Below is a letter to the editor I wrote to a blog moderator entitled, "Shrewsburied."
Please see the comments I received for advocating for equal rights for persons with disabilities.
I am asking for the community to support full handicap accessibility for the forthcoming conversion of the Sumner House to a funeral home that will be opening up in June 2010. A member of the Historical Commission inquired about filing a variance (when he met with the Shrewsbury Commission on Disabilities in March 2010) with the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (AAB)to preserve parts of the Sumner House for historical purposes. The Commission made it clear in their minutes that the funeral home needs to be accessible including a handicap bathroom for the public use.
As in the past, Shrewsbury has an ugly history of preserving historical significance of old buildings at the expense against persons with disabilities. We need the community support to make the funeral home a public place for all to attend. If the funeral home does not become fully handicap accessibility, then it needs to put a big sign in neon color that says, "Persons with Disabilities" are not allowed" as a state entity would recommend to this business owner.
I guarantee that the disability advocates and this state entity and the AAB will not support a variance to be approved.
Robbin Miller
Advocate
Comments:
Robbin is just one more example of the gaunlet of pests you have to run trying to locate a business in this town. It's no wonder we have no commercial tax base to speak of. Why would a business owner subject themselves to this?
Well, I suppose it is the law, but since when is it any of the state/town's business what I do with private property. I can see making sure that it isn't a fire trap or that it is going to fall down on someone's head, but seriously, the handicap accessible laws are dumb. The mirror in the bathroom has to tilt down, that is a goofy one I have seen. These laws exist for the soul purpose of enriching lawyers who file suit.
Robbin, where did you come up with this? Don't you think you owe it to people to find out what's going on before you publicly slander them?
My comments: As you see the above comments are hurtful and people are entitled to their opinions. I did put the source on where I got the above info in a comment before these comments were posted. It is not easy being an advocate for change, but it needs to be put out there for awareness and doing the right thing.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Childhood Obesity: How can Counselors Help?
Worcester Medicine, a publication by the Worcester District Medical Society, focused on Childhood Obesity for the Mar/April 2010 edition.
According to the current statistics by the Centers for Disease Control on Janauary 22d, 2010, two thirds of adults and one fifth of children are overweight or obese and 20% of youths have abnormal lipid levels (Lebow, 2010, p 18).
As counselors, we are aware of the adverse effects of the poverty that attribute to high obesity levels in our clients such as the high costs and unavailaiblity to buy healthy foods; increase television watching (which commercials promote fat foods toward children) and computer use and addiction; lack of physical space for recreational activities and exercise; and parents/caretakers not being educated on healthy foods preparation for their children.
The medical community in Worcester are taking steps to promote healthy eating for children through the use of different programs in the elementary schools, the communities; and in the doctor's offices. In addition, the State of Massachusetts has launched a new website entitled, "Mass in Motion", www.mass.gov/massinmotion which focuses on healthy eating choices and physical exercise.
What can the counseling profession do to help decrease obesity in our clients?
Here are some suggestions:
Individual/Family: I support physical exercise as a viable option for children and teens to use as a coping skill to decrease their mental health symptoms as part of their treatment plans. I encourage all clients to check with their primary care physician first before engaging in any exercise program. I also ask that families to engage in a physical activity such as going for walks to increase bonding time with their children and/or having a sit down dinner with healthy foods.
Clinic/Agency: Why not have brochures and resources available in the waiting room for families to peruse while they are waiting for us to see them? Counselors can also give out these materials to their clients, if relevant, during the sessions.
Community/State:Is it possible for state chapters from the Social Work; Psychologists, and Mental Health entities to sponsor local programs for their clients and/or training sessions for their colleagues for CEU credit on the above topic? Also, these entities can have their voices heard when their state legislatures want to propose a tax on a candy and soda to decrease consumption use by children. In Masachachusetts, this tax idea has opposition from a few state legislators and the medical community for a variety of reasons.
