DDS holding Assistive Technology Fair

SPRINGFIELD — The Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services’ Central West Regional Office is bringing an opportunity for individuals with disabilities and the friends, family and agencies that support them to explore innovations in assistive technology on Monday, April 24, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Mass Mutual Center, 1277 Main St. in Springfield.

Assistive products maintain or improve functioning and independence and promote well-being. The Assistive Technology Fair will feature adaptive innovations such as smart home technology, health/medical, employment tools, recreation/leisure, social/emotional, transportation, executive functioning/organizational, remote supports and monitoring, and more.

The Department of Developmental Services invites participants to experience a variety of assistive technology through exhibits, demonstrations and presentations, all at no cost. Participants are encouraged to register online at bit.ly/3zHFBXS.

Baystate accepting applicants for Student Ambassador Program

GREENFIELD — Students are invited to apply to participate in Baystate Franklin Medical Center’s Student Ambassador Programs. The deadline is April 14.

The program is designed to give Franklin County high school students an introduction to the wide range of careers in health care in a hospital setting. According to a notice from Baystate Health, the program functions as an intensive one- or two-week mini medical school program where students observe different departments and learn about the function of the department and the various roles within. Contingent on scheduling and patient permission, students may also be allowed to observe surgery, or shadow in the emergency room or other departments. The group spends time each week sharing their experiences and what they learned.

Seasoned volunteer supervisors decide on the accepted students based on the number of departments that are participating. In prior years, approximately 60% of applicants have been accepted.

Two sessions will be offered, with an option for a one- or two-week commitment, Monday through Friday: July 10 to 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (two weeks), or Aug. 7 to 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (one week).

Interested students are advised to check their summer schedules before applying as the program requires attendance for the entire program. It is free to participate. Applications and medical attestations will be accepted until April 14, and acceptance decisions will be made by May 1.

For more information, contact Becky George, manager of volunteer services, at 413-773-2318 or becky.george@baystatehealth.org, or Katie Caron at 413-773-2204 or katie.caron@baystatehealth.org.

Jewish Federation announces scholarships

SPRINGFIELD — The Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts’ Jewish Endowment Foundation is inviting college-bound students to apply for its annual Common Fund and Springfield Council of Jewish Women scholarships through April 14.

“As a strong supporter of education, we are very proud to make our Common Fund and Springfield Council of Jewish Women scholarships available to students in western Massachusetts,” Nora Gorenstein, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts, said in a statement. “These two scholarships are an example of one of the many ways we support families in western Massachusetts and look forward to supporting our future leaders and professionals.”

The Common Fund Scholarship is available to all qualified undergraduate students who are residents of Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties. Since 2015, the Common Fund has awarded more than $260,000 in scholarships to more than 240 college-bound students. Approximately 30 students are selected each year.

The Springfield Council of Jewish Women Scholarship is available to all qualified undergraduates residing in Chicopee, Springfield, East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, Wilbraham, Hampden, Agawam or West Springfield. Since 1992, it has awarded more than $2.5 million dollars to financially assist thousands of local students.

Recipients for both scholarships are chosen based on academic performance, financial need and community involvement. Once chosen, undergraduate students are eligible to renew their awards for their full four years of college.

The application deadline for both scholarships is April 14. To apply, visit jewishwesternmass.org/grants-scholarships.

Diocese issues quarterly report on list of credibly accused; no new names added

SPRINGFIELD — No new names have been added to the online listing of “Credibility of Allegations of Sexual Abuse of a Minor,” in the last quarter. As part of its commitment to provide regular communications regarding safe environment efforts, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield issues these quarterly reports.

The diocese will continue to provide updates each quarter on the list, which can be found at diospringfield.org/oseva-credible-allegation-abuse-minor.

The diocese encourages anyone who has information on misconduct to report this directly to law enforcement as well as to the Office of Safe Environment and Victim Assistance at 413-452-0624, via 1-800 842-9055, or by email to reportabuse@diospringfield.org.

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