MASS 25 Year Anniversary Gala & Self-Advocacy Conference
Join us for a fun-filled and busy two days of workshops, keynote speakers, awards, and in-person friendship and networking.
Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 20, 2023!
Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel in Marlborough, MA
Registration closes on Friday, May 12. No walk-ins, you must register to attend. Questions, or need to pay another way? Email info@wearemass.org for more information.
Schedule
Friday May 19
8:00 AM Sponsor and Exhibitor Check-in
9:00 AM General Attendee Check-in and Nametags
10:00 AM - Start and Opening Welcome, Sponsor and Special Guest thank you and recognition
10:15 AM - Keynote Speaker, Marissa Pike (30 min)
10:45 AM - Awards Part 1 (15 min): The Craig Smith Spirit Award, The Janet Laperle Encouragement Award, The Judi Rodger Mentorship Award, The John Gibbons Rainbow Group of the Year Award, The Alfred “Big Al” Daigle LGBTQ+ Community Support Award
11:00 AM - Additional Speaker, Matt Brown (30 min)
11:30 AM - Awards Part 2 and Announcements (MDDC new Award and MASS recognition) (15 min)
11:45 AM - Recognizing Reggie Clark as the MASS Appointment to the Special Commission on State Institutions; Remembering self-advocates we've lost
12:15 PM - Awards Part 3 and Announcements (15 min): The Gunnar Dybwad Supporter Award, The Nancy Maynard Leadership Award
12:30 PM - Lunch + Acoustic Music (1 hour)
1:30 - 2:10 PM - Workshops Block 1
1. Get Social: Access, Community, and Advocacy on Social Media w/ Dianne Vitkus (Princess Room)
2. Planning for The Life You Want (Marlborough Room)
3. Let's Talk About Human Rights (Sterling Room)
4. How to Ace Social Networking w/ Robert Schmus (Duchess Salon)
2:10 PM - 2:20 PM - Time to get to the next workshop
2:20 PM - 3:00 PM - Workshops Block 2
1. Friendship Matters!: Tools and tips from self-advocates on building and maintaining friendships (Princess Room)
2. Overview of Supported Decision Making and the SDM Task Force (Marlborough Room)
3. Understanding Two Identities (Sterling Room)
4. Trivia w/ Regional Coordinator Jenna DeSpirito (Duchess Salon)
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Live Entertainment, Friendship, Photos and Networking
3:00 PM - Live Entertainment, Photos (Ballroom)
3:15 PM - Trivia w/ Regional Coordinator Jenna DeSpirito (Duchess Salon)
3:15 PM - Rainbow Meet Up (Sterling Room)
4:00 PM - Regional Meet Ups
Saturday May 20
8:00 AM Sponsor and Exhibitor Check-in
9:00 AM General Attendee Check-in and Nametags
10:00 AM - Start and Opening Welcome, Sponsor and Special Guest thank you and recognition
10:15 AM - Keynote Speaker, Marissa Pike (30 min)
10:45 AM - Awards Part 1 (15 min): The Craig Smith Spirit Award, The Janet Laperle Encouragement Award, The Judi Rodger Mentorship Award, The John Gibbons Rainbow Group of the Year Award, The Alfred “Big Al” Daigle LGBTQ+ Community Support Award
11:00 AM - Additional Speaker, Matt Brown (30 min)
11:30 AM - Awards Part 2 and Announcements (MDDC new Award and MASS recognition) (15 min)
11:45 AM - Q&A - Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Commissioner Jane Ryder
12:15 PM - Awards Part 3 and Announcements (15 min): The Gunnar Dybwad Supporter Award, The Nancy Maynard Leadership Award
12:30 PM - Lunch + Acoustic Music (1 hour)
1:30 - 2:10 PM - Workshops Block 1
1. Get Social: Access, Community, and Advocacy on Social Media w/ Dianne Vitkus (Princess Room)
2. Planning for The Life You Want (Marlborough Room)
3. Let's Talk About Human Rights (Sterling Room)
4. How to Ace Social Networking w/ Robert Schmus (Duchess Salon)
2:10 PM - 2:20 PM - Time to get to the next workshop
2:20 PM - 3:00 PM - Workshops Block 2
1. Friendship Matters!: Tools and tips from self-advocates on building and maintaining friendships (Princess Room)
2. Overview of Supported Decision Making and the SDM Task Force (Marlborough Room)
3. Understanding Two Identities (Sterling Room)
4. Trivia w/ Regional Coordinator Jenna DeSpirito (Duchess Salon)
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Live Entertainment, Friendship, Photos and Networking
3:00 PM - Live Entertainment, Photos (Ballroom)
3:15 PM - Trivia w/ Regional Coordinator Jenna DeSpirito (Duchess Salon)
3:15 PM - Rainbow Meet Up (Sterling Room)
4:00 PM - Regional Meet Ups
4:30 PM - Raffle Drawing
Annual Conferences
25 Year Anniversary Gala & Self-Advocacy Conference
Join us for a fun-filled and busy two days of workshops, keynote speakers, awards, and in-person friendship and networking.
Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 20, 2023!
Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel in Marlborough, MA
Save the date for the MASS 25 Year Anniversary Gala and Self-Advocacy Conference on Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 10am - 5pm, at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel in Marlborough, MA! This will be a fun-filled and busy two days of workshops, keynote speakers, awards, and in-person friendship and networking!
Watch as some of our speakers talk about self-advocacy and get ready for the conference!
Keynote Speakers
Marissa Pike
We're excited to announce our 2023 self-advocate keynote speaker - Marissa Pike! As someone who spent 10 years in the foster care system, Marissa Pike became interested in self advocacy as she felt that her life was not becoming what she intended it to be. She was at a point in her life where self-advocacy was going to be the bridge to her success and getting the support she needed to secure housing, finish school, and start her career.
Marissa holds an associates in Early Childhood Education, a certificate in Developmental Disabilities, and a bachelors in Criminal Justice. She currently serves on the North Shore Citizens Advisory Board, as well as the self-direction advisory board. She works as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), working the North Shore 911 system.
Along with self-advocacy, Marissa serves and assists with many local agencies within her city. Her primary interest being an organization by the name of Prevent the Cycle that focuses on racial justice.
Marissa is passionate about advocacy on many levels. During the municipal elections, you can often find her assisting with a campaign or two. She also enjoys assisting with community events. She volunteers at the local soup kitchen, as well as provides respite for families with children on the Autism Spectrum.
In addition to the community work, Marissa often speaks about her role in advocating for a correct diagnosis. Marissa for years felt that a piece of her was missing. She speaks about the way finding the correct diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder changed her care, as well as her life.
When Marissa is not working or volunteering you can find her spending time with her Aussiedoodle Hoss. She also recently started traveling. In Marissa’s spare time, she takes guitar lessons, enjoys reading, and loves to cook.
Matt Brown
Matt Brown was a 15-year-old sophomore at Norwood High School in Massachusetts when he suffered a spinal cord injury during a high school hockey game in 2010. He spent 21 days at Children’s Hospital Boston, then 100 days in Atlanta, GA at the Shepherd Center Rehabilitation Center before returning to his home town of Norwood.
From the beginning, Matt was determined that he was not going to let the injury define the way he was going to live his life. Matt had missed 4 months of school but had a goal of graduating with his class. He committed to taking classes over the summer, started his junior year on time and one year later graduated from high school on time, receiving the “Golden Diploma Award” for overcoming adversity. He went on to attend college at Stonehill College in Easton MA, where he lived on campus all four years and earned a degree in Communications.
Matt is the author of the book Line Change, which he wrote with Todd Civin, which chronicles his experiences, from the day of the accident to current day. The book gives the reader a personal account of what Matt was feeling and experiencing over the last 10 years, as well as hearing from his family and friends on how Matt has affected their lives.
In his spare time, Matt is a motivational speaker to high schools, colleges, and professional organizations about dealing with challenges and change and overcoming adversity. Matt likes to stay active in his spare time and he and his running partner have completed 11 marathons in the assisted runner category in Boston, New York City, and Hyannis. He is an avid sports fan and enjoys travel.
Registration closes on Friday, May 12. No walk-ins, you must register to attend. Questions, or need to pay another way? Email info@wearemass.org for more information.
Workshops
Social Networking
Robert will discuss ways to help with advocating through social networking and how to advocate for yourself through that. Robert will discuss his journey to becoming a self-advocate as well as tips to help with social networking.
