“The Baker-Polito Administration is recognizing Massachusetts Disability Employment Awareness Month in October as part of the Administration’s ongoing commitment to improving and expanding inclusive access to economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. This year’s theme, “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation,” highlights the important role that individuals who experience life with a disability play in a diverse and inclusive workforce. Initiatives during the month include a “Count Me In” campaign encouraging state employees to self-identify, and the launch of NextGen Careers – a new program to help young adults ages 18-30 with disabilities to explore the world of work.

“Having a job provides individuals the opportunity to grow, succeed and gain autonomy, which are experiences that every individual in Massachusetts should have, regardless of ability,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. “The Baker-Polito Administration supports a workforce in the Commonwealth that reflects a diversity of experiences, where everyone can achieve their true potential and contribute fully to their communities.”

The NextGen program will teach jobseekers to advocate for themselves, gain self-confidence, and become self-sufficient on their career path. Individuals enrolled in the program will be paired with a team of mentors, counselors, benefit advisors, and employment specialists to help navigate their career path. This innovative program was made possible by a $17 million Innovation Grant the Commonwealth received from the federal Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA).

“NextGen Careers will focus on the whole person, providing wraparound services for job-seekers with disabilities who are eager to find a meaningful career,” said MRC Commissioner Toni Wolf. “We’re thrilled to launch this program and modernize this approach to empowering youth on their job journey.”

This new program builds on the Administration’s work to support an inclusive economy, including:

• Establishing Empowering to Employ, a program that connects individuals with disabilities who receive DTA benefits with vocational supports and employment services provided by MRC’s vocational rehabilitation specialists, in order to obtain competitive employment in a field that best matches their skills and interests. 651 Commonwealth residents have participated in the program to-date.
• Launching the Massachusetts Disability Employment Tax Credit (DETC), a tax incentive program for employers aimed at increasing employment opportunities for individuals with a disability in the Commonwealth.
• Hosting the MCB-led virtual Reverse Job Fairs for individuals with visual impairment, bringing together more than 30 Massachusetts employers with job-ready candidates.

“At DTA, we are committed to full inclusion of clients of all abilities. DTA continues to prioritize expanding access to education, employment and training opportunities and we will work with residents to pick the best program to meet their goals,” said Department of Transitional Assistance Acting Commissioner Mary Sheehan. “This Massachusetts Disability Employment Awareness Month we celebrate the importance of a truly inclusive workforce. The agency is committed to continuing to work with state and local partners to improve the opportunities available for our clients and staff with disabilities so they can meet their own goals on their own pathway to economic mobility.”

“At the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, we constantly strive for successful employment outcomes for the people we serve who are blind and visually impaired,” said MCB Commissioner David D’Arcangelo. “Employment offers many individuals financial independence and the opportunity to contribute to society in meaningful ways.”

“Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is fully committed to working with stakeholders to create a fully accessible Commonwealth that harnesses our diversity, fosters inclusion, and engenders equitable communication access at workplaces,” said MCDHH Commissioner Opeoluwa Sotonwa. “The benefits of hiring deaf and hard-of-hearing employees have been well-documented; they are focused, productive, adaptable, patient, flexible, and creative.”

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“This red-tailed hawk has a brand new perspective today….mostly because he is no longer hanging upside down by his foot!

The poor fellow was left dangling after he stuck his leg into the knot hole of a tree and somehow managed to get it wedged in there. Perhaps he reached in to try and catch a meal and got more than he bargained for.

A good Samaritan called to report the distressed bird and Officers Catone and Condon from the Yarmouth Division of Natural Resources responded. Working together (in the pouring rain) they were able to safely free the bird’s leg, which was reportedly VERY stuck. Once the bird was free, Officer Condon brought him to our Cape hospital for assessment and care.

A preliminary exam revealed that the leg is badly bruised, but thankfully there are no broken or dislocated bones. The trauma of being compressed in the tree along with supporting the hawk’s full body weight has caused a fair amount of soft tissue trauma and swelling that will require several weeks of treatment.

