MASS to host all June
Self-Advocacy Meetings for Self-Advocates
Online via Zoom!
👉
For your regional meeting dates please read on below. If you can't find your Zoom meeting link please contact your Regional Coordinator or send an email to
info@ma-advocates.org
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Self Advocates Creative Corner
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Many of us are coping with being at home with creativity. Donna Jay is making art and shared a piece called, “Spring.”
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In The Time Of Covid 19
Poem by Peter Heslam.
In the time of Covid 19, this virus through the world and country tore
From the Maine coast to the California seashore.
Young or old, black or white, it does not care neither, nor,
We must keep our homes clean, wash our hands until they are sore,
Wear a mask, social distance,stay at home, we do implore,
a wise man said: a society is judged by how it bore,
its responsibility to help those at the bottom floor,
to protect the most vulnerable, the weak, the sick,the poor,
time of quarantine, isolation, not able to go to the store,
Covid 19 hit our economy and our health at its' core,
thanks to first responders and healthcare workers, that is for sure,
we must be safe and not congregate, hope soon there is a cure,
to reopen too quick or soon may be a false allure,
for those who need us most, a bit more time, we must endure,
we are strong,we will come back, it is our lives we are fighting for,
say a kind word, donate to feed a child, offer your neighbor to do a chore,
With a vaccine, all of us will be able to go to a movie,a concert, or a ballgame, and celebrate with a party once more,
visit family without risk, totally reassured as we walk in their door,
at that time, this Covid 19 will become a part of folklore.
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Adventures of the World to Shine
By Cynthia Goldberg
Sounds of the ocean waves
Have words through their doors
Opening up to a bright shining beautiful day.
Lift our voices of the world to the sea.
Listen to the waves following me.
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Meet MASS Board Chair, Albert 'Al' Milne
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Al Milne is from the Southeast Region. He lives independently in North Easton, MA. Al was inspired by Gail to join the board. Al has been with MASS Advocates for over four years.
Al is currently on the MASS Advocates Standing Strong board as the chairperson. He has been on the Regional Board for one year. Al is passionate about self-advocacy and has participated in self-advocacy for almost a whole year. Al really likes being a self advocate and is participating the regional and board meetings. Al’s hobbies are technology, computers and he also collects old video games. “MASS is a great organization.”
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Never be afraid of chasing your dreams, if you see something you want go for it. Grab it and never let go!!!
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Happy June! We hope you are staying safe out there.
Remember to stay positive!!
Happy birthday to all the June babies out there, we wish all of you nothing but true happiness!
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This month, Kamisha is sharing her speech from a speaking engagement with Tufts, Boston University, and Harvard!
Hey everyone my name is Kamisha. I am 26 years old. I’m in my third semester of school
.
I’m getting my GED in Somerville. I want to go to college for Photography, Spanish Minor, and Music. Thank you so much for having me today.
Today I am here to talk about self-advocacy and how it can play a major role in your life, for example I was born with a disability called Spastic Quadriplegia and Dystonia, Cerebral Palsy, for short aka CP.
In case you may not know what this is, this is the easiest way to explain it. Sometimes I have to retrain my body and brain to listen to me because sometimes it has a mind of its own. Growing up I had to depend on everyone around me. I thought to myself enough is enough and I had a conversation with my mom about being more independent. I ADVOCATED FOR MYSELF!!!! I am so glad I did!
Because of this, my eyes continue to open wide to endless opportunities and helps my skills and independence skyrocket through the roof! For example, I use to go to my appointments with my mom but now I go on my own and I love it! Depending on where I go I either show someone how to help or I do it myself.
Communication is key in general and especially when you are telling someone how to help you. At the end of the day safety is also key. Always be prepared to listen, ask questions, and have a open mind. Trust me I know it’s easier said than done but once we all figure out how to put all the steps into place not only will the patient feel comfortable and happy, you will feel that way too!
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MASS SELF-ADVOCATES IN ACTION
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Letter
to Dan Tsai, Assistant Secretary for MassHealth submitted on May urging calls to action regarding the following:
- The need for mandatory testing of all I/DD direct support staff, including nurses and house managers.
