Join us on Wednesday, September 11th from 4:00pm-5:30pm for our Southeast Regional Meeting! Please use the following Zoom link or information to join the meeting at the specified date and time.

Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/108541531

Phone: +1 646 518 9805

Meeting ID: 108 541 531

*Time Change* Join us on Tuesday, September 10th from 3:30pm - 5:30pm for our Central Regional Meeting!

We’ll be at HMEA in person and on zoom.

Autism Resource Central, 712 Plantation St, Worcester

Please use the following Zoom link or information to join the meeting at the specified date and time.

Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8895343142

Meeting ID: 889 534 3142

One tap mobile +16465189805,,8895343142#

Please RSVP by contacting Sue Moriarty by emailing sue@wearemass.org or calling (508) 209-7184.

Hello!  This is a reminder for the next MASS SDM Task Force meeting from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM on Friday, August 30th. The SDM Task Force will be meeting on the last Friday of the month.

Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88607363196

Meeting ID: 886 0736 3196

One tap mobile
+16465189805,,88607363196#

Dial by your location
        +1 646 518 9805

Meeting ID: 886 0736 3196

Join MASS’s Supported Decision-Making Task Force!

MASSACHUSETTS ADVOCATES STANDING STRONG (MASS) is a statewide self-advocacy organization. In 2017, MASS formed a special group of self-advocates called a “task force” to work on supported decision-making, or “SDM,” for short.

SUPPORTED DECISION-MAKING (SDM) is an important tool that self-advocates can use to make their own life choices and get help from others they trust. All persons with disabilities have a right to make their own decisions and get support if they want.

THE TASK FORCE has educated self-advocates across the state on SDM, developed SDM tools for self-advocates, helped self-advocates to use SDM in their lives, researched self-advocates’ views about SDM, and advocated for new SDM laws and policies.

GET INVOLVED in the MASS SDM Task Force, by becoming a member. If you choose to join the task force, you can:

- LEARN about SDM

- TRAIN others about SDM

- HELP others make their own SDM agreements

- ADVOCATE for laws and policies on SDM

Join us Wednesday, August 28th from 4:30pm to 6:00pm for our Statewide Drop-In woohoo!🥳

These Drop In meetings are a great way to meet other Self-Advocates statewide in a more relaxed way. Our Drop-In meetings bring together all the MASS regions to get informed, to chatting about different stuff, and have lots of fun! We always welcome new members, or even those who are new to learning about self advocacy! You are welcome here!

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us. Our email is: info@wearemass.org or our number is 857-360-0134. Thank you!

Here is the Zoom Information: 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/s/82012135896

Meeting ID: 820 1213 5896

One tap mobile

Join by phone: +1 646 518 9805

Join us on Tuesday, August 27th from 5:30pm-7:00pm for our Rainbow Group Meeting! Please use the following Zoom link or information to join the meeting at the specified date and time.

This group is on Zoom and is open to people from any region in MA and other states.

The last Tuesday of each month at 5:30-7:00pm is to learn and talk about LGBTQ+ topics.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84122253807

Phone: +1 646 876 9923

Meeting ID: 841 2225 3807

Join us on Tuesday, August 27th from 5:00pm - 7:00pm for our Central Regional Group Cookout!

Regatta Point Park on Lake Quinsigamond 10 N Lake Ave, Worcester, MA

Pot Luck!! Sue brings hamburgers, hot dogs, and cake. Let us know what you’d like to bring!

Call before you go to make sure it is still on! RSVP Sue at 508-209-7184 Or sue@wearemass.org  

Please RSVP by contacting Sue Moriarty by emailing sue@wearemass.org or calling (508) 209-7184.

The deadline for our Call for Workshop Proposals from Self-Advocates has been extended. Proposals are now due on August 15, 2024 at 11:59PM.

Do you have an idea for a breakout workshop to take place at MASS’ annual self-advocacy conference? Use this form to submit your idea! Accepted proposals will be turned into workshops to be held during the 2024 Annual Conference, which will be held on October 26, 2024.

