing search

2017 BCIL Annual Meeting
2017-11-16 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | State Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, 02116, United States
We wish to invite you to BCIL’s Annual Meeting, which will be held on Thursday, November 16 at 6:00 p.m. at the state Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza in Boston.
In the past year, we have spoken out and rallied for accessible and affordable housing, the PCA program, and MBTA services. Since last December, members of BCIL, MassADAPT, and other local groups raised the call to protect Medicaid (MassHealth). We’ve traveled to Washington DC, Portland, ME (the office of Maine’s Senator Collins), and Providence, RI (rally around visit of VP Pence). We joined news conferences, rallies, marches, vigils, and protests; made phone calls and sent letters and Tweets; and were arrested in acts of civil disobedience.
Please join us as we look back on important successes and look ahead to another year of service and advocacy for independent living.
On the meeting agenda, after a light meal, will be brief business reports, a review of the past year, board elections and awards including the presentation of a lifetime achievement award to a BCIL member, honorary awards recognizing local disability rights activists who staked a claim to true leadership on health reform, and a BCIL staff award. Toni Wolf, the new Commissioner at the Mass Rehab Commission will provide a keynote address.
If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Susan Smith at BCIL for planning and food purposes: ssmith@bostoncil.org or 617-338-6665, x232. Also, please let us know by November 8 if you’ll need an accommodation.
Should you wish to obtain a proxy ballot for board elections if you are unable to attend the meeting, please contact Shawn Kelley by phone at 617-338-6665, x201 or at skelley@bostoncil.org.
Your support in the past and for the coming year is much appreciated!
We hope to see you on the 16th for a fun and spirited evening.

2017 BCIL TREK, TROT & TREAT
2017-10-22 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | MA
Learn more about 2017 BCIL TREK, TROT & TREAT here

BCIL Staff In-Service
2017-09-12 09:15 - 11:45 (America/New_York) | The Boston Center for Independent Living, 60 Temple Place, Boston, MA, 02111, United States
BCIL will be closed for an all-staff meeting on Tuesday, September 12 from 9:15 am to 11:45 am.
