MASS FLASH JUNE 2019!
MASS BOARD MEMBERS, STAFF and SUPPORT AT THE MAY BOARD RETREAT

As we say
Nothing About Us Without Us!

For more info & photos on this dynamite Board check out our FB page!






YOUR IDEAS COUNT
MASS' Annual Self-Advocacy Conference
When:
Sat., October 19, 2019

Where:

About the MASS Annual Self-Advocacy Conference:

This empowering self-advocacy conference will have a variety of fun, interesting, and educational workshops! There will be exhibitor tables, beautiful artistic crafts of all kinds to buy, speakers, entertainment, raffles and more! We will also be celebrating Rainbow's 15th Anniversary! Fill out a workshop application and make YOUR IDEAS COUNT!
BE SURE TO SEND IN YOUR WORKSHOP APPLICATIONS FOR THE CONFERENCE

You have until Friday, June 28, 2019 to send in your workshop application if you would like to do a workshop at the conference. This is a great opportunity for you to talk about an issue that is important to you and that you feel other self-advocates would benefit from. YOUR IDEAS COUNT!
Click on links below if you:

  • would like to print out a paper copy of the workshop application to mail in click here

Ladies and gentlemen it’s official the Summer has arrived we wanted to wish a fun and safe one! As always keep reading because we have a lot of action packed things coming at you!
Kamisha's Corner
Hey guys, Kamisha here! Hope all is well! As promise I would like to share with you what happened with my first test. As you know I took my first reading test. Unfortunately, I did not pass but it’s okay I will keep trying until I do! The good thing is now I know what to expect! I got a three, I needed an eight or more to pass. I was off by five points! Right now I decided to take a break to rejuvenate myself then whenever I am ready I will focus on reading and writing! I will let you know more when the time comes. Cheers for now!

In The World Today!

Congrats to Kayla Cromer! Why? Because she will be starring in Freeform’s new upcoming show “Everything’s Gonna Be Okay” she will be playing Matilda a teenager with Autism. Kayla has said that she has Autism herself. I am so happy because this means slowly but surely people with disabilities are starting to get more time in the light! Great job Freeform, keep up the awesome work! I can’t wait to watch!
Rainbow Corner!

Yeah - Pauline will be representing the Rainbow Support Group at this Saturday's Boston Pride Festival. Weather is suppose to be gorgeous. So come visit her table!

SOUTHEAST REGION UPDATES
Southeast Regional Coordinator: Gail Delgado
Email: Gail@ma-advocates.org
Phone: 339-832-2922
  • The group has voted for Al Milne as Chairperson, JoJo Johnson as Vice Chairperson, and Nate Trull as Activity Coordinator!

  • The May meeting was attended by several self-advocates and they discussed accessibility, better pay for Direct Support Staff, and robo-call laws.

  • Pauline Bosma, Gail Delgado, Sue Moriarty, and Brian Kremer attended the Annual West Massachusetts Conference May 18th in Springfield, MA.

  • AJ Calderon, George Brown, Thom Fulginiti attended the MASS Board Retreat at the Barbara Harris Conference Center in Greenfield, NH.

  • SAVE THE DATE: July 16th Southeast Region is holding a Dance Fundraiser at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Easton Massachusetts. The MAI Band from the Southeast will perform for the dance.
Next Southeast Regional Meeting 
  • On Thursday June 13 at the Southeast region will have their regional meeting located at the Lakeville Public Library. 4 Precinct Street in Lakeville.
NO RTH EAST REGION UPDATES
Northeast Regional Coordinator: Bridget Crowley
Email: Bridget@ma-advocates.org
Phone: 781-789-4274
  • Derek Spear attended a talk in Boston sponsored by Amnesty International about this issue on May 7th. Therese LaPorte and Donna Jay checked out the Aspergers R Us Comedy show in Beverly on May 11th. Congratulations to Donna Jay, who graduated as a LEND Fellow this month. Learn more about applying to be a LEND Fellow yourself here. Lend Application Information.

  • Donna Jay and John Anton took part in two Supported Decision Making Meetings on April 27th and May 11th. We are working on case studies and looking at different Shared Decision Making Agreements from several states around the country to begin to create our own form. The next meeting is June 22nd at Harvard from 11:30-3PM. 

  • At our May Regional Meeting we voted on Regional Awards for the MASS Conference. It was fun to hear about what an outspoken and successful advocate Nancy Maynard was from her friends Paula and Donna. As they said, "She had a voice and she used it! She got what she wanted." We also remembered Gunnar Dybwad and his support of self-advocacy. He was a beloved advisor to MASS.  It meant a lot for the award nominees to hear about Gunnar and Nancy and know that their work is being considered in connection with such strong advocates.

  • We spent time planning our Regional Retreat on June 26th at Camp Denison. Please click here for NE Retreat Flyer. At the June 26th retreat we will talk about Human Rights, important issues, practice speaking up for ourselves, enjoy lunch together, and wrap up the day with karaoke! If you'd like to come, please RSVP with Bridget Crowley at 781-789-4274 or bridget@ma-advocates.org. *Please note the June 26th Retreat is in place of our regular regional meeting.
CENTRAL REGION UPDATES
Central Regional Coordinator: Sue Moriarty
Email: Sue@ma-advocates.org
Phone: 508-209-7184
May was a busy month for Central Mass!

  • James Williams gave a very moving talk at the DDS/SEIU Union and Legislator “Lunch and Learn” in Worcester. The following week Janet Laperle ran a display table at the DDS Transition Fair. Pauline’s rubber ducky game was a big success! Janet was surprised that with all of the different agencies there, she was the only self-advocate at the transition fair!

