2022
Your Ideas Count!
It’s a new world and you made “Your Ideas Count” at the 23rd Annual MASS Self-Advocacy Conference!
Opening Day
Watch the opening day of the MASS Conference! Hear Max Barrows deliver his keynote speech, watch as Jane Ryder conducts a Q&A, and watch as we give self-advocates and supporters awards!
Workshops
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
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 MA
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, Inger Riley, Pauline Bosma, Brian Kelly, Heidi Sue LaBoeuf, Jenn Rioux, Sue Moriarty Organization - MASS, Pathways for Change and Victim's Rights Law Center
Supported Decision Making: An Overview
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, Steven Tobey, Genna Lewis, Kat Stone, Irene Morrison Organization - Western Mass Training Consortium and MASS
2022 MASS Conference Sponsors
The MASS Conference is made possible by our generous sponsors!
Grow Sponsors
Beaverbrook STEP, Inc
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
Award Descriptions
The Janet Laperle Encouragement Award
One for All of Massachusetts
The Janet Laperle Encouragement Award was established in 2021 and is given each year to one person who is seen as a mentor that encourages other self-advocates to reach their goals in advocating for their needs. They should embody the spirit, leadership, and encouraging nature of Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong’s former Chairperson Janet Laperle. 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.
To nominate someone they must be:
A leader and mentor in the self-advocacy movement who has the ability to guide and encourage other people to be strong self-advocates.
A person who you see as someone who is not only a leader in Massachusetts, but also someone who spends time mentoring and encouraging other self-advocates.
The Craig Smith Spirit Award
One for All of Massachusetts
The Craig Smith Spirit Award is given each year to one person who embodies the spirit and leadership of M.A.S.S. founder Craig Smith. Craig was loved by many because he was genuinely interested in helping people to stand up for themselves. He was a friend to anyone and everyone. To nominate someone they must be:
A leader in the self-advocacy movement who has the ability to bring people together on issue(s) and get results.
A person who you see as someone who is a leader in Massachusetts.
The Gunnar Dybwad Supporter Award
One For Each Region
The Gunnar Dybwad Supporter Award is given each year to a supporter who listens to and empowers self-advocates. 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.
To nominate someone for this award they must be a:
a supporter to a self-advocacy group in your region
a supporter who consistently brings issues of concern to you and your group
a supporter who has helped you take action on an issue
a supporter who listens to the self-advocates and follows through on their decisions
The Nancy Maynard Leadership Award
One For Each Region
The Nancy Maynard Leadership Award was created in 2000 to honor Nancy Maynard. 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 DDS’s North Shore Area Office’s Advisory Board and spoke regularly to the students at North Shore Community College.
To nominate someone for this leadership award they must be:
a self-advocate
part of your region
a leader who has taken action on an issue(s)
a person who provides leadership to those around them
The Judi Rodger Mentorship Award
One for All of Massachusetts
The Judi Rodger Mentorship Award is a new award in honor of MASS Co-Founder Judi Roger. 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. Judi was a proud election worker and loved her job as the receptionist at the Greater Boston Arc. She received the Craig Smith Leadership Award in 2018. As Judi would say, “Love, love, love, everywhere!”
To nominate someone they must be:
A leader and mentor in the self-advocacy movement who has the ability to guide and encourage other people to be strong self-advocates.
A person who you see as someone who is not only a leader in Massachusetts, but also someone who spends time mentoring and encouraging other self-advocates.
The John Gibbons Rainbow Group of the Year Award
One for All of Massachusetts
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. This award is given to a Rainbow Group in MA that has done a great job having groups and events that bring together LGBTQ+ people with disabilities.
To nominate a group it must be...
A support, social, and/or advocacy group for LGBTQ+ people with disabilities in Massachusetts
A group that has had online or in-person events within the last year that bring together LGBTQ+ people with disabilities
The Alfred “Big Al” Daigle LGBTQ+ Community Support Award
One for All of Massachusetts
The Big Al LGBTQ+ Community Support Award is a new award honoring Alfred ‘Big Al’ 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. This award is for a self-advocate or supporter who is LGBTQ+ or an ally and who has shown leadership and promise supporting LGBTQ+ people with I/DD.