- The need for strengthening infection control protocols.
- The need for public reporting of data held by DDS tracking resident and staff infection rates in congregate settings.
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MASS has finished the
Incarcerated Survivors project
with BARCC. Self advocates, Kamisha and Derek reviewed materials for incarcerated survivors for accessibility, clarity, and visual enhancements. Kamisha shared she enjoyed working on the project with them and learned a lot.
Kamisha and Derek are also working with BARCC to review legal materials for accessibility and access.
GATOR has officially moved into Phase 2 of the research project which will be a review of previous research for relatable content and use.
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SELF-ADVOCATES
Voting is one of our most important rights.
Do you want to be a Voting Club leader?
MASS recently held an informational
Voting Club
presentation at the May regional meetings. Marie D’Aoust from MASS spoke about why it is so important to vote, the history of voting and what a Voting Club is all about. Election Day is only 5 months from now so join the club!
The Voting Club is a group of self-advocates that work together to focus on voting, learn what it really means to vote, learn about how to register, how to decide on your candidate, learn about what
accommodations
must be made for people with disabilities at the voting booth, teach other self-advocates about why it is so important to vote and to learn more about your legislators in your neighborhoods and do they support laws that improve the lives of people of people with disabilities. You will all be learning about this, will encourage other self-advocates to vote and will become Voting Club Leaders in your community. So take charge and become a leader.
Remember YOU are the Leaders and will decide how to make the Voting Club successful.
The enthusiasm to move forward on this idea is terrific and we are hosting regional Voting Club meetings via Zoom during the month of June.
Contact Marie D'Aoust at
info@ma-advocates.org
with additional questions or call her at 617-288-6481 if you want to become a Voting Club Leader
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CENTRAL REGION UPDATES
Central Regional Coordinator: Sue Moriarty
Phone: 508-209-7184
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May was when everything came to life here in Central Region!
We picked up our pieces after the loss of our beloved Central work team President and friend, Janet Laperle. She taught us to be patient and confident leaders and to treat each other with respect.
We will keep her spirit with us as we move forward.
Central had two Zoom meetings in May. We enjoy getting together and seeing old and new self-advocates! Teka Harris from the DDS Human Rights Office joined us. We all checked in on how we are doing, and we looked at the SARU Unit’s “Stay Calm” graphics. Our highlight for our first May meeting was guest speaker State Representative Natalie Higgins. Each person shared what is important to them, and the group as well (medical issues, transportation, etc). Natalie told us about how important it is to get to know our legislators, and what kinds of things they do. Many people asked when we would be returning to our old lives again, and she said reopening will take a while. We thank Jackie Dulmaine for connecting us with Natalie and thank you Natalie for being a part of our meeting!
On May 4th, Jackie, Seth, Monique and Sue put together a live Zoom class on self-advocacy for Quinsigamond Community College students. Then several of our regional self-advocates joined us for individual messages on self-advocacy. It was a great success and we hope to do more!
Deb Pierce keeps up with transportation and she also joined the REDD Group meeting in May. Justin is keeping up to date on legislative issues. Our grant projects are humming along. We are thankful for our Central board members Jillian and Karen. Thank you to our many Central Region leaders!
We finished up May with a meeting on the 26th. We discussed the new Voting Club at MASS with guest Marie Daoust, and the SARU Unit’s Jackie Perez joined us to talk about Sexual Assault services in Central Massachusetts.
We hope to have our Central/West DDS Regional Director to join us on a Zoom call soon!
Let Sue Moriarty know if you are a self-advocate and would like to join the Central regional meeting!
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NORTHEAST REGION UPDATES
Northeast Regional Coordinator:
Bridget Crowley
Phone:
781-789-4274
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It’s great to see old and new friends each week for our Northeast Weekly Check-ins. On May 6th special guest, Marie D’Aoust, joined us to talk about a new MASS Voting Club. Several people were interested. Valerie raised the issue of scam calls and what to do if you are getting them. The latest news on the Self Advocates Becoming Empowered National Conference is that conference organizers are currently advising everyone not to book travel plans or register.