Join us on Wednesday, August 14th from 4:00pm-5:30pm for our Southeast Regional Meeting! Please use the following Zoom link or information to join the meeting at the specified date and time.

Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/108541531

Phone: +1 646 518 9805

Meeting ID: 108 541 531

The Division of Community Engagement and the Health and Disability Program welcomes us to join their virtual listening session on respiratory illnesses and vaccines. One of the vaccines they will be talking about is the COVID-19 vaccine. 

This is happening on Tuesday, August 13th from 6-7:30pm over zoom. 

Please use this link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcod-qtpjgiGNZD3VcVEt-hDETGgK6Yrk_V#/registration to register for the event! If you need help doing so you can always reach out to Jenna or Kiana and they can support you 1 on 1 with registering. Jenna will not be in attendance for the actual event as she will be on vacation, but can help with registering!


If you have any questions you can always contact Kiana through their email kiana.lloyd@wearemass.org or by their phone number 857-275-5402.

*Time Change* Join us on Tuesday, August 13th from 3:30pm - 5:30pm for our Central Regional Meeting!

We’ll be at HMEA in person and on zoom.

Autism Resource Central, 712 Plantation St, Worcester

Please use the following Zoom link or information to join the meeting at the specified date and time.

Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8895343142

Meeting ID: 889 534 3142

One tap mobile +16465189805,,8895343142#

Please RSVP by contacting Sue Moriarty by emailing sue@wearemass.org or calling (508) 209-7184.

Join us Thursday, August 8th from 5:30pm to 7:00pm for our Statewide Drop-In woohoo!🥳

Statewide Drop-ins are on the Second Thursday, and Fourth Wednesday of every month.

If you’re planning to attend please register via Eventbrite at this link https://selfadvocatedropinmass.eventbrite.com/

When: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, on the Second Thursday of each month

Where:
Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82012135896

Meeting ID: 820 1213 5896

What are Statewide Drop-ins, and who are they for?
Statewide Drop-in meetings will be open to self-advocates from all the Massachusetts Regions and Massachusetts Rainbow groups. This is an opportunity for self-advocates to work together across regions, have fun, and support one another. 

Please note - If you are not a self-advocate with a disability you are only welcome to attend if you are supporting another self-advocate to attend the meeting. Bring your friends and lets get connected with other self-advocates across Massachusetts!

Questions about this meeting? Email us at info@wearemass.org or call (857) 360-0134

These Drop In meetings are a great way to meet other Self-Advocates statewide in a more relaxed way. Our Drop-In meetings bring together all the MASS regions to get informed, to chatting about different stuff, and have lots of fun! We always welcome new self-advocate members, or even those who are new to learning about self advocacy! You are welcome here!

Join us on Tuesday, July 30 from 5:30pm-7:00pm for our Rainbow Group Meeting! Please use the following Zoom link or information to join the meeting at the specified date and time.

This group is on Zoom and is open to people from any region in MA and other states.

The last Tuesday of each month at 5:30-7:00pm is to learn and talk about LGBTQ+ topics.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84122253807

Phone: +1 646 876 9923

Meeting ID: 841 2225 3807

Hello!  This is a reminder for the next MASS SDM Task Force meeting from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM on Friday, July 26. The SDM Task Force will be meeting on the last Friday of the month.

Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88607363196

Meeting ID: 886 0736 3196

One tap mobile
+16465189805,,88607363196#

Dial by your location
        +1 646 518 9805

Meeting ID: 886 0736 3196

Join MASS’s Supported Decision-Making Task Force!

MASSACHUSETTS ADVOCATES STANDING STRONG (MASS) is a statewide self-advocacy organization. In 2017, MASS formed a special group of self-advocates called a “task force” to work on supported decision-making, or “SDM,” for short.

SUPPORTED DECISION-MAKING (SDM) is an important tool that self-advocates can use to make their own life choices and get help from others they trust. All persons with disabilities have a right to make their own decisions and get support if they want.

THE TASK FORCE has educated self-advocates across the state on SDM, developed SDM tools for self-advocates, helped self-advocates to use SDM in their lives, researched self-advocates’ views about SDM, and advocated for new SDM laws and policies.

