Awards

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.

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.

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

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

One for All of Massachusetts

The Judi Rodger Mentorship Award was established in 2022 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.

One for All of Massachusetts

The John Gibbons Rainbow Group of the Year Award was established in 2022 in honor of 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

One for All of Massachusetts

The Big Al LGBTQ+ Community Support Award was established in 2022 in honor of 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

The Sandra Houghton Self-Advocate of The Year Awardwas established in 2023 to honor Sandra Houghton. This award is given each year to one person who is seen as a leader in the self-advocacy movement that role models and implements change for others with disabilities. They shall empower other self-advocates to speak up for themselves and embody leadership and persistence through positive actions as Sandra has done for over 25 years.

To nominate someone they must be:

- A leader in the self-advocacy movement who can guide and encourage people to be strong self-advocates.