Join us and make âYour Ideas Countâ at the 23rd Annual MASS Self-Advocacy Conference! The Self-Advocacy Conference will feature keynote speaker Max Barrows, presentations from the MASS Board, awards for self-advocates and supporters, and workshops.
Everyone who registers and attends the conference will be automatically entered in raffles for gift cards and other exciting prizes, so make sure you sign up and attend!
Join us for the Opening Day on Sat., February 19!
Day 2 Conference Workshops: Tues., February 22
Day 3 Conference Workshops: Thurs., February 24
|
|
|
|
Welcome and Announcements from the MASS Board and Staff
MASS Chairperson, Albert Milne, State Coordinator, Brian Kremer
|
|
Keynote Speaker - Max Barrows |
|
MASS is thrilled to welcome Max Barrows as the Keynote Speaker of the 23rd Annual 'Your Ideas Count' Self-Advocacy Conference! Max is a noted self-advocate and the Outreach Director for Green Mountain Self-Advocates, a position he has held since 2007. He mentors youth and adults with developmental disabilities to speak up for themselves and become leaders. |
|
|
|
The Craig Smith Spirit Award
Presented by Max Barrows
Craig Smith was the founder of MASS and loved by many. He was genuinely interested in helping people to stand up for themselves. He was a friend to anyone and everyone. This award honors his work and goes to somebody who best embodies his spirit.
|
|
|
|
Q&A with DDS Commissioner Jane F. Ryder |
|
|
|
The Gunnar Dybwad Supporter Award
Presented by Commissioner Ryder
Gunnar was a tireless advocate and self-advocate. He is known for his work in disability advocacy, including advocating for complete integration and providing every self-advocate with access to their communities.
|
|
|
|
Everyone enjoy a lunch break! |
|
|
|
We Can Be Leaders: So Can You!!!
In this workshop, we will be showing our video stories about becoming leaders and talk about what we learned from doing our Leadership Summit and how we also came to learn about leadership summit committee members in other regions. We will show how we were able to expand our advocacy and show we can work together as a team to make one big, beautiful project!
Presenters - Francesco Hladysz, Samantha Wood, Tim Holmes
Organization - MASS
|
|
|
|
The Judi Rodger Mentorship Award
In memory of MASS co-founder Judith 'Judi' Rodger, we have created the Judi Rodger Mentorship Award. Judi was a fierce self-advocate who also worked with the Brookline group, Mass Self-Advocates. Judi worked as hard for others as she did to advocate for herself, serving on many committees and boards and mentoring numerous self-advocates.
|
|
|
|
The Janet Laperle Encouragement Award
The Janet Laperle Encouragement Award was established in 2021 in memory of Janet Laperle, a fierce self-advocate and friend. Janet was loved by many because she was genuinely interested in helping people advocate and reach their goals. She was a friend to anyone and everyone.
|
|
|
|
MASS: Stories From Our History
This workshop will bring together leaders and supporters who got MASS off the ground to preserve our history. The format will include stories as well as questions and answers to highlight our mission and our growth. We'll also share pictures and historic documents.
Presenters - Anne Fracht, Sandy Houghton, Barbara Pandolfi, Melissa Probst, Bridget Crowley
Organization - MASS
|
|
|
|
The Nancy Maynard Leadership Award
Nancy was known for her strong advocacy and relentless efforts to secure services for the individuals living at home with aging parents. She served a number of years on DDSâs North Shore Area Officeâs Advisory Board and spoke regularly to the students at North Shore Community College.
|
|
|
|
The John Gibbons Rainbow Group of the Year Award
The John Gibbons Rainbow Group of the Year Award is a new award honoring John Gibbons. John was employed as a program director at both Alternatives Unlimited and the Kennedy Donovan Center in Milford. His career was dedicated to working and advocating for adults with developmental disabilities. John Gibbons was one of the first people to help Pauline Bosma get the first Rainbow Group started in Massachusetts.
|
|
|
|
The Alfred "Big Al" Daigle LGBTQ+ Community Support Award
The Big Al LGBTQ+ Community Support Award is a new award honoring Alfred âBig Alâ Daigle. Al was a great supporter who made sure the members of his Rainbow Support Group could go to LGBTQ+ events. Before Big Al passed away, he gave Pauline Bosma a Rainbow bracelet to show his support for her groups.
|
|
|
|
Opening Day Raffle Items - All attendees will be entered into a free raffle drawing for really exciting prizes such as a signed football by Patriotâs Captain Matthew Slater, free museum passes, and other gift cards.
|
|
|
|
How to Use Zoom; How to Access the MASS Website
In this workshop, we will show you how to use Zoom. We will also show you the MASS website and how to find what you are looking for.