Federal: National Associations from above can have their voices heard in promoting the government's agenda to decrease obesity and to increase healthier eating and lifestyles for children across the US. Also, the advocacy personnel and/or lobbyists from these entities can meet with Congress to provide their input and ideas as well.
What do you think?
Robbin Miller, LMHC
Facilitator
Resource:
Lebow, R. (2010). How can we lighten a heavy problem? Worcester Medicine:Worcester District Medical Society.
According to the current statistics by the Centers for Disease Control on Janauary 22d, 2010, two thirds of adults and one fifth of children are overweight or obese and 20% of youths have abnormal lipid levels (Lebow, 2010, p 18).
As counselors, we are aware of the adverse effects of the poverty that attribute to high obesity levels in our clients such as the high costs and unavailaiblity to buy healthy foods; increase television watching (which commercials promote fat foods toward children) and computer use and addiction; lack of physical space for recreational activities and exercise; and parents/caretakers not being educated on healthy foods preparation for their children.
The medical community in Worcester are taking steps to promote healthy eating for children through the use of different programs in the elementary schools, the communities; and in the doctor's offices. In addition, the State of Massachusetts has launched a new website entitled, "Mass in Motion", www.mass.gov/massinmotion which focuses on healthy eating choices and physical exercise.
What can the counseling profession do to help decrease obesity in our clients?
Here are some suggestions:
Individual/Family: I support physical exercise as a viable option for children and teens to use as a coping skill to decrease their mental health symptoms as part of their treatment plans. I encourage all clients to check with their primary care physician first before engaging in any exercise program. I also ask that families to engage in a physical activity such as going for walks to increase bonding time with their children and/or having a sit down dinner with healthy foods.
Clinic/Agency: Why not have brochures and resources available in the waiting room for families to peruse while they are waiting for us to see them? Counselors can also give out these materials to their clients, if relevant, during the sessions.
Community/State:Is it possible for state chapters from the Social Work; Psychologists, and Mental Health entities to sponsor local programs for their clients and/or training sessions for their colleagues for CEU credit on the above topic? Also, these entities can have their voices heard when their state legislatures want to propose a tax on a candy and soda to decrease consumption use by children. In Masachachusetts, this tax idea has opposition from a few state legislators and the medical community for a variety of reasons.
Federal: National Associations from above can have their voices heard in promoting the government's agenda to decrease obesity and to increase healthier eating and lifestyles for children across the US. Also, the advocacy personnel and/or lobbyists from these entities can meet with Congress to provide their input and ideas as well.
What do you think?
Robbin Miller, LMHC
Facilitator
Resource:
Lebow, R. (2010). How can we lighten a heavy problem? Worcester Medicine:Worcester District Medical Society.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
TWo Civil Rights Violations in Massachusetts
Blantant civil rights violations are happening for individuals with disabilities.
Two civil rights have occurred in the Central Massachusetts area concerning two individuals with disabilities during the special senate election and to one of the individuals concerning riding public transportation. Here are their stories:
1)DM is an individual who is legally blind and is caucasian. DM said that for the last few years, she has been denied access to use the automark voting booth that has been set up for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. This machine enables individuals to wear a headset to mark their votes and then have their ballots printed afterwards to put into voting box.
This year, DM had enough. She asked an observer (who is a city official for Human Rights) to observe the hassles she endures everytime she wants to use the automark machine. DM did ask to use the automark machine and the poll worker gave her an attitude by wanting to use it. DM did cast her vote using the automark machine. Her ballot printed and she went to put into the voting box to record her votes. Unfortunately, the voting box rejected her ballot due to the ink used in the automark machine. A police officer tried to fix this ink problem but to no avail the voting box still rejected her ballot. The observer took DM's ballot and use a blank ink pen to darken the lines connecting her choices. The observe put the ballot in the voting box that was finally accepted. DM felt her voting rights were violated due to not having her voting choices be made in private. Also, both DM and the observer found out how the poll workers were aware of the ink problems associated with the automark machines on voting day and did nothing to correct this problem. This same problem happened to another person with a physical disability at another voting booth in a different area of Worcester. At this voting area, the poll workers knew of the ink problems associated with one handicap accessible voting booth that was not corrected as well.
