MASS to host all April and May
Self-Advocacy Meetings for Self-Advocates
Online via Zoom!
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Find your April Self-Advocacy Meeting
(for Self-Advocates and Supporters)
information and Zoom links below in the Regional Group Section of the MASS Flash. If you have questions please contact MASS at
info@ma-advocates.org
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This video from SANYS tells about using video calling with Zoom to see friends, family, and co-workers:
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MASS is grateful for the work of our friends and allies at SARTAC (The Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center) who are sharing critical information about this crisis and how to stay safe and connected with each other.
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This is a crazy and difficult time right now but please remember to be safe out there and stay positive! We will all get through this together! One step at a time!
~ Kamisha
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Happy birthday to all the April babies out there! We wish you nothing but the best!
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STORY OF THE MONTH:
Sabryna Eastwood
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My name is Sabryna Eastwood and I am 26 years old. I graduated from Westfield State University with a bachelors degree in Special Education and this fall I will be attending Simmons University for a Masters in Social Work.
I currently work full time in a Crisis Management team in a public school system, I work at a Preschool three nights a week, and Massachusetts General Hospital on Saturdays.
I have my license, enjoy volunteering, spending time outside, and with family and friends. I also conquer Epilepsy, Generalized Anxiety, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder everyday. Some may think these are disabilities, but they are not who I am. They are just some of my abilities that make me, me!
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Hey everyone! I hope you all are trying to stay positive, strong, and healthy through this unpredictable time. For this month’s Kamisha’s Corner I want to share with you the time I went backpacking for the first time with my girl Vee and my amazing friends at Waypoint Adventure! This was my second trip without my family! There are not enough words to describe how excited I was! My team and I had many check ins before the trip! I rather be safe than sorry! I finished all my packing the night before. I was so excited in fact I could hardly sleep! Saturday September 21st was the big day! Off to The White Mountains in New Hampshire!
Woke up early, got dressed, waited for my girl Vee to pick me up, packed up her car, and then we hit the road! Did I mention it was still dark outside?! I think the streets at night are beautiful and I love watching the sunrise in the morning when I can! Good communication, being around the ones you love, music, and a road trip for the weekend! What could go wrong?! We met up with everyone at the Waypoint Adventure office for one last check in before we headed up to New Hampshire! When everything was said and done we started packing up the vans and officially started to head up! I loved every minute of the experience! I definitely wouldn't change a thing! So much in fact I didn’t want to leave and come back to reality!
New Hampshire is so peaceful! Backpacking definitely took me out of my element, which I absolutely love! I love challenging myself! Did I mention New Hampshire is beautiful?! We built campfires, went sightseeing, stargazing,and I slept in a tent! Like I said everything felt right! I plan to go back to New Hampshire soon!
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🚫
LEGISLATIVE EVENTS AT THE STATEHOUSE 🚫
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Due to the Coronavirus there will
not be a Legislative Day in April. We will keep you posted.
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CORONAVIRUS AND HOW THE CIVIL RIGHTS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES COULD BE THREATENED
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Emily Ladau is a passionate disability rights activist with a physical disability who writes about her concern about what can happen to her during the Coronavirus.
On Monday, several disability groups filed a complaint against the state of Washington, one of the states hardest hit by the pandemic.
Preventing Discrimination in the Treatment of COVID-19 Patients: The Illegality of Medical Rationing on the Basis of Disability.
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HELPFUL INFO ON CORONAVIRUS
Google's new informational website on what you need to know about the virus and more.
Better Business Bureau
Don't be scammed. Read before ordering anything related to the Coronavirus such as masks or medicines.
Comprehensive State of MA website on all aspects of the Coronavirus and services provided.
Questions about Social Security checks and more.
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SELF-ADVOCACY INFO FOR SELF-ADVOCATES BY SELF-ADVOCATES
“If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” MLK
Self-advocacy video put together by
The Self-Determination Channel of Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities on staying healthy.
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SARTAC -Information by Self-Advocates and for Self-Advocates -
Activists with Disabilities Are Taking Action
Moving story about being home bound and feeling OK.
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FUN THINGS TO DO, RIGHT FROM HOME!