For now, the hawk is resting comfortably and has been given supportive medications to help with the pain and swelling. When he regains full use of the foot he will be released back to the wild, where we hope he will stay upright and refrain from sticking his feet into precarious places.” -New England Wildlife Center.

New England Wildlife Center photo.

New England Wildlife Center photo.

New England Wildlife Center photo.

“In honor of #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, today’s topic is Therapy.

Our mental health team at the NBPD was able to get a little taste of self-care by heading up to Stepping Stone Ranch for their Equine-Based Mindfulness Stress Relief Program. The program is based on, “practicing stress management and horse-guided mindfulness training by utilizing effective techniques for their own well-being under the guidance of a professional health and equine instructor.”Our Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion Program (L.E.A.D), in collaboration with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, Seven Hills Behavioral Health, Gifford Street Wellness Center, and Peer 2 Peer Recovery Support Center is designed to help those who struggle with substance use disorder, mental health, poverty, and/or homelessness.

Those who are diverted into the L.E.A.D program are assigned a recovery coach to help them get back on track through a wellness plan and to help aim those struggling to achieve their goals.

If you know anyone who may be struggling with mental health, you can contact the free, nationwide peer-support service NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, text “HelpLine” to 62640, or email them at helpline.nami.org Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.

You can also call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for 24/7 availability 365 days a year.”-City of New Bedford Police Department.

All photos by the New Bedford Police Department:

The City of New Bedford Police Department invites you to join them at ‘National Night Out.’

There will be free food, entertainment, K-9 demonstrations, police and fire department vehicle tours, and giveaways. The event takes place at the Hayden McFadden Elementary School on Friday from 4:00-7:00pm. Make sure to come on down and have some fun with the family!

Details below⬇️

City of New Bedford Police Department photo.

New Bedford police announce its newest addition to the department, our very own compassion dog Rosie!

Rosie’s handler will be our veteran school resource officer, Jeremy Demello. Ofc. Demello is assigned to Roosevelt Middle School where he works with school administrators, security staff, and faculty to ensure a safe and secure environment. Rosie’s role will be interacting with members of the public providing therapeutic benefits through companionship to reduce anxiety and provide comfort.

We want to give a big thank you to Rosie’s breeder, Kerry Buckley of Cove Angels Breeding for generously donating her to our department. We would also like to thank Mellisa Raposo from Mellisa’s Pet Depot for her donation of a starter package for Rosie.

This is a great day for the NBPD. We’ve been given a new tool to assist us in reaching out to the public and supporting people in a way that is unlike any other. Studies show that short-term interactions with compassion dogs can significantly reduce anxiety and stress levels. And now Rosie will provide that comfort to our students, citizens, and even our own officers.

Rosie will raise her right paw and join our family in a swearing-in ceremony tomorrow, October 7, at Roosevelt Middle School ??”-New Bedford Police Department.

New Bedford Police Department photo.

New Bedford Police Department photo.

“⚠️ Brake for moose and deer! Fall is their breeding season, and activity is highest during the early morning and evening. Please watch for road signs and reduce speed!

Because fall is the breeding season for both moose and white-tailed deer, MassWildlife reminds motorists to be mindful of increased deer and moose activity, especially during early morning and evening hours. Moose, found in central and western parts of Massachusetts, breed in September and October. White-tailed deer breed from late October to early December.

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife photo.

Moose on the road are especially hazardous. The dark color and height of moose make them difficult to see in low light; moose eyes rarely shine like deer eyes because their eyes are above headlight level. In addition, long legs and heavy top bodies make moose very dangerous to motorists when struck. Observe road signs for moose and deer crossings and slow down. Do not swerve to avoid hitting a deer because it may lead to more risk and damage than hitting the deer. Moose are less likely to move from the road than deer, so stay alert and brake when you see a moose in or near the road.

Deer and moose/vehicle collisions should be reported to the Environmental Police at 1-800-632-8075. In the event of a deer/vehicle collision, the driver or passengers of the vehicle involved (MA residents only) may salvage the deer by bringing it to a MassWildlife Office to be officially tagged.”-Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife.

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife photo.

“***BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH***

October is breast cancer awareness month and you’ll be seeing our officers wearing these badges to raise awareness.

