May 2020

We held regional Zoom meetings on April 1, April 8, 15th, 22nd and 29th. At these meetings we covered: how to stay healthy, taking care of yourself, getting help to get food, what is social distancing and why do we need to wear masks. Members shared ideas of what to do to keep your spirits up. As we get news each week of people we know who are sick with Covid 19 we are sending good wishes to everyone and their staff. Our hearts go out to everyone who is sick or has lost a friend or loved one at this time. We will be sending cards to residents of Hogan and their staff to show our support.

Donna Jay, Nichelle Delgado and Derek Spear joined SARTAC National Advocacy calls with self-advocates from all over the country. The regional group wrote a letter to Governor Baker thanking him for his work to keep everyone safe, and raised concerns about having support and equal treatment in the hospital. Read our letter to the Governor here: NE Letter to Governor Baker

Thank you to Tim Holmes, Derek Spear, Donna Jay, Nichelle Delgado and Therese LaPorte for taking part in two meetings with ally organizations like the Disability Law Center and Mass Families Organizing for Change to write a letter about allowing people with disabilities to get support from a loved one or staff if they need to go to the hospital. Thank you to John Mullally from Central for sharing your story about how staff and family make a difference in the hospital. Here is the letter sent to the Department of Public Health Commissioner: Visitor Policy Letter to the Dept of Public Health .

The Northeast will hold weekly meetings on Wednesdays at 2PM. Marie D’Aoust will be our guest on May 6th to talk about a new MASS Voting Club! If you would like to join a meeting, please e-mail or call Bridget to receive the meeting code: bridget@ma-advocates.org or 781-789-4274.