“In honor of Developmental Disabilities Month, representatives of the Patrick administration, members of the Legislature and advocates gathered today at the State House to celebrate the upcoming name change of the Department of Mental Retardation (DMR) to the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), which will take effect on June 30…”

I enjoy playing video games, watching TV shows, anime and movies, hanging out a few of my friends. I am currently working full time at the Chipotle in Medford, Massachusetts.

Al Milne is from the Southeast Region. He lives independently in North Easton, MA. Al was inspired by Gail to join the board. Al has been with MASS Advocates for over four years.

God is at work in my life in many ways. God is there in the rough times, like recently when my brother had a stroke. Your hugs helped me feel God's presence of healing.

In August I had a yearly mammogram. Two weeks later they told me they had to redo it. The Doctor came out and told me he needed to do a biopsy.

My name is Crystal Guyette. I'm 27 years old and have lived in Leominster for 6 years. For the past 10 years I've been going to and from foster homes. This is why I am an overcomer.

Christina is a new MASS Board member in the Northeast Region. Below is the impressive speech she gave at the MASS conference, when running for the board opening:

"Good Morning.

This is a story about my life before I knew about advocacy. It's a story about how advocacy changed my life and how I'm able to advocate for me. Since I started I'm a much better person because of the support I have with Bridgewell and advocacy.

My name is Sandra Jones and I was born in Boston. My parents were young teenagers and when they learned I had a lot of medical issues, they felt it was better to let someone else raise me. So I don't have any memory or connection to my birth parents.

Hi, my name is Richard Berman. I live in Newton on my own, and I am very active in my community. I am supported by Best Buddies and volunteer for them through fundraising events like our Team Believe.

My name is Patty Quatieri, and I am a woman who has the developmental disability, cerebral palsy. I would like talk about public transportation. Every morning I take 2 buses and 1 train to work.

My name is Mitchell Bourque, and I am 23 years old with a condition known as cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a physical condition I was born with due to complications at birth. As a result, I have to be in a wheelchair and am dependent on others top help me with daily tasks such as eating, bathing, and etc.

Hello my name is Annmarie Devane. I joined the Arc of Opportunity self-advocacy group in March of 2007. Self-advocacy has helped me to speak up for myself and others with disabilities.

James' story is one of triumph! He is a determined advocate who gets things done. James used to live at a developmental center. He wanted to have his own home

So I was born on May 26th 1992 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I have been involved in Best Buddies for 10 years this September. I am also a lead trainer for the Explore, Prepare, Act training with MASS, and the SALS by the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council.

The southeast regional meeting was held via zoom on May 14, 2020. This month 2 guests visited the meeting, Marie D’Aoust sharing about self advocates choosing to start Voting Clubs and Nate Hoover(DDS SE Human Rights) visited to say hello to everyone.

Chairman of the Southeast region group is Albert Milne, and has been a monthly attendee since 2017,he is a MASS Board member, and recently became the Chairman of the MASS Board. Congratulations Albert, we are sure you will do a great job.

Commonwealth Enterprises (Mansfield Redemption) has put together a newsletter for their self advocates to stay connected during the pandemic. Several self advocates shared either a story or suggestions how to spend time during Covid-19.

“Patience is not about the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting” is the theme of their newsletter.

MoLife’s self advocacy group has invited Gail Delgado, Marie D’Aoust, and Nate Hoover to their next meeting, June 3rd, to talk about self advocacy groups, Voting Club, and Human Rights. Congratulations self advocates of the MoLife Program in New Bedford on starting a self advocacy group.

CAST and STAR Launch self advocacy groups continue to connect with the regional coordinator for encouragement to virtually stay active.

On May 14th, Cynthia Goldberg participated in a webinar about self advocate stories during the Covid-19 emergency, and she read two of her newest poems. She is sharing one in the June 2020 MASS Flash.

Adventures of the World to Shine

By Cynthia Goldberg

Sounds of the ocean waves

Have words through their doors

Opening up to a bright shining beautiful day.

Lift our voices of the world to the sea.

Listen to the waves following me.

We speak from our hearts to create the world—

To shine on our day, to shine across the bay!

It feels like shining crystals of the sun let these words speak to me,

“Let the Angels take the challenge.”

I’m hearing in the ocean waves

The courageous words of the “courage of Sarah Noble.”

Hearing the tides is in my adventure.

I start believing how it sounds

With heart words above the shining sun on a beautiful day.

The sunshine is following me.

Next meeting is June 11, 2020 at 6pm - 7:30pm via zoom:

Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/108541531

Any questions email or call Gail Delgado, Region Coordinator

gail@ma-advocates.org or 339-832-2922

(if I do not answer please leave a message)

It’s great to see old and new friends each week for our Northeast Weekly Check-ins. On May 6th we special guest, Marie D’Aoust, joined us to talk about a new MASS Voting Club. Several people were interested. Valerie raised the issue of scam calls and what to do if you are getting them. Several members are waiting to see if the national Self Advocates Becoming Empowered Conference will happen in October of this year. Right now it is still on but organizers are watching the situation closely to be sure it safe. We wrote to our regional DDS Director to offer our support and to ask about plans to re-open programs. We also want to be sure that everyone in the disability community lost to COVID 19 is remembered. If you care about that too, please contact Bridget Crowley at bridget@ma-advocates.org .

On May 13th our group talked about the Census, upcoming plans to reopen, and voted to send lunch to people living and working at Hogan to boost their spirits at this difficult time. We sent posters, art and lunch to let everyone know they are not alone. Direct care staff Peter Heslam share a poem about this time and how writing is helping him cope. Hats off to all of the direct care workers out there for your great dedication and heart!

On May 20th everyone shared a song that represents their life. Find the fabulous NE Quarantine Playlist here: Northeast Playlist. On May 20th we also talked about the Governor’s Plan to re-open Massachusetts in four phases. We still need to practice social distancing and wear masks in many situations. Everyone wants to get back to normal but realizes it is important for activities to be safe for programs and workplaces to re-open. Everyone agreed that when it is safe to do so we want to throw a big party. Sandy J shared an update on pending stimulus packages and will keep us posted as Congress moves forward. At the end of this call, Joe Canto reminded everyone that, “When we all come together, no matter how big the obstacle, we can overcome it.” If you’re interested in joining a NE Meeting, please contact Bridget to sign up at: bridget@ma-advocates.org or 781-789-4274. Our regional meetings will continue every week on Wednesdays at 2PM.

Local Group News from NE

The Merrimack Valley Peer Support group held an online meeting on May 14th. They are canceling their annual celebration at Maria’s Restaurant this year due to COVID 19. The next Peer Support Meeting is May 28th.

Here’s news from the All for One group: “Hi this is Nicole who has autism. The name of my self-advocacy group all for one. We are meeting on Zoom online now every Monday at 2:00 until things get better. the date for the real meetings will be decided when we can meet in person. For more information, contact nicoled713@gmail.com .”

Many of us are coping with being at home with creativity. Donna Jay is making art and shared a piece for this issue of the MASS Flash called, “Spring.” Spring