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Hey everyone, I can't believe we are in the third month of the new year. We have spectacular things coming your way! Happy birthday to all the March babies out there, I hope all your dreams and wishes come true!
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What inspires me! Well honestly I believe that inspiration comes in many different forms. There is no right or wrong way to get inspired, for example you can get inspired by friendships, music, dreams, food, and more! There are many things that inspire me but one thing that inspires me the most is when people doubt my abilities. I can’t explain it but it motivates me to keep going and it truly gives me satisfaction when I get the chance to prove them wrong! Another thing that inspires me is my growing support system I really don’t know where I would be or what I would do without them. My support system keeps me grounded whenever I might go off the tracks. Finding ways to give back to my community has always been and continues to be a huge part of my life, to know that I am making a difference in the world means everything to me! No matter how big or how small I will figure out a way to do it! You see? You can find inspiration anywhere, at anytime! With that said, I would love to know who or what inspires you?!
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Women's History Month!
Calling all females from all generations! It has come to my attention recently that we too have a month of our own March is
Women's History Month! Let's continue to make a difference in our own way! Stand up! Be proud! Be heard!
In honor of International Women's Day, Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong (MASS) is proud to celebrate the strong women of the MASS Board of Directors, and the many dedicated staff across the state.
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March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness month!
This is a great time to reflect and celebrate what has been accomplished for people with disabilities.
It is also a great reminder to the continued work that needs to be done.
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Today’s words of encouragement are:
“You are a lot more than what everyone perceives you out to be."
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Story Of The Month!
Richard H. Lafleur
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My name is
Richard H . Lafleur.
I have done many things at South Shore Arc.
I was involved in changing the building name to Pathways To Possibilities.
I was involved in getting a grant for a puppet show. I have done a toy drive for the Arc as well as a good drive.
I am going to the state house to advocate for the day program as well as advocating for the individuals.
I know numerous politicians and enjoy communicating to the politicians. I also have a part time job at the Arc and I work at Barrel House once a week.
I really work hard to help us all achieve our goals in life. We could all use recognition by the news.
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LEGISLATIVE EVENTS AT THE STATEHOUSE:
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Join us at the next April Legislative Meeting on April 8, 2020 from 10:00 am-12:30 pm
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Legislative Reception
March 4, 2020
Several self advocates from Metro, Southeast, Central and the Northeast regions of Mass Advocates Standing Strong attended the 42nd Annual Arc Mass/MDDC Legislative Reception.
A big shout out to Kim Plaut, MASS Board Member and Janice Smith of Minute Man Arc for attending every year.
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State House Event: "Technology Forward."
Wednesday, March 18th, 10:00AM - 12 Noon
Also in March, the Department of Developmental Services Statewide Advisory Council is hosting another Annual State House Event on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 to celebrate
'Technology Forward'
.
Take part in recognizing the accomplishments of individuals, families, providers, and community participants using technology in services.
At the event, DDS will present the annual awards for leadership, health and human services, and advocacy.
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F.D.A Bans Electrical Stimulation Devices:
FINALLY!
Thanks to advocates near and far that have worked to ban electrical stimulation devices (ESDs)! And an extra BIG shout out to Derek from the Northeast region who gathered signatures across Massachusetts to put an end to this nightmare device!
“...the U.S. Food and Drug Administration today published a final rule to ban electrical stimulation devices (ESDs) used for self-injurious or aggressive behavior...At this time, the FDA has information that indicates only one facility is using these devices in the United States, the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center (JRC) in Canton, Massachusetts, and estimates between 45 and 50 individuals are currently being exposed to the device. The FDA believes that state-of-the-art behavioral treatments, such as positive behavioral support, and medications can enable health care providers to find alternative approaches for curbing self-injurious or aggressive behaviors in their patients.”
DPPC News:
Mariah C. Freark
Assistant General Counsel
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Disabled Persons Protection Commission
" DPPC has a bill pending in the legislature that would amend its statute. DPPC’s bill – number S.2577 – passed unanimously in the Senate and is currently with the House Ways and Means Committee (its number in the House is H.4231).
The bill seeks to change DPPC’s law so that person-first language is used throughout the law, including in the name of the agency! So if this passes, we will be the Commission for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities."
For more on DPPC pending legislation, please click:
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MASS and URI & WPI Professors are designing an app to help people with intellectual disabilities report abuse.
Boston Herald ...
" One of the consultants,
Pauline Bosma
, said the app has the potential to be a game-changer for people with IDD.
“I think it’s going to be a big help for people with disabilities,” Bosma said. “It’s going to give us the ability to not be abused again.”
Click below to read more about this amazing piece of technology and how it can save lives.
GATOR (Guardianship and the transfer of rights)
Kamisha, Derek and Cynthia are working hard searching for information for students about Transfer of Rights. MASS Researchers learned about how to do a literature search with Cady Landa of ICI on February 7th along with Marie D’Aoust, Gail Delgado and Bridget Crowley. Kamisha also joined the first advisory board meeting for this project with transition experts from around the country. The full GATOR Team meets by video conference every other week.