We wrote to our regional DDS Director to offer our support and to ask about plans to re-open programs. You can share your thoughts about re-opening, testing, visitor policies or anything else here:
https://www.mass.gov/forms/contact-dds-online
. We also want to be sure that everyone in the disability community lost to COVID 19 is remembered. If you care about that too, please contact
On May 13th, our group talked about the Census, upcoming plans to reopen, and voted to send lunch to people living and working at Hogan to boost their spirits at this difficult time. We sent posters, art and lunch to Hogan residents and staff to let everyone know they are not alone. Direct care staff, Peter Heslam shared a poem about this time and how writing is helping him cope. Hats off to all of the direct care workers out there for your great dedication and heart!
On May 20th, we also talked about the Governor Baker's plan to re-open Massachusetts in four phases. We still need to practice social distancing and wear masks in many situations. Everyone wants to get back to normal but realizes it is important for activities to be safe for programs and workplaces to re-open.
Everyone agreed that when it is safe to do so we want to throw a big party. Sandy J shared an update on pending stimulus packages and will keep us posted as Congress moves forward. At the end of this call, Joe Canto reminded everyone that, “When we all come together, no matter how big the obstacle, we can overcome it.”
On May 27th, we had guests from Indiana, New York and Washington State who shared with us their advocacy on the Marriage Penalty, Closing Sheltered Workshops and accessibility. Looking ahead we are going to focus on Rights during the pandemic.
If you’re interested in joining a NE Meeting, please contact Bridget to sign up at:
bridget@ma-advocates.org
or 781-789-4274. Our regional meetings will continue every week on Wednesdays at 2PM
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NE Local Groups
The Merrimack Valley Peer Support group held an online meeting on May 14th and May 28th. The group is canceling their annual celebration at Maria’s Restaurant this year due to COVID 19.
The next Peer Support Meeting is June 11th.

Here’s news from the All for One group: “Hi this is Nicole who has autism. The name of my self-advocacy group is All for One. We are meeting on Zoom now every Monday at 2:00 pm until things get better. The date for the real meetings will be decided when we can meet in person.
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SOUTHEAST REGION UPDATES
Southeast Regional Coordinator:
Gail Delgado
Phone:
339-832-2922
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The southeast regional meeting was held via zoom on May 14, 2020. This month 2 guests visited the meeting, Marie D’Aoust sharing about self advocates choosing to start Voting Clubs and Nate Hoover (DDS SE Human Rights) visited to say hello to everyone.
Chairman of the Southeast region group is Albert Milne, and has been a monthly attendee since 2017, he is a MASS Board member, and recently became the Chairperson of the MASS Board. Congratulations Albert, we are sure you will do a great job.
Commonwealth Enterprises (Mansfield Redemption) has put together a newsletter for their self advocates to stay connected during the pandemic. Several self advocates shared either a story or suggestions how to spend time during COVID-19.

“Patience is not about the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting” is the theme of their newsletter.
Gail Delgado, Marie D'Aoust, and Nate Hoover spoke about self advocacy groups, the Voting club, and human rights at M.O. L.I.F.E's June meeting. Congratulations self advocates of the M.O. L.I.F.E Program in New Bedford on starting a self advocacy group.
CAST and STAR Launch self advocacy groups continue to connect with the regional coordinator for encouragement in order to stay active, virtually.
On May 14th, Cynthia Goldberg participated in a webinar about self advocate stories during the COVID-19 emergency, and she read two of her newest poems.
Southeast Regional Meeting
Thursday, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
June 11, 2020
OR
Join by phone ‪1-413-438-7148 PIN: ‪689 838 506#
Any questions email or call Gail Delgado, Region Coordinator
(if I do not answer please leave a message)
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METRO REGION UPDATES
Metro Regional Coordinator
: Gail Delgado
Phone
: 339-832-2922
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The Metro regional meeting was held via zoom on May 21, 2020. The meeting had one guest, Marie D’Aoust sharing about self advocates choosing to start Voting Clubs. Two new self advocates joined our meeting from reading about our zoom calls monthly from the MASS Flash. Welcome Sarah and Andrew!
