April 2025

MASS Flash Newsletter

Did you know that April is Autism Acceptance Month? Check out more information from The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) and Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM).


We are looking to provide more trainings throughout the year, so please check out our Trainings page if you are interested in learning how to recognize, report, and respond to abuse in an Awareness & Action (A&A) training, or learning the soft skills of communication, listening, teamwork, self-awareness, problem-solving and negotiation in a Self Advocate Leadership Series (SALS) training!

Jenna DeSpirito and Sam Paster from the Metro Region, and Sam Muench and Daysiree Perez-Batista from the Northeast Region travelled out to The Cotting School in Lexington for their Transition Fair!

Sam Paster (pictured) and Coral Friesner from MASS went to an informational event hosted by The Federation for Children with Special Needs. We were so happy to connect with transition-age youth and other organizations and spread information about MASS!

MASS Events Calendar

Kamisha's Corner

Hey there Everyone, let’s give it up for the month of April! There are a lot of fun things going on in April, but one specific event is World Health Day. This happens on April 7th. What World Health Day means to me, Kamisha, is having the opportunity to focus on your body and focus on your mental health. One way you could do that is by doing self-care. My favorite thing to do for self-care is going out to different events and places. 


For example, one way that I took a mental health day/week was when I went to go see my family in Canada. It was my first time traveling to Canada in a long time, but I’ve been there before! 


Traveling in general feels good to me because you get to experience a different setting and culture. But, being able to see my family in Canada is extra special because we don’t always get to see each other often. It was good to catch up with one another!  


It felt like even though we had been miles away from each other, the atmosphere and conversation never changed. I would encourage you to do whatever you need to when it comes to self-care. For example, meditation. Do something that makes you feel comfortable and excited, and something that makes you feel happy whatever that may be!


And always remember, you are a rare breed and no one else is like you! You are also one of a kind!

Study for Self-Directed Services

The Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) is trying to recruit people to talk about their experiences with using self-directed services to find and keep a job. They want to know what worked well for you and share your story, so please click the button for more information!


Email, call, or text Jennifer Bose and let her know that you are interested in sharing a story:

Jennifer Bose at jennifer.bose@umb.edu or (617) 287-4353

View Flyer

Upcoming Meetings and Events

April

3

The Southeast Region is back in-person! Join us at the Lakeville Public Library to meet with other self advocates in the region!


We will be meeting in-person on April 3rd and June 5th.

6:00pm - 7:30pm

View Flyer

April

10

Statewide Drop-In (link)


There will be a Statewide Drop-in via Zoom on the second Thursday this month.

5:30pm - 7:00pm.

April

23

Statewide Drop-In (link)


There will be a second Statewide Drop-in via Zoom on the fourth Wednesday of each month.


There will be an ASL interpreter at the April 23rd meeting.


4:30pm - 6:00pm.

April

30

DDS Northeast Region Assistive Technology Fair (link)


This 4th annual free event is your chance to learn about a range of assistive technology (AT) products from 30 vendors. AT enables people to live productive, meaningful, and dignified lives by enhancing an individual’s ability to perform daily tasks, facilitate independent living, and contribute to a higher quality of life.


Examples of AT on display will include: medication management devices, communication devices or software, mobility aids, smart home technology, remote supports, adaptive gaming and recreation, and more!


Registration required.

May

31

2025 Massachusetts West Region Self Advocacy Conference (info link)


This is the 30th anniversary of the West Conference, and this year's theme is "The Legacy of Self Advocacy: Past, Present, and Future".


It will once again be held at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel:

One Monarch Place

Springfield, MA 01144

9:00am - 3:00pm


Registration required. Click HERE to register on their Eventbrite!

Regional and Rainbow Updates

CENTRAL

REGION


Regional Meeting: Tuesday, Apr 8 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm


https://www.wearemass.org/events/central-regional-meeting-115

PDF - Central Region Update - April 2025

SOUTHEAST

REGION


In-person Regional Meeting: Thursday, Apr 3 from 6:00pm - 7:30pm


https://www.wearemass.org/events/southeast-regional-meeting-48

PDF - Southeast Region Update - April 2025

METRO

REGION


Regional Meeting:

Tuesday, Apr 15 from 4:30pm - 6:00pm



https://www.wearemass.org/events/metro-regional-meeting-60

PDF - Metro Region Update -April 2025

NORTHEAST

REGION


Regional Meeting:

Wednesday, Apr 16 from 4:00pm - 5:30pm



https://www.wearemass.org/events/northeast-regional-meeting-73

PDF - Northeast Region Update - April 2025

RAINBOW

GROUP


Rainbow Meeting:

Tuesday, Apr 29, 2025 from 5:30pm - 7:00pm!


https://www.wearemass.org/events/rainbow-group-meeting-74

PDF - Rainbow Group Update -April 2025

SOUTHEAST

REGION


In-person Regional Meeting: Thursday, June 5 from 6:00pm - 7:30pm


https://www.wearemass.org/events/southeast-regional-meeting-48

PDF - Southeast Region Update - June 2025
View Upcoming Meetings and Events on the MASS Calendar

We want to hear from you!

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 to us!

Email info@WeAreMASS.org

~ Kamisha

Subscribe

WeAreMASS.org

Contact Us

DONATE