Presenter: Robert Schmus
Robert Schmus, MSW, LCSW serves as a clinician at Youth Consultation Services. In his practice, Robert supports adolescents with developmental disabilities, including autism, utilizing a variety of therapeutic interventions. His experience as a clinical professional on the spectrum of autism places him in a very unique role. He holds degrees from Concordia College of New York and the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice and is licensed in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He served as a board member of ASCEND (Autism & Asperger’s Alliance of Greater Philadelphia) and in an advisory capacity for the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute of Philadelphia. Robert was also on the Alumni Association Board of Directors at Concordia College of New York.
Among Robert’s publications are his regular contributions to The Mighty. He writes on important topics ranging from addressing the struggles individuals with autism can experience with anxiety (https://themighty.com/2017/10/anxiety-and-autism-coping-strategies/) to growing leadership and advocacy within the autism acceptance movement (https://themighty.com/2018/04/autism-acceptance-fight/).
Robert is in the unique position of supporting his peers, as well their loved ones and family members. As a self advocate, Robert brings his refreshing, insightful perspectives as a clinician and a person with autism to his presentations, providing helpful information to families, autistics and other neurodivergents, as well as people who support them.
Robert is eager to expand his advocacy through speaking engagements. Past speaking experiences include giving talks at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, as well as at The Art of Self-Advocacy: Successful Journeys of Adults with Autism Workshop, hosted by Advo-Kids/The Fusion Academy. In fact, he was recently the keynote speaker at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s 44th Annual Developmental Disabilities Conference in October 2022.His work has also led him to receive the Concordia College of New York Young Alumni of Distinction Award in 2018.
Robert has also been interviewed on the YouTube channel On The Spectrum with Teri Matthews, as well as on the podcast Special Education Out Loud, both of which he talked about living in the spectrum and self advocacy. It should also be noted that he and a colleague have created a motivational speaking firm known as Schmus & St. Clair.
In his free time, Robert loves to workout, go for a run, read, paint, write, travel, attend festivals, visit museums, listen to music, as well as meetup with family, friends, and spend time with his fiancée.
Planning for the Life You Want
In this workshop, we will talk about creating a meaningful life and how to get what you want. We will talk about different aspects of life, like employment and community living, and how you might want to address these aspects in your own life. We talk about traditional options as well as creative options. The most important thing is that it is up to you!
Presenters: Rania Kelly, Austin Carr, Kamisha Heriveaux
Organization: MassFamilies
Austin Carr is actively engaged in the disability community. He is a SALS Peer Trainer at MASS and is currently pursuing a certificate in Child/Youth Advocacy at North Shore Community College to enhance and further his skills.
Kamisha Heriveaux is 29 years old and lives in Canton, Massachusetts. She is the self Advocate Content Expert at MASS. She is in school working on getting her GED so she can go to college.
Rania Kelly is the co-chair at MassFamilies, an architect that advocates for universal design, and is passionate about meaningful inclusion and access for everyone.
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: Anne Fracht, Kim Plaut
Organization: MASS
Anne Fracht is a self -advocacy associate at Harvard Law School Project on disability. She was 2nd chairperson for MASS and served as chair several times on and off on the board until the end of 2022. She is on several other boards and comments.
Kim Plaut is a former MASS Board member and an active self-advocate.
Understanding Two Identities
This workshop is about understanding that we all have many identities. We will talk about LGBTQ, disability, and comparing the similarities and differences. At the end of the day, we are more alike than different.
Presenter: Fran Hladysz
Organization: Rainbow/MASS
Fran Hladysz (he/him/they) is the statewide virtual Rainbow Group facilitator and peer trainer. He is also a MASS board member representing Rainbow and at-large. He teaches training about LGBTQ, sexuality, and SALS and he works on the HPOD research project to improve ISPs. He is a strong and true advocate and makes sure advocacy is possible, not impossible.
Creating Community Through Social Media
Presenter: Dianne Vitkus
In July 2020, Dianne Vitkus’ life changed in an instant as she fell 12 feet off a rooftop ladder and sustained a C6 spinal cord injury. Given that it was the midst of a pandemic, visitors were limited and Dianne had to be her own self-advocate during her month-long ICU stay in Syracuse, NY and the 2-month-long rehabilitation stay at Spaulding in Boston, MA.
Facing the most difficult challenge in her 28 years, Dianne’s journey since then has included radical emotional honesty, steadfast commitment to physical therapy, and an outpouring of community support to lift and encourage her.