GET INVOLVED in the MASS SDM Task Force, by becoming a member. If you choose to join the task force, you can:

- LEARN about SDM

- TRAIN others about SDM

- HELP others make their own SDM agreements

- ADVOCATE for laws and policies on SDM

Join us Wednesday, July 24 from 4:30pm to 6:00pm for our Statewide Drop-In woohoo!🥳

These Drop In meetings are a great way to meet other Self-Advocates statewide in a more relaxed way. Our Drop-In meetings bring together all the MASS regions to get informed, to chatting about different stuff, and have lots of fun! We always welcome new members, or even those who are new to learning about self advocacy! You are welcome here!

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us. Our email is: info@wearemass.org or our number is 857-360-0134. Thank you!

Here is the Zoom Information: 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/s/82012135896

Meeting ID: 820 1213 5896

One tap mobile

Join by phone: +1 646 518 9805

Join us on Tuesday, July 23 from 3:30pm - 5:30pm for our Central Regional Meeting! Please use the following Zoom link or information to join the meeting at the specified date and time.

Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8895343142

Meeting ID: 889 534 3142

One tap mobile +16465189805,,8895343142#

Please RSVP by contacting Sue Moriarty by emailing sue@wearemass.org or calling (508) 209-7184.

Join us on Wednesday, July 17 from 4:00pm-5:30pm for our Northeast Regional Meeting over ZOOM! In order to get the zoom information you will need to follow the link below to register, for free, on Eventbrite!

If you plan to join us please follow this link to register:

https://northeast-regional-meeting.eventbrite.com/

This will help us get a good understanding of how many people plan to join us!

Northeast regional meetings are a great place to go if you like talking about all the different aspects of self advocacy, and having fun while doing so! We always welcome new members, or even those who are new to learning about self advocacy! You are welcome here! It was so much fun at our last regional meeting, and we had a great discussion with the Regional Human Rights Director for DDS, Alexandra Selman.

Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82774277162

Meeting ID: 827 7427 7162
One tap mobile
+16465189805,,82774277162#

From The City of Boston Website:

Come celebrate the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act! Join us for the City of Boston Disabilities Commission ADA Day on Wednesday, July 17th, from 12 - 2pm, on Boston City Hall Plaza. This event includes a speaking program, food, fun, music, a disability resource fair, and free t-shirts (while supplies last). All members of the public are welcome to attend! Registration is encouraged but not required. 

Disability accommodations, interpretation, and translation services are available at no cost to you. If you need any of these, please email disability@boston.gov or call 617-635-3682

Join us on Tuesday, July 16 from 6:00pm-7:30pm for our Metro Regional Meeting!

Join us the third Tuesday of month for Metro regional meetings. Metro regional meetings are a great place to go if you like talking about all the different aspects of self advocacy, and having fun while doing so! We always welcome new members, or even those who are new to learning about self advocacy! You are welcome here!
 
If you have any questions please feel welcome to contact our regional coordinator, Jenna DeSpirito. Their email is: jenna.despirito@wearemass.org and their number is 339-832-2922. Thank you!

Please use the Zoom link you receive after completing the Metro Regional Meeting Eventbrite registration.

From paulspoonergenerationalleadership.org

Summit Description

The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC), Disability Policy Consortium (DPC), and Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL) are hosting a Leadership Summit on the future of disability advocacy on September 23-25, 2024 in Marlborough, MA.

The summit will include the new generation of disability advocacy leaders, and emerging leaders in advocacy in social justice for services, programs, and the human and civil rights of people with disabilities in Massachusetts. Approximately 20 new and emerging leaders will be brought together with some existing leaders to discuss where disability advocacy needs to go in the coming decade and what we can learn from the past that got us to where we are today.

Join us Thursday, July 11 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm for our Statewide Drop-In woohoo!🥳

Statewide Drop-ins are on the Second Thursday, and Fourth Wednesday of every month.