Great article in Mother Jones re: giving and helping others will put a smile on your face.
Latino educational and fun songs during these trying times. Click on
link and move!
Do you want to sing on-line with choir?
Virtual concerts, plays and museums you can enjoy from your couch.
Your favorite artist streaming free concerts - come and hear!
See friends via video chatting.
How can you help others in your community during this crisis? Take a look.
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Hi from Pauline!
I hope everyone is doing well. I know it has been tough for some people. I want you all to know that I am available for support. I will be “live” on Zoom the last Tuesday of the month on April 28th from 5:30 - 7:00 PM. Click below to RSVP.
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RSVP if you would like the link to the Tuesday April 28th Rainbow Self-Advocacy Group Meeting
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LOCATION
Zoom (meeting link will be sent if you click to RSVP below)
DATE AND TIME
04/28/20
5:30pm -
04/28/20
7:00pm
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**Looking for groups, members and others to write updates and articles of interest in the Rainbow Corner each month. Please contact Pauline rainbowbosma@gmail.com or (508) 944-5797
Looking forward to hearing about other Rainbow Support Groups activities around Massachusetts. Stay healthy…and remember its ok not to be ok! These are difficult times for all of us.
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NORTHEAST REGION UPDATES
Northeast Regional Coordinator
:
Bridget Crowley
Email:
Bridget@ma-advocates.org
Phone
:
781-789-4274
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Northeast Highlights
“Hope is being able to see that there is light in spite of all the darkness.”—Desmond Tutu
In the Northeast we had our first Regional “Zoom” call on March 25
th
. It was wonderful to see everyone and hear how we’re coping with staying home.
We will have these video calls weekly every Wednesday at 2PM.
Here’s a video from Mike Rogers of SANYS showing how to use Zoom:
Video on how to use Zoom
. Here’s the information to join our weekly Zoom check-ins.
April 15, 22 & 29 MASS NE REGIONAL WEEKLY CHECK INS
Join Zoom Meeting by video:
Meeting ID: 457 078 340
or join by phone only
Dial: 16468769923 and enter the Code: 457078340# US
Though technology will never replace seeing each other in person, I sure am glad we have ways to be together through this crisis.
Zoom allowed us to keep moving forward together on projects like Supported Decision Making -- task force members are finishing a draft Supported Decision making Agreement that we hope to share with all of you later in the spring. Supported Decision Making Task Force Members visited their legislators at the Arcmass/MDDC Legislative Reception to advocate for the SDM bills.
Derek, Cynthia, and Kamisha continue research on the topic of Transfer of Rights for students. At the beginning of the month Therese LaPorte spoke about her experiences and self-advocacy on a panel promoting Self-Determination at Lesley University. The All for One group met in Merrimac and talked about selling artwork to promote Autism Acceptance.
We also need strong self-advocates to share your stories so hospitals and our wider communities treat people with disabilities as a priority. Let’s keep our community strong, healthy and connected through this trying time. In the Northeast we are gathering messages of support to share on our Facebook Page – please contact
Bridget@ma-advocates.org
if you want to submit a short video message, a note or drawing.
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SOUTHEAST REGION UPDATES
Southeast Regional Coordinato
r
:
Gail Delgado
Email:
Gail@ma-advocates.org
Phone:
339-832-2922
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Southeast Region
Hello Self-Advocates in the Southeast
Check out this video for some fun music and instruction about washing your hands.
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Southeast Regional Meeting
Thursday, April 9⋅6:00 – 8:00pm
Any questions call Gail @ 339-832-2922 or email gail@ma-advocates.org
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The
Central Region
has had a good month in March even though half of it was spent at home!
At our regional work team meeting in March we had a presentation by Jillian Berube about making
DREAM BOARDS
, and she shared her hopes and dreams using her own board.
Deb Pierce has worked on emergency preparedness so she helped us discuss the Covid 19 virus and how to keep healthy, including safe travel and taking public transportation. Deb also sends cards to those in the group who are sick or have had surgery. We wish at least three members to get well soon…we miss you! Justin Bernard also presented about voting. It was a great meeting!
