March 19, 2024 By Diane DeNapoli
The Hingham Unity Council and the Hingham SEPAC (Special Ed Parent Advisory Council) hosted a very well attended “Let’s Talk Disabilities” event Saturday, March 16th at the Hingham Heritage Museum. The goal of this event is to allow community stakeholders to engage with a facilitator who has firsthand experience with a specific type of disability. Based on community feedback, key issues were identified as areas of concern for people with disabilities living in Hingham.
The topics discussed were broad and included accessibility in our community and the Town of Hingham ADA Self- Assessment and Transition plan which can be found on the town’s website. Claire Fabrizio, a resident of the Avalon Apartments, shared her experience of living in a motorized wheelchair in Hingham. She highlighted how she appreciated how welcoming people, and businesses, are in Hingham. That said Mrs. Fabrizio said her access to transportation was extremely challenging in Hingham, especially at night when the hours of the RIDE are limited, and the Senior Center does not have transportation on weekends or evenings.
Another subject that was discussed was how to enhance Special Education opportunities in Hingham. It was lovely to see so much collaboration at the SEPAC table where parents, teachers and some school administrators shared ideas such as enhancing vocational opportunities, creating a Therapeutic Program, increased access to Strategies Class, a Wonder Fair, expanding Unified Sports and greater guidance for families navigating the complex world of Special Education.
Hingham Police Chief Jones, Special Needs Officer Duff, School Resource Officer Ford and Comfort Dog Opry, Senior Chief Petty Officer Jermyn, USN(Ret) and his Service Dog Mario, shared the many ways that canines assist people with disabilities. CPO Jermyn shared that people often ask why he has a Service Animal, or people think Mario is in training with Jermyn since he does not have a visible disability. Jermyn shared that he thought a more standardized certification of Service Animals would be beneficial as it would reduce the amount of people who may misrepresent their animals. Officer Ford expressed that the need for Comfort Dogs in the community was very high. Officer Ford encouraged anyone who might be interested in learning if their dog could be a Comfort Dog to reach out the Cohasset Working Dog Foundation for more information.
Jody Nash, a Hingham resident, and Treasure of SAIL (Supported Access to Independent Living) spoke about the critical need for housing for people with Intellectual Disabilities (IDD) and/ or ASD. SAIL provides resources, training, and mentorship to guide and support families in creating supportive housing options in their communities. Currently, SAIL is building SAIL Home Scituate which is designed specifically for individuals with unique needs. SAIL hopes to be able to create similar housing in Hingham soon. You can learn more about SAIL, a 501(c) (3), by emailing info@sailshomes.org
Additional issues that came to light was the need for better handicap accessible parent support groups, additional services and job opportunities for adults with disabilities over the age of 22 and better town wide representation for people with disabilities. I would like to thank everyone who attended this event on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Spring. In a time where human interaction about potentially sensitive issues are hard to find this event was an authentic way to get to know your neighbors. I believe all who attended left the event with a greater understanding, and commitment to improve, the lives of those with disabilities in our community.
I would like to thank the entire HUC Board, especially Michelle Ayer for allowing me to collaborate with her on this wonderful event. Thank you to all who attended and supported this event especially The Hingham Historical Society, Hingham Police Chief Jones, Select Board Member Liz Klein, School Committee Chair Nes Correnti, Interim Executive Director of Student Services Dr. Cataldo, and Advisory Committee Chair Nancy MacDonald.