If you’re planning to attend please register via Eventbrite at this link https://selfadvocatedropinmass.eventbrite.com/

When: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, on the Second Thursday of each month

Where:
Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82012135896

Meeting ID: 820 1213 5896

What are Statewide Drop-ins, and who are they for?
Statewide Drop-in meetings will be open to self-advocates from all the Massachusetts Regions and Massachusetts Rainbow groups. This is an opportunity for self-advocates to work together across regions, have fun, and support one another. 

Please note - If you are not a self-advocate with a disability you are only welcome to attend if you are supporting another self-advocate to attend the meeting. Bring your friends and lets get connected with other self-advocates across Massachusetts!

Questions about this meeting? Email us at info@wearemass.org or call (857) 360-0134

These Drop In meetings are a great way to meet other Self-Advocates statewide in a more relaxed way. Our Drop-In meetings bring together all the MASS regions to get informed, to chatting about different stuff, and have lots of fun! We always welcome new self-advocate members, or even those who are new to learning about self advocacy! You are welcome here!

Join us on Wednesday, July 10 from 4:00pm-5:30pm for our Southeast Regional Meeting! Please use the following Zoom link or information to join the meeting at the specified date and time.

Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/108541531

Phone: +1 646 518 9805

Meeting ID: 108 541 531

Join us on Tuesday, July 9 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm for our Central Regional Meeting!

We’ll be at HMEA in person and on zoom.

Autism Resource Central, 712 Plantation St, Worcester

Please use the following Zoom link or information to join the meeting at the specified date and time.

Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8895343142

Meeting ID: 889 534 3142

One tap mobile +16465189805,,8895343142#

Please RSVP by contacting Sue Moriarty by emailing sue@wearemass.org or calling (508) 209-7184.

The MA Health and Disability Partnership is a group of people with disabilities and other people who care about the health of people with disabilities. It helps advise the state Health and Disability Program and other programs in the Department of Public Health. It also helps people with disabilities stay up to date on important health issues.

At the next Partnership meeting on June 27th from 12:00-1:30, we will discuss research the Health and Disability Program has been doing on COVID vaccination sites and people with disabilities.  We will also showcase the work some cities and towns in Massachusetts have been doing to make their areas more accessible for people with disabilities.  Please join us and feel free to bring others.

Thursday June 27, 2024 12:00-1:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Topic: MA Health and Disability Partnership Meeting
Time: Jun 27, 2024 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/98022969874

Meeting ID: 980 2296 9874
---
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+13092053325,,98022969874#
---
Dial by your location
• +1 309 205 3325

Meeting ID: 980 2296 9874

Join us Wednesday, June 26 from 4:30pm to 6:00pm for our Statewide Drop-In woohoo!🥳

These Drop In meetings are a great way to meet other Self-Advocates statewide in a more relaxed way. Our Drop-In meetings bring together all the MASS regions to get informed, to chatting about different stuff, and have lots of fun! We always welcome new members, or even those who are new to learning about self advocacy! You are welcome here!

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us. Our email is: info@wearemass.org or our number is 857-360-0134. Thank you!

Here is the Zoom Information: 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/s/82012135896

Meeting ID: 820 1213 5896

One tap mobile

Join by phone: +1 646 518 9805

Hello!  This is a reminder for the next MASS SDM Task Force meeting from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM.

Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88607363196

Meeting ID: 886 0736 3196

One tap mobile
+16465189805,,88607363196#

Dial by your location
        +1 646 518 9805

Meeting ID: 886 0736 3196

Join MASS’s Supported Decision-Making Task Force!

MASSACHUSETTS ADVOCATES STANDING STRONG (MASS) is a statewide self-advocacy organization. In 2017, MASS formed a special group of self-advocates called a “task force” to work on supported decision-making, or “SDM,” for short.

SUPPORTED DECISION-MAKING (SDM) is an important tool that self-advocates can use to make their own life choices and get help from others they trust. All persons with disabilities have a right to make their own decisions and get support if they want.

THE TASK FORCE has educated self-advocates across the state on SDM, developed SDM tools for self-advocates, helped self-advocates to use SDM in their lives, researched self-advocates’ views about SDM, and advocated for new SDM laws and policies.

