Who We Are

I have certificate from Massachusetts Disability Commission, certification in ADA compliance, as a Moderator from the state – June 2015, Degree from Northeastern University, Bachelors or Arts (BA), Biology/Biological Sciences, received minor studies in psychology, graduated 1991.  I also have Associate’s degree in Art History from Massachusetts School of Art - graduated 1987, Tufts University - certification in service animal training, health awareness of animals, 1993-1995.

I was employed Damon Corporation in 1987 as Research Assistant.  Worked in government laboratory until 1989.  Employed at Dana-Farber research on DNA studies markers while in school.  After graduating I started work at Boston Medical School in research in Cardiopulmonary, wrote reports for medical journals for Dr.’s under research studies and reports for laboratory to receive grants worked until 1996.  When I took a medical leave absent I continued writing reports for grants for Citizen Schools.  After school program for under privileged kids and for their summer program, school taught kids apprenticeships.  I was geared toward kids with disabilities.  Volunteered for 3 years.

I have been a resident for 7 years and have been a commissioner sense 2014.  I have been chairperson since October 2015 as our previous chairperson retired.  I wanted to serve the disabled community with the most opportunity that we can provide alongside our other commissioners and committees.  We are bringing the disability committee into the future to build a stronger community for everyone who resides in Natick to have everything that is safe to live in.  To help businesses and residents understand the ADA laws to provide quality accommodations for those with disabilities and work alongside businesses with schools to help those with learning disability or any physical to be able to get accessibility when needed.  I also have a service dog and promote service animal laws to businesses in understanding the service animal ADA laws as I hold conferences at hospitals and various businesses.

Honorary AIA, has lived in Natick since October 2015. She is an elected Town Meeting member from Precinct 7, and a member of the Commission on Disability. She has been recognized internationally for her work in Universal Design.  The American Institute of Architects honored her their Achievement award in 2007 and in 2006 designated her an Honorary Member. The Royal College of Art in London awarded her the Misha Black Medal for Distinguished Services in Design Education in 2004. She was the first woman and the first American to receive that award. Ostroff was the Senior Editor of the Universal Design Handbook published by McGraw-Hill in 2001. In 1978, she co-founded the Adaptive Environments Center (now the Institute for Human Centered Design), she has her B.S. from Brandeis University, an Ed.M from Harvard University and was Radcliffe Institute Fellow in 1970 – 1972.

• Graduate of the University of Maine with a BS in Elementary Education
• Resident of Natick for 20 years
• I serve, and have served, on my condo’s Board of Trustees for over 15 years
• I serve on Braintree Rehab Hospital’s Patient & Family Advisory Committee
• I am currently a Peer Mentor, at Braintree Rehab, for any patient who has suffered a spinal cord injury
• I am serving on Natick’s Commission on Disability because I want to bring awareness to the Natick community that Natick cares about its residents with disabilities.  I suffered a spinal cord injury 30+ years ago, before many opportunities were available to people with disabilities.  It is important for residents to know that we exist and are a valuable resource for programs, education, and accessibility issues.

• Graduated from Framingham State college with a BS in Elementary Education
• Resident of Natick for a total of 57 years
• Worked as a programmer for John Hancock Insurance Company from 1968 to 1972
• Stay at home mom for three children, the youngest of whom is multiply disabled
• As the parent of a disabled child, was asked to serve on the Commission on Disability in 2012
• Served as the clerk of the Commission until 2016
• In June 2015 took a course from the Massachusetts Disability Commission and became certified as a community access manager for ADA compliance
• Also serve on the PATH (Parents Association for the Handicapped) Board