Several people attended The Arc of Massachusetts and MDDC Day at the State House. Honorees were Rep Michlewicz and Sen. Patrick O’Connor. Justin reports that :”The event was good with about 400 people. Also got a chance to meet with my local legislators/aides. Jillian and her mom were there too with about 6 from Center of Hope. Great keynote speaker. And we love the take home flyer with tips for successful advocacy!
Central plans to hold TWO regional meetings for self-advocates in April by Zoom call:
Tuesday, April 14
th
, from 1-3 PM, and
Tuesday, April 28
from 1-3 PM
Central Zoom Meeting Link
Meeting ID:
988 205 111
One tap mobile:
+16468769923,,988205111#
Dial by your location:
+1 646 876 9923
We will let you know when we are offering more call ins too, so stay tuned! THE GREAT NEWS is that we will be joined by some members who haven’t had rides to the meetings…now you can call into the meeting!!! We are learning so much about how to be creative and stay connected!
We want to thank all of our staff and supporters for helping us stay connected through this tough time!
T
H
A
N
K
Y
O
U
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Our OVW Mass Rights for Change grant project team has met a lot during the month. We are working on plans to improve access to needed services for survivors of sexual assault. Our Central Awareness and Action team held two trainings in March and we cannot wait to get out and do more! The team even had an interview with Fox 25 about how abuse is a big issue and how important our training is!
So what is ahead for Central? We can’t wait for spring flowers to appear and to be able to get out with our friends once again!!! We look forward to having a meet and greet to welcome new members who join us for our phone meetings…. including self-advocates from the THRIVE self-advocacy group and others we have met. We are working on an online presentation for Quinsigamond Community College students! We also look forward to getting out to host tables at events like ADA 29 in Worcester and to join the REDD Group and transportation meetings as soon as we can. Meanwhile, we are excited to connect with local self-advocacy groups and host zoom calls to keep self-advocates near and far in Central Mass connected!
Spring has finally arrived……Happy Spring everyone!
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METRO REGION UPDATES
Metro Regional Coordinator:
Gail Delgado
Email:
Gail@ma-advocates.org
Phone:
339-832-2922
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METRO REGION UPDATES
Hello Self- Advocates
ZOOM regional meeting
Thursday, April 16⋅6:00 – 7:30 pm
Join by phone
+1 337-441-4148 PIN: 774 076 552#
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Join Anne Fracht and other self advocates every Monday and Thursday
Meetings Every Monday and Thursday 1:00 pm east coast time. The meeting is for one hour. The focus is peer to peer connections. Self-advocates sharing information and supporting each other while staying home during the Coronavirus.
Dial 1 929 436 2866 Meeting ID: 324 815 633
Any questions call Gail @ 339-832-2922 or email gail@ma-advocates.org
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ACTS OF KINDNESS
During these trying times it is great to have caring staff,
Cherita Miles Jackson
and Kolby! Today they, and the people they support, made care packages of chicken and vegetable soup, biscuits, sugar-free brownies;. Then door dropped off at some of our other homes, that have medically challenged people living there. Great job AJ, Ashley, and Sara.
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West Region!
NEW DATE:
The 17
th
Annual West Region Self Advocacy Conference will be held SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2020 at the Sheraton Hotel in Springfield, MA.
Please consider sponsoring the 17
th
Annual West Region Self Advocacy Conference!
This event brings together advocates from across New England and enables them to make connections with other advocates and build friendships and to learn new things from one another. This event also provides an important platform for advocates to share their stories and make their voices heard. We cannot put on this event without support from like-minded groups, organizations, and individuals.
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Click on link below for information on starting a Mass Advocates Standing Strong
Voting Club and contact Marie D'Aoust at
info@ma-advocates.org
with additional questions.
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Do You Want to Be in the MASS FLASH?
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Attention Everyone!
Is there anything exciting happening in your life that you are just itching to talk about? Want to share it with the world?!
If so, great because I, Kamisha Heriveaux, am always on the look out for interesting events, your hobbies, and topics that interest you - so please don't hesitate to reach out!
I can't wait to hear from all of YOU! Have a great day and keep on reading!
~
Kamisha
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Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong
500 Harrison Avenue, Suite 116 | 617-624-7549
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