One of my favorite things about advocating is not only putting- not only for Central- not only do I want to put myself out there, I want people to learn from my perspective of what self-advocacy is, what self-advocacy is about, what they can learn from self-advocacy, so that more individuals can learn- more individuals can join our Central group.

Hi my name is Faye Alexandra Jones and the reason why I became a self-advocate is because I feel that people with special needs need a voice. Also, someone to be a role model to younger kids who have special needs or not…

My name is Donna Jay.

I live in Salem Ma. There are many advocacy areas that are important to me. I advocate to make sure everyone knows they have a voice and knows how to use it.

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.