Both individuals are filing civil right complaints with the Disability Law Center and the Department of Justice for voting rights violations.
2) DM is experiencing ongoing civil rights violations when she rides the public buses. According to the federal law for buses, the drivers have to announce the stops so individuals who are blind or visually impaired can hear the stops and get off at their destinations or hear the bus numbers anounced before they board the right bus. DM told an official at the bus company of this problem in December 2009. The next day, this official send out a memo to all drivers mandating that they announce call outs at major stops along bus routes. Unfortunately, the drivers are still not announcing the stops when DM is riding the buses in February 2010. DM will be filing a complaint with the Department of Justice.
In summary, advocacy groups and providers will be signing onto these complaints as soon as they file. A press conference will be forthcoming as well.
I will keep you informed of the outcome.
Two civil rights have occurred in the Central Massachusetts area concerning two individuals with disabilities during the special senate election and to one of the individuals concerning riding public transportation. Here are their stories:
1)DM is an individual who is legally blind and is caucasian. DM said that for the last few years, she has been denied access to use the automark voting booth that has been set up for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. This machine enables individuals to wear a headset to mark their votes and then have their ballots printed afterwards to put into voting box.
This year, DM had enough. She asked an observer (who is a city official for Human Rights) to observe the hassles she endures everytime she wants to use the automark machine. DM did ask to use the automark machine and the poll worker gave her an attitude by wanting to use it. DM did cast her vote using the automark machine. Her ballot printed and she went to put into the voting box to record her votes. Unfortunately, the voting box rejected her ballot due to the ink used in the automark machine. A police officer tried to fix this ink problem but to no avail the voting box still rejected her ballot. The observer took DM's ballot and use a blank ink pen to darken the lines connecting her choices. The observe put the ballot in the voting box that was finally accepted. DM felt her voting rights were violated due to not having her voting choices be made in private. Also, both DM and the observer found out how the poll workers were aware of the ink problems associated with the automark machines on voting day and did nothing to correct this problem. This same problem happened to another person with a physical disability at another voting booth in a different area of Worcester. At this voting area, the poll workers knew of the ink problems associated with one handicap accessible voting booth that was not corrected as well.
Both individuals are filing civil right complaints with the Disability Law Center and the Department of Justice for voting rights violations.
2) DM is experiencing ongoing civil rights violations when she rides the public buses. According to the federal law for buses, the drivers have to announce the stops so individuals who are blind or visually impaired can hear the stops and get off at their destinations or hear the bus numbers anounced before they board the right bus. DM told an official at the bus company of this problem in December 2009. The next day, this official send out a memo to all drivers mandating that they announce call outs at major stops along bus routes. Unfortunately, the drivers are still not announcing the stops when DM is riding the buses in February 2010. DM will be filing a complaint with the Department of Justice.
In summary, advocacy groups and providers will be signing onto these complaints as soon as they file. A press conference will be forthcoming as well.
I will keep you informed of the outcome.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
A Community Activist that fought for Social Justice for Youth and Families
I dedicate this blog to Mrs. Beatrice Feingold of Worcester, Massachusetts. Bea's social justice work for children and families emanates from her Jewish background. In the Jewish religion, Tikkun Olam, is about "fixing the ills of society." Bea did not attend any formal educational institution to learn how to do her social justice work. Bea was a housewife raising two children in the 1950's where women stayed at home while their husbands worked all day. However, Bea was a dedicated and smart volunteer for various organizations mentioned below. Bea knew how to lead and to persuade "the powers to be" to implement services and programs for youth and families in Worcester County.
Beatrice and I worked on the Elder Affairs Committee for the National Council of Jewish Women(NCJW)-Worcester Section from 1999-2010. We tried through trial and error on what types of programs would be successful for Jewish elders. In 2006, Beatrice and I decided to have two Jewish programs-Meals on Wheels and Jewish Healthcare Center-to select their own entertainers for Chankukah and for Purim celebrations where NCJW would pay for them. We have received positive feedback from both groups since then. I am proud that Beatrice Feingold was my mentor. I will miss her.