  • The A and A team learned a lot at the springtime collaboration and presentation by the DPPC on May 8th. Central Work-team met on May 14th and talked about our plans for our summer cookout, a training with Teka, the MASS conference awards and board retreat, and guests we would like at our meeting. Many people also want to take part in R3 Project focus groups with WPI. Maria Tillery attended the TAC Transportation meeting in Worcester.

  • Some of us a had a great time at the West Self-Advocacy Conference on May 18th. Some of us attended the board retreat in beautiful New Hampshire.

  • A and A, EPA trainings, RSG and grant project work are all continuing in our busy region!

  • Several members attended a self-direction support group and we are looking forward to a self-direction ice cream social in the future! 

  • We also look ahead to working with Teka on our Hidden Talents, and planning our summer cookout. Feel free to join our regional meeting and activities and see what we are up to!
Next Central Regional Work-team Meeting
  • Tuesday, June 11th. PLEASE NOTE! Time will be 6PM-8:15. An extra 15 min. WHY? One hour will be our meeting: making plans for summer! One hour will be a focus group for those who want to attend. Location: Autism Resource Central located at 712 Plantation St., Worcester, MA See you there!
METRO REGION UPDATES
Metro Regional Coordinator: Gail Delgado
Email: Gail@ma-advocates.org
Phone: 339-832-2922
  • Greater Framingham Self Advocates are busy growing, the last meeting they had 32 self advocates present. Way to Go!!!

  • At the May meeting, several topics were discussed, Annual Conference October 19, Nicky’s Law legislation, and Bill H158 regarding cameras in common areas in group homes. Regarding the cameras in common areas, all self advocates present were against this type of law.

  • Metro Fundraiser Dance in July has been postponed and a new location will be researched.

  • Pauline Bosma, Gail Delgado, Sue Moriarty, and Brian Kremer attended the Annual West Massachusetts Conference May 18th in Springfield MA.

  • Anne Fracht and Kim Plaut both attended the MASS Board Retreat May 22 thru May 24 at the Barbara Harris Conference Center Greenfield, NH.
Next Metro Regional Meeting
  • Thursday June 20th the Metro region will have their regional meeting located at Beaverbrook Step located at 85 Main Street in Watertown, MA

TRANSPORTATION IS ON THE MOVE!

MASS will be holding a Transportation Forum in early November at the State House.

We hope to have self-advocates from all around the state come to this forum to address transportation issues.

Will keep you posted.

2019 Legislative Education Day Visits
2019 Every 2nd Wednesday of the month.

State House Meeting Dates
January 9
February 13
March 13
April 10
May 8
June 12
July 10
August 14
September 11
NO OCTOBER MEETING
November 13
December 11
We meet 10:00 AM on the second floor of the State House at the foot of the Grande Staircase to the right where there are wooden benches.

Please call Kamisha or Marie at the M.A.S.S office 617-624-7549 for more information.
Other Activities! Get Involved! Have Fun!
IT's ALL HAPPENING IN THE NORTHEAST
Northeast Self Advocates
Leadership Retreat

DATE: Wednesday, June 26th
TIME: 11AM-4PM Cost: $5 (lunch)
WHERE: 84 Nelson St, Georgetown

Join self-advocates from the Northeast Region for a day to share your ideas, have fun and work together. We’re meeting at beautiful Camp Denison.

To sign up e-mail or call Bridget!
Email: Bridget@ma-advocates.org
Cell: 781-789-4274.       

Another Northeast Happening!

PLEASE JOIN THE NORTHEAST
RAINBOW SUPPORT GROUP AS WE CELEBRATE
LGBTQ PRIDE

The party is open to all individuals and staff who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bi sexual or transgender or who just have questions relating
to this subject, so come party with us for this celebration of pride.

DATE :    WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2019 

TIME:   PARTY WILL START PROMPTLY AT 6PM TO 8:30PM

WHERE: BRIDGEWELL
10 DEARBORN RD., PEABODY, MA 01940 
CONTACT IS DAN NADEAU (781)780-9901

If you would like to attend or if you have any questions; please feel free to call and Please RSVP to Rick.Camara@state.ma.us or (978)206-2034

We ask if you are joining us please bring a food, dessert or beverage item to share as this is a “pot luck” event.  

We encourage you all to put on your dancing shoes and party outfit! As we will have a DJ who will be playing your favorite dance tunes ………..
SO LET THE PARTY BEGIN!

NORTHEAST REGIONAL RAINBOW SUPPORT GROUP
2019 SCHEDULE
   
The Rainbow Support Group Meeting is open to all who identify as lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgendered, queer, (LGBTQ) or are just curious and have questions.
COME SHARE YOUR STORIES.
SUCCESSES, STRUGGLES, HOPES AND DREAMS.
Supportive staff are always welcome!

The Northeast Regional Rainbow Support Group Meetings are held quarterly on the second Wednesday of the month from 6:00pm-7:30pm

MARCH 13, 2019
JUNE 12, 2019
SEPTEMBER 11, 2019
DECEMBER 11, 2019

Location: Bridgewell 10 Dearborn Road Peabody, MA 01960
Contact: Dan Nadeau (781) 780-9901

Questions? Or to RSVP, please contact Rick Camara (978) 206-2034
Light meal, snacks, and beverages provided.
Feel free to bring a favorite dessert, or drink (non-alcoholic) to share.
Do You Want to Be in the MASS FLASH?
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!

Here's my contact info: Kamisha@ma-advocates.org .

I can't wait to hear from all of YOU! Have a great day!
 ~ Kamisha
Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong
500 Harrison Avenue, Suite 116 | 617-624-7549