Deborah Haber Statement of interest redacted — File 22-2135

4/10/2022 Adrienne Pomeroy ADA Coordinator City of Somerville 93 Highland Avenue Somerville, MA 02143 Dear Ms. Pomeroy, I am writing to apply for a volunteer position on the Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities. I am disabled with Ehlers Danlos syndrome hypermobility type, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and a host of other chronic illnesses, as well as mental health challenges. My severe fatigue and chronic pain keeps me bedridden most days, with my outings generally limited to doctor appointments with rare social occasions. I feel this perspective is an important one when considering accessibility of city resources for those similarly disabled by illness, injury, or age, especially for those programs that are or could be offered online. My last job before I had to stop working was as a not-for-profit manager of membership and marketing, focused on website development and database integration. I am also the mother of a young adult with EDS, fibromyalgia, autism, and multiple mental health diagnoses. While my child’s 504 and IEP were with the city of Cambridge, my experience going through the process makes me a strong voice for disabled youth as well. I have nearly 15 years experience being a self advocate for my own complicated medical care as well as for that of my child and believe those internal resources and acquired skills make me well suited to playing a useful role on the commission. Thank you for your consideration and for the work you do. Deborah Haber (she/they)