August 2026

MASS Flash Newsletter

This August we are looking forward to joining more advocacy events!


MASS was in the Boston, Worcester and Gardner ADA events last month, so check out some pictures below, and see what else we will be up to this month in the rest of the newsletter!

In this month's newsletter, you can:

  • See current information for our upcoming conference on Saturday, October 17th
  • See info for our newest I-SALS classes
  • Join the Deer Island Accessible Adventures event in Winthrop
  • Read the newest Kamisha's Corner and listen to Al Milne's Podcast, and more!


Be sure to check out details on upcoming Regional Meetings and Statewide Drop-Ins, as we would love to see you there!

2026 MASS Conference Info!

Saturday, October 17th

2026 MASS Self-Advocacy Conference

Early Bird tickets are now available! Buy your tickets today, before the September 9th deadline and the prices go up!

Our annual conference is coming up fast, and it will be

October 17th before you know it!


If you would like to apply to have a workshop, nominate someone for an award, or potentially be a sponsor or exhibitor, click the buttons below!


Click below to apply -- the deadline for workshop applications is Friday, September 4th!


Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being part of the MASS community! We're looking forward to seeing you at the conference!

I-SALS Sign-Ups!

We are starting up the next online I-SALS classes! They will be completely over Zoom, and we are trying a new schedule of

two classes a week, for four weeks. 



We currently have 3 different timeframes to choose from, and here are the dates and times:


Tuesdays and Thursdays starting on August 18th:

10:30am - 11:30am

or

5:00pm - 6:00pm


Wednesdays and Fridays starting on August 19th:

11:00am - 12:00pm

If you are interested in signing-up, please click on the link below. You are welcome to have a support person with you if needed.

Deer Island Accessible Adventures

Saturday, August 29th

12pm - 3pm

Accessible Adventures: A Fun Day at Deer Island 2026

Join MASS as we attend this years free Accessible Adventures event at Deer Island! We will have a table along with other organizations, and you will be able to enjoy all kinds of activities like:


  • Cycling with adaptive bikes
  • Rides on pedicabs around the island
  • Fishing lessons (bait, rod & reel ready for your lesson!)
  • Cruise around the island aboard the MV Massachusetts


Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the view! Don't forget the sunscreen!

Kamisha's Corner

(Quotes from the image -- "Repeat daily: I will remain focused on my goals. Even if I have a moment of difficulty, I will not give up. I know success comes with consistency. I know that I will make it. Things will get better. No problem or challenge will stop me. Everything I deserve is coming my way."


"See the ability, not the disability.")


Catch me if you can! For as long as I can remember I have always had a “Need For Speed For Speed.” Attitude and personality, in other words that I can not sit still even if my life depended on it, no matter what…no matter how…I always have to find ways to be apart of has many communities as I can and also have as many experiences and have as many eye-opening memories and unforgettable moments in my life, why because (YOLO) meaning “ You Only Live Once.” and to add to that I say why not go big or go home! To give everyone a small sneak peak into A Day In The Life Of Kam.


  1. I am a graduate of class 2025.
  2. I will be a college student in the Fall at Bunker Hill Community College.
  3. I am an aunt of many beautiful and handsome nieces and nephews.
  4. I have been working with Mass Advocates Standing Strong for 13 years going on 14.
  5. When I’m not working, I love hanging out with friends and enjoying nature by going on rock climbing and hiking adventures and many more.


I love to grab the bull by the horns in any way that I can.

 

One thing I would love for everyone to know about me is that I am a wildflower and also a free spirit and if and when I get passionate about something I will not stop until I get it done or when I am completely satisfied. My friend once told me that I was “Destined For Greatness.” which I am slowly realizing more and more. Don't get me wrong I know what I am capable of but sometimes I feel like everyone needs that reminder of how incredible you are!

Al Milne's Podcast!

Al Milne has started a podcast to interview self-advocates about their lives and experiences, and we will be posting them on Spotify!


If you are interested in being interviewed, please reach out to Al at albert.milne@wearemass.org.



Click the button below to listen to his interview with our very own Sam Paster!

Upcoming Statewide Drop-Ins

Come and drop in to our drop-in!


Jeopardy, elephants, and history lessons await us in this bridge month between Summer and Fall at the Statewide Drop-in.


Fun, laughs, and a learning experience all at once! An elephant never forgets their friends and neither do we, so let’s make memories together!

August

13

Statewide Drop-In (link)

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

4:30pm - 6:00pm.

August

26

Statewide Drop-In (link)

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

4:30pm - 6:00pm.

Happy 60th Birthday to Pauline!

We want to wish Pauline a very happy 60th birthday!


Thank you so much for your constant advocacy and positivity, and we can't wait to see what else you accomplish for both the I/DD and LGBTQ+ communities!

Updates from MDDC

MDDC Public Policy Committee Meeting


Tuesday, August 11, 2026 from 3-4PM

Attending this virtual meeting is a valuable opportunity to get informed about policy topics that impact the disability community in Massachusetts. 


The MDDC will provide updates on state and federal budgets, priority legislation, coalition activities, and recent/upcoming Council activities/events. They will also discuss recent proposed policies and lawsuits important to the DD community. 


Members of the public and the DD community are welcome to attend and can register at the link below:

Regional and Rainbow Updates

CENTRAL

REGION


This Central Region on the second Tuesday of this month is cancelled. Join us at the Central Cookout on 8/5/26, or join us on 8/25/26 for the next Central Regional meeting!





NORTHEAST

REGION


The Northeast Region meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 4:00pm - 5:30pm:


Upcoming dates:

August 19



https://www.wearemass.org/events/northeast-regional-meeting-87


METRO

REGION


The Metro Regional meeting for this month is cancelled. But stay tuned for next month's meeting, as we will be partnering with Beaverbrook STEP!







CENTRAL

REGION


This Central Region meeting happens on the fourth Tuesday of each month over Zoom from 5:00pm - 7:00pm


Upcoming dates:

August 25


https://www.wearemass.org/events/central-regional-meeting-143

SOUTHEAST

REGION


Upcoming dates:

TBD

RAINBOW

GROUP



If you would like to request a training or panel, please fill out information on our Training Request Form:

https://www.wearemass.org/trainings

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. Don't hesitate to reach out to us!

Email info@WeAreMASS.org

Kamisha at a desk with a mic

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