Join Commissioner Sotonwa and Alison Fondo in MCDHH’s first Coffee Chat, where they discuss Disability Pride Month, sharing history, personal experiences, and perspective on the current landscape of Disability Law. Chapter markers are below. Transcript: https://bit.ly/3Sl1ypk 0:00 Opening 0:36 Visual Descriptions 1:11 The Disability Pride Flag 2:19 Special Guest: Alison Fondo (with visual description) 3:24 A Little History 6:36 Question 1 (Alison answers) Alison, as we are here celebrating Disability Pride Month: Can you share a little bit with us about what this month means to you personally and how does it align with your work and your advocacy efforts? 11:47 Question 2 (Alison answers) Alison, as someone who deeply is involved in disability law, what recent changes or developments in disability rights legislation has caught your attention and how do you foresee these changes impacting the Massachusetts community? 14:00 Question 3 (Ope answers) Commissioner, from your perspective, what progress have you observed in promoting equity and inclusion for persons with disabilities throughout your career, and what challenges remain to be addressed? 22:37 Question 4 (Alison answers) Alison, could you share with us insights into how the community can actively participate in advancing disability rights and advocating for change at both local and state levels? 24:27 Question 5 (Ope answers) Commissioner, considering the ongoing efforts to promote accessibility and inclusivity, what initiatives or projects is the state currently undertaking to support persons with disabilities? 28:48 Question 6 (Alison answers) Alison, reflecting on your experiences, could you share a memorable moment, or case with disability law, that had a significant impact on improving equity and access for individuals with disabilities here in Massachusetts? 32:00 Question 7 (Ope answers) Commissioner, what role do you see technology playing in enhancing accessibility and removing barriers for persons with disabilities, and what steps is the state taking to leverage technology for this purpose? 35:43 Question 8 (Alison answers, then Ope answers) This next question is for the both of us. Recognizing that progress has been made, but acknowledging the work that still needs to be done. How can we ensure that Disability Pride Month serves as a platform for ongoing dialogue, action and reflection, rather than just a celebration? 38:30 Question 9 (Ope answers) Commissioner, looking ahead, what are your hopes and aspirations for the future of disability rights and inclusion in Massachusetts, and how do you envision our collective efforts shaping this future? What do you hope to see happen? 41:33 Thank you! 42:17 Resources 43:20 Credits 44:00 Follow MCDHH on Social Media