Dianne grew up as a three sport athlete and then went on to play collegiate lacrosse at the D1 level at Brown University. During her junior year she studied abroad in Greece and traveled throughout Europe. After college she earned her Master’s degree as a Physician Assistant at LeMoyne College in Syracuse, New York. Prior to her fall she was working as a Surgical PA in downtown Syracuse and considered it a dream job. But she has not let this recent adversity of having a spinal cord injury keep her from having sport, travel and a career in her life. She has tried adaptive rock climbing, handcycling, sailing, rowing and skiing - just to name a few. She has traveled to California, Utah, Florida and Vermont. Though her true passion shines through her resilience and determination to adopt a perspective of hope and gratitude which has allowed her to return to work as a psychiatric physician assistant. By sharing all these adventures on her instagram, @vittysvoyage, she wants to show others that being in a wheelchair does not have to limit your ability and spirit to do what you love.
Registration closes on Friday, May 12. No walk-ins, you must register to attend. Questions, or need to pay another way? Email info@wearemass.org for more information.
Let’s Talk About Human Rights
This workshop will be an opportunity to communicate our thoughts and beliefs about human rights. We will discuss the ways we can help support one another with advocating and promoting our human rights.
Presenters: Nate Hoover, Al Milne
Organization: DDS Southeast
Nate Hoover is the DDS Human Rights Specialist, SE Region. Nate believes in support for his fellow citizens. Focused on empathy, love, and compassion, Nate strives to help everyone he supports find a road to their own personal justice. Nate lives in Southeastern Massachusetts with his wife, two children and his three dogs. A fan of live music, Nate likes to dance like no one is watching.
Al Milne is the MASS Statewide Board Chair and the Southeast Regional Chairperson.
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: Meg Gaydos, Rachel Hayward, Warren Magee, Luke Hutter Ross, Jonathan Spiller
Organization: The Arc of Massachusetts
Rachel Hayward is a Pathways to Friendship Facilitator for the Arc of Massachusetts, helping to foster authentic relationships and friendships for people with disabilities in their communities. She has spent her entire career working on social justice issues, with a deep grounding in self-advocacy and a belief in the expertise of those with lived experience. Rachel loves doing crossword puzzles, singing and playing her guitar.
Jonathan Spiller is a self advocate/presenter for Arc of Massachusetts. He and his girlfriend Esther recently published a book called Special Soulmates: A True Love Story, on Amazon. He enjoys taking walks and taking photos of nature.
Warren Magee is a Boston native and a self-advocate presenter with the Arc of Massachusetts. He was formerly the Vice Chair of the State Rehab Council as well as an Individual Consumer Consultant and is currently on the Consumer Advisory Board for Boston Healthcare for the Homeless. When not presenting or advocating, Warren enjoys visiting with friends and family and watching Marvel and DC comic movies.
Entertainment
Plugged In Band Program
Since 2002, Plugged In Band Program has educated and celebrated performers at all stages of their music-making journeys.
A non-competitive approach to learning, a sense of community, and positive change-making through music are core components of Plugged In courses, which prioritize inclusivity above all else.
Our young musicians thrive in a space without hierarchies or band leaders, where those of all abilities and skill levels are met where they are. In this environment of compassion, our students learn the power of helping others and loving themselves.
We are committed to delivering an individualized, fulfilling experience to every student. Whether that means providing financial assistance or extra support due to a disability, Plugged In makes it possible for everyone to access our programming.
Registration closes on Friday, May 12. No walk-ins, you must register to attend. Questions, or need to pay another way? Email info@wearemass.org for more information.
The MASS Conference is made possible by our generous sponsors!
Grow Sponsors
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Advocates and HMEA
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Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC)
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Pathways for Change
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Vinfen
Build Sponsors
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Delta Projects
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The Guild for Human Services
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Northeast Arc
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Road to Responsibility
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Rosenberg, Freedman & Lee LLP
Develop Sponsors
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Bay Cove Human Services
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Institute for Community Inclusion - UMass Boston
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Seven Hills Foundation & Affiliates
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Sunshine Village
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Western Mass Training Consortium
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West Region Self Advocacy
Past Conferences
Annual Conference 2022
In 2022, self-advocates made their ideas count with keynote speaker Max Barrows of the Green Mountain Self-Advocates. You can watch the workshops and learn more by going to the Annual Conference 2022 page.
Annual Conference 2021
In 2021, Liz Weintraub, Senior Advocacy Specialist at AUCD, spoke to self-advocates during a conference full of learning and fun. Watch her speech as well as the workshops on the Annual Conference 2021 page.
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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
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!