MA SDM Task Force
The MA SDM Task Force met on February 8th and reviewed SDM Agreement forms from different States. Kim Plaut and Austin Carr prepared three interviews and recorded them with the help of the Institute for Community Inclusion on February 21st. Our task force hopes to turn these videos into webinars to help more self-advocates learn about supported decision making as an important alternative to guardianship! MA SDM Task Force members took part in meetings about the Supported Decision Making Bill, which is moving along. Members attending the Arcmass/MDDC Legislative reception advocated for support on this bill.
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Northeast Regional Coordinator:
Bridget Crowley
Email:
Bridget@ma-advocates.org
Phone:
781-789-4274
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This month we welcomed a couple of new members to our regional group. All are welcome to check out our meeting. The next one is March 25th from 6-8PM at 261 N Main St Middleton. Please note, this is one week later than usual.
Thank you to Therese LaPorte, Sandra Jones and Anne Fracht for attending the February 6th meeting of MA21 at Arcmass in Waltham. The group focused on self-direction and looked at a new guide for planning your budget. Donna Jay presented to the NE Arc Self-Advocacy group in Danvers about the Marriage Penalty and how to advocate for change on this issue. Therese LaPorte shared her experiences and the importance of self-advocacy at a Transition Forum at Lesley University on a panel of self-advocates.
It was a great discussion with students, teachers and self-advocates about increasing disability pride, understanding and self-determination. Presenter, Stel Gragoudas said, “Being self-determined doesn’t mean doing every task independently. I am self-determined and I need help to get dressed each day.” In other news, we are overjoyed to know that the FDA finally banned the use of electric-shock therapy! Thank you to our Regional Chairperson, Derek, for making this issue a priority in our region.
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Southeast Regional Coordinator:
Gail Delgado
Email:
Gail@ma-advocates.org
Phone:
339-832-2922
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SAVE the DATE!!!!
Southeast Region Meeting
March 12, 2020
6pm - 7:30pm
Lakeville Library
Lakeville, MA
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CENTRAL REGION UPDATES
Central Regional Coordinator: Sue Moriarty
Email: Sue@ma-advocates.org
Phone: 508-209-7184
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The Central Region had a good month in February. We met with our REDD Group and we continue to work on transportation, thanks to Debbie Pierce, our transportation rep.
At our regional work team meeting in February we had a power point presentation by Tess, a mobility specialist with the WRTA. We had a great discussion about safe travel and taking public transportation. Justin Bernard also presented about voting. It was a great meeting!
On Feb 10th Janet spoke about self-advocacy at a Human Services class at Quinsigamond Community College. Great job Janet!
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 has hired a new trainer, Melissa Beauregard, and she attended her first training this month. Welcome Melissa!
The HMEA Hopedale Day Program (where we hold many grant project meetings)has moved to a beautiful new building in Franklin.
An open house was held on Feb 26th.
So what is ahead for Central? We can’t wait for spring!! We look forward to having a meet and greet in March to welcome new members including self-advocates from the THRIVE self-advocacy group and others we have met. We also look forward to hosting tables at regional transition fairs and our legislative breakfast, attending events like “Light It Up Blue” and our regional self-direction support group, REDD Group and transportation meetings in March. We are also excited to connect with Building Bridges self-advocacy group on April 1st!
Spring is just around the corner……Happy Spring everyone!
Central Regional Meeting
Tuesday, March 10
6-8 PM
Autism Resource Central
712 Plantation Street
Worcester, MA
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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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Save the Date!!!!
Metro Region Meeting
March 19, 2020
6pm-7:30pm
85 Main St
Beaverbrook STEP offices.
Watertown, MA 2nd floor
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West Region Self Advocacy would like to wish a very happy belated birthday to Lenny P, whose birthday was February 13th, and Bill H, whose birthday was February 24th. Lenny is an officer for Open Door Club, based in Northampton, and represents his group on our regional Board. Lenny always jumps out the chance to volunteer and goes above and beyond to help his community. Bill is an officer for Leadership Through Advocacy, based in Holyoke, and a representative for his group on our regional board. Bill is a charismatic leader who is quick to offer friendship to new advocates and who loves to promote self advocacy everywhere he goes. Happy birthday, Lenny and Bill! We Love You!!
It is with heavy hearts that we would like to let our community know of the passing of Jimmy Poulin, a longtime self advocate, passionate leader, and president of the Westfield self advocacy group. An incredibly loving person, Jimmy was quick to offer friendship to everyone he met. He will be sorely missed by everyone in the west region.
NEW DATE: The 17th Annual West Region Self Advocacy Conference will be held SATURDAY, JUNE 6TH at the Sheraton Hotel in Springfield, MA.
Please consider sponsoring the 17th 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.
We recognize sponsors who give any amount, starting at $1, with benefits such as personalized ads and thank-yous in our event program and on our facebook page, and, at higher levels of support, with tickets to the event. Please visit masswrsa.org to learn more!
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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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