“Just as this horrible illness affects members of the community, it also impacts the lives of the men and women of our department. This month, we wear these badges to remember those who have passed, honor those who continue to fight, and show our hope for a future without cancer.”-Chief Paul Oliveira.

City of New Bedford Police Department photo.

City of New Bedford Police Department photo.

“BREAKING: As Florida braces for Hurricane Ian’s devastating arrival, we are doing all that we can to evacuate pets from the region to make room for any animals who could be displaced by this historic storm.

We are preparing for the arrival of 41 cats to our adoption center in Boston and NEAS in Salem via a flight arriving later this morning. The cats include kittens as young as two months and adults aged up to 13. We have been scrambling this week to get the animals already in our care placed so we could make room for as many evacuees as possible. Adoption information to come, after the cats fulfill their mandatory 48-hour quarantine.

This transport reflects our larger efforts to be front and center for animals, and people, whenever disasters strike. Please help ensure these cats get to us safely and that we have plenty of resources to take care of them: mspca.org/florida.

*This photo is from cats from a previous emergency transport. The ASPCA flight from Florida will land this morning and we will get photos as soon as possible!” -MSPCA-Angell .

“This 5-week-old kitten was trapped inside an opening in the exterior wall of a resident’s house. The resident had heard the kitten crying for a few days, finally realizing from where the sound came.

Once an egress was cleared for the cat to access, Animal Control was able to coax out the kitten with food; however, the kitten was so frightened that she continued to run back up into the wall each time she was approached.

Eventually, after some time (and patience), Animal Control was able to drop a barrier between the egress and a bowl of food-just as the kitten leaned down to eat-and in that same fell swoop, grabbed the kitten!

The kitten, now named ‘Rowenna’, will be quarantined for a bit at the Animal Rescue League (ARL), will receive vaccines, a complete exam, eventually, she’ll be spayed, and then the wonderful ARL staff will find her a perfect home! They’ve already gotten her to warm up with humans a little!

This is a good time to put out a reminder that as winter nears, animals will begin to look for places within which to keep warm. Egresses in walls, garages, the underneath of porches and sheds – all serve as inviting places for animals to hide, and even become trapped. Now is the time to take note of your property and seal up such locations.” -Dedham Police Department.

Dedham Police Department photo.

Dedham Police Department photo.

“As part of its response to the opioid crisis, United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins sent a letter to all skilled nursing facilities in Massachusetts warning that refusing to provide care for persons with opioid use disorder (OUD) violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will aggressively enforce these protections.

The ADA, which prohibits discrimination based on disability, protects individuals with OUD. Since 2018, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has entered into 10 settlement agreements with entities owning a total of 51 skilled nursing facilities for refusing to admit individuals prescribed medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), including buprenorphine (Suboxone), vivitrol and methadone. To ensure compliance with the nondiscrimination provisions of the ADA, skilled nursing facilities must evaluate each applicant individually to determine suitability for admission, rather than enacting a blanket policy denying admissions to all persons treated with MOUD.

“Medications can be a crucial tool in battling the opioid crisis. In many instances, these prescription treatments save lives,” said U.S. Attorney Rollins. “Yet each year, countless people are turned away from skilled nursing facilities solely because they are on prescribed MOUD. This puts vulnerable people in the awful position of either risking their life by not taking their MOUD or risking their life by continuing their opioid use. Denying access to necessary healthcare, based solely on someone’s substance use disorder exacerbates the tremendous damage opioids already cause residents of our Commonwealth and their loved ones.”

Courts may impose civil penalties for ADA violations, which could be as high as $92,383 for a first violation, and potentially double that amount for subsequent violations. These ADA enforcement actions are part of a larger effort by the United States Attorney’s Office to eliminate discriminatory barriers to treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in the medical community, in the criminal justice system, and in housing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Dorchak of Rollins’ Civil Rights Unit handled this matter.

The Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office was established in 2015 with the mission of enhancing federal civil rights enforcement. For more information on the Office’s civil rights efforts, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-ma/civil-rights.”-Massachusetts Department of Justice.