"She was a Past President of the Women's Division of the Worcester Jewish Federation, a Past President of Worcester Section of the National Council of Jewish Women as well as a Past President of the New England Region of the National Council of Jewish Women, and was a Past President of the Worcester Section of the National Women's Committee of Brandeis University. She was one of the founders of the Worcester Area Community Service, the predecessor of the U.S. Job Corps. She was a long time member of Temple Emanuel and its Sisterhood and for many years was in charge of its public relations committee.
She was a long time member of Mt. Pleasant Country Club and the Worcester Interfaith Council. She had been an active volunteer for the Jewish Healthcare Center, the Jewish Community Center, and for over 30 years, she was a volunteer for Head Start.In 1962, she, along with 200 Women Community Leaders throughout the country, was invited to The White House to discuss volunteerism in Community Service."
Source:Telegram and Gazette Obituary, 2/3/10.
Beatrice and I worked on the Elder Affairs Committee for the National Council of Jewish Women(NCJW)-Worcester Section from 1999-2010. We tried through trial and error on what types of programs would be successful for Jewish elders. In 2006, Beatrice and I decided to have two Jewish programs-Meals on Wheels and Jewish Healthcare Center-to select their own entertainers for Chankukah and for Purim celebrations where NCJW would pay for them. We have received positive feedback from both groups since then. I am proud that Beatrice Feingold was my mentor. I will miss her.
"She was a Past President of the Women's Division of the Worcester Jewish Federation, a Past President of Worcester Section of the National Council of Jewish Women as well as a Past President of the New England Region of the National Council of Jewish Women, and was a Past President of the Worcester Section of the National Women's Committee of Brandeis University. She was one of the founders of the Worcester Area Community Service, the predecessor of the U.S. Job Corps. She was a long time member of Temple Emanuel and its Sisterhood and for many years was in charge of its public relations committee.
She was a long time member of Mt. Pleasant Country Club and the Worcester Interfaith Council. She had been an active volunteer for the Jewish Healthcare Center, the Jewish Community Center, and for over 30 years, she was a volunteer for Head Start.In 1962, she, along with 200 Women Community Leaders throughout the country, was invited to The White House to discuss volunteerism in Community Service."
Source:Telegram and Gazette Obituary, 2/3/10.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Five Top Counseling Goals for 2010
The new year and decade is upon us in 2010. I was thinking of what goals the counseling profession can ponder and possibly accomplish this year. Here is my spew:
Goal 1: Equality for Mental Health Counselors:
It is particulary frustrating looking for part-time work due to more jobs being available for social workers as opposed for mental health counselors. Let's hope that Medicare coverage for licensed mental health counselors gets passed by Congress this year. Be politically active and work closely with either the American Counseling Association or the Mental Health Counselors Association to get timely updates on this important bill.
Goal 2: Ethics Reform:
I am appalled how some of my colleagues have no qualms in billing for an hourly session when in fact they saw their clients for only a half hour. I am aware of stringent and inequitable productivity requirements that many counselors endure in their jobs; however, billing illegally is not cool. The consequences are severe such as possible loss of you license and spending time in jail plus paying expensive fines for committing billing fraud. What does both associations mentioned above say about this issue?
Goal 3: Fairer Productivity Requirements:
As I mentioned above, many counselors have to reach unfair and inequitable productivity requirements to get benefits and to retain their salaries. Both counseling associations and fellow counselors need to be more vocal in calling for fairer productivity requirements that don't result in billing fraud; burnout; and possible client abuse. How in the world can you reach productivity when your clients either cancel; no-show; or you close their cases on a weekly basis? It can be frustrating to make a sustainable living and even more insulting when counselors are demoted from salary to fee for service status. In the latter, high job turnover and low retainment is a consequence for both clients and the employers.
