The MASS Blog
June 2020
The Metro regional meeting was held via zoom on May 21, 2020. The meeting had one guest, Marie D’Aoust sharing about self advocates choosing to start Voting Clubs. Two new self advocates joined our meeting from reading about our zoom calls monthly from the MASS Flash. Welcome Sarah and Andrew!!!!
Self advocates like the idea of voting clubs to discuss and research candidates for election, for they need more information beyond are they registered to vote or not. Thank you Marie for helping self advocates to encourage Voting Clubs.
The metro region self advocates have been enjoying the good weather and time with family. Some are needing to be apartment hunting, however COvid-19 has squashed the process. They miss seeing their friends, so basically everyone is watching TV all day and/or taking walks while wearing a mask. Their other concern is their jobs to get back to and those looking for jobs worried where are the jobs going to be after the pandemic.
Self advocacy groups in the region are meeting virtually, Winthrop Strong, The Price Center, and Matthew’s group via phone calls.
Next meeting is June 18, 2020 at 6pm - 7:30pm via zoom:
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/226456287
or
Dial:
+1 646 876 9923 US Meeting ID: 226 456 287
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)
April 2020
Hello Self Advocates
ZOOM regional meeting
Thursday, April 16⋅6:00 – 7:30pm
Join by phone
+1 337-441-4148 PIN: 774 076 552#
Any questions call Gail @ 339-832-2922 or email gail@ma-advocates.org
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Join Anne Fracht and other self advocates every Monday and Thursday
Meetings Every Monday and Thursday 1:00 pm east coast time. The meeting is for one hour. The focus is peer to peer connections. Self-advocates sharing information and supporting each other while staying home during the Coronavirus.
Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/324815633
Dial 1 929 436 2866 Meeting ID: 324 815 633
March 2020
Save the Date!!!! Metro Region Meeting
March 19, 2020 6pm-7:30pm 85 Main St Watertown MA 2nd floor Beaverbrook STEP offices.
Many self advocates from the Metro Region attended the Annual Arc Mass/MDDC Legislative Reception, thank you Arc Mass sharing pictures of leaders in the Metro Region.
A big shout out to Kim Plaut, MASS Board Member and Janice Smith of Minute Man Arc for attending every year.
2020 Youth Leadership Forum Information and Application Materials to Share:
Partners for Youth with Disabilities is proud to host the 2020 Massachusetts Youth Leadership Forum! The Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is an overnight conference for youth and young adults with disabilities held annually in Massachusetts and other states across the country. YLF participants build leadership skills and leave better prepared for future employment, higher education, and independent living. This year's YLF will take place from June 23rd-June 25th, 2020 at Bridgewater State University. Below are links to the 2020 YLF information and flyer as well as the 2020 YLF Application which can be completed online.
Link to Online YLF 2020 Application: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YLF2020
Link to YLF 2020 Flyer: https://www.pyd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/YLF-2020-flyer-Final-2-13-20.pdf
Website: https://www.pyd.org/programs/youth-leadership-forum/
The YLF 2020 recommendation form can be found at this link:
February 2020
SAVE THE DATE
FEBRUARY 20, 2020
6pm to 7:30pm @ Beaverbrook STEP
85 Main Street Watertown, MA
Join other self advocates around the city of Boston, we are looking for new people to join us to discuss the issues facing self advocates.
Metro will be talking voting and doing your political homework. Bills in the state house that pertain to issues like camera’s in common areas of group homes and what now that Nicky’s Law has passed.
Many of the Metro region self-advocates are regular attendees of MASS Legislative Education Day at the State House.
Metro Region Human Rights Forum, 2019 Advocacy Through Art was well attended with over 100 people browsing art from some of our best in the region. Thank you to TILL Wave Gallery for holding the Art showing.
Jeffrey Paquette: “My painting represents the brave person that I am to face the challenges I am presented with due to my vision impairment.”
Emily Bill: “I make art to help people to get to know me and the things I am capable of doing.”
Are you interested in being a MASS Board member, reach out to Gail, gail@ma-advocates.org or call 339-832-2922. Let’s talk about the requirements and supports needed to be elected to the board. Metro region has one open position.