Self advocates like the idea of voting clubs to discuss and research candidates for election, for they need more information beyond are they registered to vote or not. Thank you Marie for helping self advocates to encourage Voting Clubs.
The metro region self advocates have been enjoying the good weather and time with family. Some are needing to be apartment hunting, however COVID-19 has squashed the process. They miss seeing their friends, so basically everyone is watching TV all day and/or taking walks while wearing a mask. Their other concern is their jobs to get back to and those looking for jobs worried where are the jobs going to be after the pandemic.
Self advocacy groups in the region are meeting virtually, Winthrop Strong, The Price Center, and Matthew’s group via phone calls.
Metro ZOOM regional meeting
Thursday, June 18, 2020 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Join Zoom Meeting:
or
By Phone
1-646-876-9923 US Meeting ID: 226 456 287
Any questions email or call Gail Delgado, Region Coordinator
(if I do not answer please leave a message)
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RAINBOW CORNER
Pauline Bosma, Rainbow Project Coordinator
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Pauline Bosma will be leading an on-line workshop. Please click on link below for details and registration information to this interesting workshop.
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RSVP if you would like to attend the June 30th Rainbow Self Advocates Support Group Meeting
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LOCATION
ZOOM INFO WILL BE SENT
DATE AND TIME
06/30/20
5:30pm -
06/30/20
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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We care deeply about the health, safety, and well-being of our communities. Because of this, self advocacy groups in the West Region will not be meeting in person until further notice.
West Region Self Advocacy on Zoom:
Open to all self advocates (even if you don’t live in western MA!)
June Meeting Dates:
Tuesday, June 16th, 5:30-7:30 PM
Tuesday, June 23rd, 5:30-7:30 PM
Tuesday, June 30th, 5:30-7:30 PM
To join, use this zoom link:
By phone:
1-408-638-0968
OR
1- 646-558-8656
Meeting ID: 403 979 9018
Mondays: Self advocates through history
Tuesdays: Trivia
Wednesdays: Human rights
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELF ADVOCATES
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LEND Program Seeks Self-Advocate for LEND Fellowship
The LEND Program is seeking an adult (age 23 or over) with an intellectual, physical or developmental disability to take part in the LEND fellowship that runs from September 2020 through May 2021.
LEND stands for Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities.
The program is affiliated with Boston Children’s Hospital and the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. It provides interdisciplinary training for a diverse group of fellows from disciplines including social work, psychology, developmental medicine, audiology, occupational therapy, nursing, public health, genetic counseling, child development, education and others. Fellows also include parents of children with disabilities, and self-advocates (people with disabilities who are finding ways to increase their independence and speak up for their goals). In the past, some self-advocates bring their own support person to help with travel and with processing and understanding the material.

If selected, you will be required to attend in-person classes at Boston Children’s Hospital on Fridays, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. You will also need about 4 hours per week for reviewing materials, clinic observations, community visits, and community work. Some of this can take place on evenings or weekends, although you will need some weekday time to visit hospital clinics and community settings.
LEND fellows also are eligible to receive a small stipend to support their attendance in the program. We also support fellows to attend a policy conference in Washington DC.
We are in the process of accepting applications and conducting interviews, so please respond quickly if you are interested.
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Michelle Ballan, Professor at Stony Brook University, wants to speak with self advocates who tested positive for COVID-19 to further discuss interactions with healthcare providers and hospital staff. She would like to interview for no more than 30 minutes by phone or by Zoom. Families are also welcomed to be interviewed if a son/daughter or sibling tested positive for COVID-19.
Compensation will be provided in the amount of $15 per interview.
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LEGISLATIVE EVENTS AT THE STATEHOUSE đźš«
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Please note we will not hold a Legislative Day in June.
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Do You Want to Be in the MASS FLASH?
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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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