Goal 4: Promoting Disability Sensitivity and Inclusion:
Disability is a culture that needs to be included in the cultural competence requirements for graduate students and practicing professionals. Over the years, I have proposed two different types of trainings for mental health counselors to earn between one to three continuing education units that has been flaty rejected due to a lack of interest by the professional associations. Let 2010 and beyond be the decade to include Disability Sensitivity as a cultural competence and offer CEUs for counselors for professional development.
Goal 5: Promoting Social Justice:
This is the decade for mental health counselors to be trained as advocates for social causes for both their clients and for their profession. It is time for the profession to be on an even level playing with social workers and psychologists in being vocal and political in their communities on the local, state and federal levels. How can mental health professions be better trained to advocate for change: Here are a few suggestions:
1) Offer a Community Organization course on the graduate level that is similar to the one offered for social work students in graduate school.
2) Counselors for Social Justice can offer practical guidelines and tips on how to promote change in your communities.
3) Take my upcoming workshop as an option on " How to Produce Your Show on Cable Access Television" on January 15th. I have used this venue to get my agenda for social changes across to political leaders on the local and state levels.
4) Join a political or grassroots organization in your community to learn hands-on experience in advocating for change.
I welcome your comments.
Robbin Miller, LMHC
Facilitator
www.robbinmiller.vpweb.ccom
Goal 1: Equality for Mental Health Counselors:
It is particulary frustrating looking for part-time work due to more jobs being available for social workers as opposed for mental health counselors. Let's hope that Medicare coverage for licensed mental health counselors gets passed by Congress this year. Be politically active and work closely with either the American Counseling Association or the Mental Health Counselors Association to get timely updates on this important bill.
Goal 2: Ethics Reform:
I am appalled how some of my colleagues have no qualms in billing for an hourly session when in fact they saw their clients for only a half hour. I am aware of stringent and inequitable productivity requirements that many counselors endure in their jobs; however, billing illegally is not cool. The consequences are severe such as possible loss of you license and spending time in jail plus paying expensive fines for committing billing fraud. What does both associations mentioned above say about this issue?
Goal 3: Fairer Productivity Requirements:
As I mentioned above, many counselors have to reach unfair and inequitable productivity requirements to get benefits and to retain their salaries. Both counseling associations and fellow counselors need to be more vocal in calling for fairer productivity requirements that don't result in billing fraud; burnout; and possible client abuse. How in the world can you reach productivity when your clients either cancel; no-show; or you close their cases on a weekly basis? It can be frustrating to make a sustainable living and even more insulting when counselors are demoted from salary to fee for service status. In the latter, high job turnover and low retainment is a consequence for both clients and the employers.
Goal 4: Promoting Disability Sensitivity and Inclusion:
Disability is a culture that needs to be included in the cultural competence requirements for graduate students and practicing professionals. Over the years, I have proposed two different types of trainings for mental health counselors to earn between one to three continuing education units that has been flaty rejected due to a lack of interest by the professional associations. Let 2010 and beyond be the decade to include Disability Sensitivity as a cultural competence and offer CEUs for counselors for professional development.
Goal 5: Promoting Social Justice:
This is the decade for mental health counselors to be trained as advocates for social causes for both their clients and for their profession. It is time for the profession to be on an even level playing with social workers and psychologists in being vocal and political in their communities on the local, state and federal levels. How can mental health professions be better trained to advocate for change: Here are a few suggestions:
1) Offer a Community Organization course on the graduate level that is similar to the one offered for social work students in graduate school.
2) Counselors for Social Justice can offer practical guidelines and tips on how to promote change in your communities.
3) Take my upcoming workshop as an option on " How to Produce Your Show on Cable Access Television" on January 15th. I have used this venue to get my agenda for social changes across to political leaders on the local and state levels.
4) Join a political or grassroots organization in your community to learn hands-on experience in advocating for change.
I welcome your comments.
Robbin Miller, LMHC
Facilitator
www.robbinmiller.vpweb.ccom
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