GET INVOLVED in the MASS SDM Task Force, by becoming a member. If you choose to join the task force, you can:

- LEARN about SDM

- TRAIN others about SDM

- HELP others make their own SDM agreements

- ADVOCATE for laws and policies on SDM

Join us on Tuesday, June 25 from 5:30pm-7:00pm for our Rainbow Group Meeting! Please use the following Zoom link or information to join the meeting at the specified date and time.

This group is on Zoom and is open to people from any region in MA and other states.

The last Tuesday of each month at 5:30-7:00pm is to learn and talk about LGBTQ+ topics.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84122253807

Phone: +1 646 876 9923

Meeting ID: 841 2225 3807

Join us on Tuesday, June 25 from 3:30pm - 5:30pm for our Central Regional Meeting! Please use the following Zoom link or information to join the meeting at the specified date and time.

Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8895343142

Meeting ID: 889 534 3142

One tap mobile +16465189805,,8895343142#

Please RSVP by contacting Sue Moriarty by emailing sue@wearemass.org or calling (508) 209-7184.

Public Hearing and Opportunity for Public Comment - Self-Determination and Self-Directed Services

A public hearing will be held remotely via Zoom on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dds-notice-of-public-hearing-and-opportunity-for-public-comment

DDS Notice of Public Hearing and Opportunity for Public Comment

DDS must hold public hearings and accept public comments pertaining to any proposed changes to its regulations.

Join from meeting link:

Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/97706983976

Meeting ID: 977 0698 3976

One tap mobile

+16469313860,,97706983976# US

Phone

+1 646 931 3860 US

Meeting ID: 977 0698 3976

Self-Determination and Self-Directed Services

Pursuant to the authority of G.L. c. 19B, §§ 1 and 14, and G. L. c. 123B, § 2 and in accordance with G.L. c. 30A, the Department of Developmental Services (“DDS”) will hold public hearings and accept public comments pertaining to its proposed regulations at: 115 CMR 14.00: Self-Determination and Self-Directed Services.

115 CMR 14.00 implements G.L. c.19B, §19 - Self-determination option for individuals eligible for services (“Real Lives Bill,” Chapter 255 of the Acts of 2014). “Self-determination” is the statutory term that encompasses “an approach to service delivery in which the participant is given control over the decision-making process for the participant's supports or services and budget and the participant may tailor the support to meet the participant's needs.” G.L. c. 19B, § 19(a). Proposed 115 CMR 14.00 implements DDS’ self-directed services, which offer eligible individuals an alternative to traditional services operated, certified, licensed, or contracted for or otherwise funded by the Department. Self-directed services promote independence in service planning while providing equitable access to the Department’s resources.

You may pre-register to testify at this hearing by email at dds.regs.comments@mass.gov with your first and last name, preferred email address, and organization or affiliation, if any. Pre-registration is not required to attend or testify at the hearing.

You may also submit written comments electronically instead of, or in addition to, live testimony at the hearing, to the Department at the following address: dds.regs.comments@mass.gov. Submissions should include the sender’s full name, mailing address, and organization or affiliation, if any. Individuals also may submit written testimony to:

Office of the General Counsel, 1000 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02118

All written comments submitted to the Department may be posted on the Department’s website and released in response to a request for public records. All written testimony must be received by 5:00 p.m. on June 18, 2024. Please note that all comments received in response are considered part of the public record.

A current draft of the proposed regulations may be viewed on the Department’s website at: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dds-notice-of-public-hearing-and-opportunity-for-public-comment obtained from the Office of the General Counsel at (617) 624-7702.

Special accommodation requests may be made by telephone to the Office of the General Counsel at (617) 624-7702 or videophone at (857) 366-4179 (for persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled). Requests for a sign language or other interpreter must be made at least two weeks in advance of the hearing.

The Department may adopt a revised version of the proposed regulations taking into account relevant comments and other practical alternatives that come to its attention.

By Order of the Department of Developmental Services,

JANE F. RYDER, COMMISSIONER

May 23, 2024