Presenters - Francesco Hladysz
|
|
|
|
Let's Talk About Sex!
In this workshop, we will talk about safe and healthy relationships. We will give an introduction to dating, talking to your partner, using consent, and having safe sex.
Presenters - Oscar Hughes, Pauline Bosma
Organization - MASS
|
|
|
|
Everyone enjoy a lunch break! |
|
|
|
How DPPC Helps People with Disabilities
The Disabled Persons Protections Commissionâs (DPPC) mission is to protect adults with disabilities from abuse. This training, designed specifically for persons served, describes how the agency works toward this mission through reporting and investigations. Co-presented with a DPPC Sexual Assault Response-Peer Support Leader, this presentation provides an overview introduction of the different DPPC units that are a part of the investigation process.
Presenters - Leigh-Ann Barry, Jennefer Raymond
Organization - DPPC (Disabled Persons Protection Committee)
|
|
|
|
Friendship Matters!: Tools and tips from self-advocates on building and maintaining friendships
This workshop explores the very important topic of friendship. Friendship makes us happier, healthier, and safer, and every single one of us needs and deserves it! Workshop participants will discuss what makes a friend and why friendship is important, and will also learn some methods for making friends, and for overcoming challenges to building friendship.
Presenters - Sam Paster, Jonathan Spiller, Norma Laureano, Rachel Hayward, Meg Gaydos, Lucky Garcia
Organization - The Arc of Massachusetts
|
|
|
|
Raffle for attendees - People that attended all the workshops for today will be entered into a free raffle drawing for really exciting prizes. Stay tuned for information on the raffle prizes!
|
|
|
|
How to Use Zoom; How to Access the MASS Website
In this workshop, we will show you how to use Zoom. We will also show you the MASS website and how to find what you are looking for.
Presenters - Francesco Hladysz
|
|
|
|
MASS Rights For Change: Survivor Support; We're Here To Help
In this workshop, we will be presenting the Mass Rights for Change (MRfC) team and the Survivor Support Packet (SSP) as an example of our work. We will highlight the need for people to support survivors of sexual violence. We will also highlight the need for self care, and practice self care during the workshop. We will show people how to use the SSP and where to find self-care videos on the MASS website. A Pathways for Change counselor will be available if people need to talk with someone.
Presenters - John Mullaly, Pauline Bosma, Brian Kelly, Heidi Sue Laboef, Sue Moriarty
Organization - MASS
|
|
|
|
Everyone enjoy a lunch break! |
|
|
|
Overview of Supported Decision Making and the SDM Task Force
The MASS Supported Decision Making Task Force will host a workshop about the creation of the SDM Task Force and the value of Supported Decision Making (SDM) There will be different topics covered during the workshop including: the difference between guardianship and supported decision making and creating a form for supported decision making agreements.
Presenters - Austin Carr, Anne Fracht, Kim Plaut and Hezzy Smith
|
|
|
|
Self-Advocacy Impact Lab
Massachusetts West Region Self Advocacy in partnership with Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong is excited to introduce Self Advocacy Impact Lab, a hands-on intensive experience in which self advocates can learn and experience the power of social change communication by creating change from the ground up. Participants will have a chance to engage in a discussion and start learning some of the unique strategies and tools that this group will use to create meaningful campaigns for change. Bring your ideas and be ready to learn!
Presenters - Amber Pettell, West Region Self-Advocates, Valerie Horn, and other representatives from MASS
Organization - Western Mass Training Consortium and MASS
|
|
|
|
Raffle for attendees - People that attended all the workshops for today will be entered into a free raffle drawing for really exciting prizes. Stay tuned for information on the raffle prizes!
|
|
The MASS Conference is made possible by our generous sponsors! |
|
GROW SPONSORS
Beaverbrook STEP
Advocates
BUILD SPONSORS
Vinfen
Road to Responsibility
DEVELOP SPONSORS
Delta Projects
Disability Law Center
Bay Cove Human Services
Bridgewell
SUNSHINE VILLAGE
The Arc of Plymouth and Upper Cape Cod
The Arc of Greater Haverhill-Newburyport
The Guild for Human Services
|
|
Questions?
Email Grant Yosenick at info@wearemass.org or call 857-360-0134
|
|
MASS Advocates Standing Strong | P.O. Box 560100
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
â
â