To nominate someone they must be:
a self-advocate or supporter who helps LGBTQ+ people to be their true selves
an LGBTQ+ person or an ally who has been a leader in supporting LGBTQ+ people with IDD
Opening Day - Saturday, Feb 19, 2022
10:30am - 11:00am
Welcome and Announcements from the MASS Board and Staff
MASS Chairperson, Albert Milne, Statewide Coordinator, Brian Kremer
11:00am - 11:45am
Keynote Speaker - Max Barrows
MASS is thrilled to welcome Max Barrows as the Keynote Speaker of Your Ideas Count! The 23rd Annual MASS 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.
11:45am - 12:15pm
Q&A with DDS Commissioner Jane F. Ryder
We are excited to welcome the commissioner to our conference again this year to take questions during the opening Question and Answer (Q&A) session on Saturday, Feb. 19th!
About Commissioner Jane F. Ryder
Jane Ryder was named Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) in January of 2018, and has worked for DDS since 1995. She was key in the implementation of DDS priorities including waiver enrollment, promotion of shared living and self-direction, and improvement of consistency in practice across the state.
“Jane has spent much of her career advocating on behalf of individuals with disabilities for equality, empowerment and independence,” said Governor Charlie Baker . “Our administration is committed to providing meaningful supports and training opportunities to help every individual with a disability fully integrate in their communities...”
12:15pm - 12:30pm
The Gunnar Dybwad Supporter Award
Presented by Commissioner Ryder
Gunnar was a tireless 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.
12:30pm - 1:15pm
Everyone enjoy a lunch break!
1:15pm - 1:45pm
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
1:45pm - 1:55pm
The Judi Rodger Mentorship Award
In memory of MASS co-founder 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.
1:55pm - 2:05pm
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.
2:05pm - 2:10pm
Break
2:10pm - 2:55pm
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, Sandra Houghton, Melissa Probst, Colleen Ryan, Barbara Pandolfi
Organization - MASS
2:55pm - 3:10pm
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 DDS’s North Shore Area Office’s Advisory Board and spoke regularly to the students at North Shore Community College.
3:10pm - 3:20pm
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.
3:20pm - 3:30pm
The Alfred “Big Al ” Daigle LGBTQ+ Community Support Award
The Big Al LGBTQ+ Community Support Award is a new award honoring Alfred ‘Big Al’ 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.
3:30pm
Opening Day Raffle Items - All attendees will be entered into a free raffle drawing for really exciting prizes such as a signed football by Patriots Captain Matthew Slater, free museum passes, and other gift cards.
Day 2 - Tuesday, Feb 22, 2022
11:00am - 11:30am
Zoom 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
11:30am - 12:30pm
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, Jenn Rioux
Organization - MASS
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Everyone enjoy a lunch break!
1:30pm - 2:30pm
How DPPC Helps People with Disabilities
The Disabled Persons Protections Commission’s (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)
2:30pm - 3:30pm
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 MA
3:30pm
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!
Day 3 - Thursday, Feb 24, 2022
11:00am - 11:30am
Zoom 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
11:30am - 12:30pm
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, Inger Riley, Kelsey Worline, Pauline Bosma, Brian Kelly, Heidi Sue LaBoeuf, Jenn Rioux, Eliza Corderman, Sue Moriarty
Organization - MASS, Pathways for Change and Victim's Rights Law Center
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Everyone enjoy a lunch break!
1:30pm - 2:30pm
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
2:30pm - 3:30pm
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, Steven Tobey, Genna Lewis, Kat Stone, Irene Morrison
Organization - Western Mass Training Consortium and MASS
3:30pm
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!
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Why Support MASS?
Here are just a few of the things we do. Your support will help these programs and so much more.
Legislative Advocacy
MASS has a robust legislative advocacy program. Our members have testified at the State House many times and continue to be active leaders on legal issues. Your support means more work on legislative matters and laws that change lives.
Regional Meetings
Our coordinators and self-advocates meet across the Commonwealth to put self-advocacy into action. Your support will help our coordinators and regional leaders provide even more opportunities for self-advocate involvement.
Trainings
MASS offers trainings by self-advocates, such as our Explore, Prepare, Act (EPA) employment training, Awareness and Action (A&A) training, and trainings for DDS Service Coordinators. Your support will help us continue and do even more!
Contact Us
Contact us to learn more about our mission and work, or to become involved yourself!