A male self-advocate in a powerchair holds up a sign demanding real jobs, real pay.
 
 

Our History

MASS has been empowering and creating a platform for self-advocates since 1998.

Visual History

Watch this video to see our history in action!

 
 

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Through The Years

 
 
 

1998

A group of self-advocates found Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong.

 
 

2008

MASS is recognized for its work in changing the name of the DMR to DDS.

 

2014

MASS self-advocates testify at the State House and help to pass the Real Lives Bill.

2020

MASS continues to advocate across Massachusetts. MASS holds annual conferences, retreats, and offer trainings to empower those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

 

Change the Name

2000 - 2008

On November 4, 2000, over 350 advocates including MASS self-advocates met in Worcester. They cited changing the name of the Department of R********** to the Department of Developmental Services as their top priority. Eight years later, the DMR officially changed its name to the Department of Developmental Services. View a news clip about MASS’s fight below.

 
 

Snapshots from our journey

Founding member Craig Smith and advisors Barbara Pandolfi, Colleen Ryan in front of a lake.
Founding member Priscilla Dow speaking at the podium.
An early member of MASS at a conference with her husband looking on.
Members of MASS receiving an award at the State House. They stand with former DDS commissioner Elin Howe.
MASS board members in a group photo at a board retreat.
Massachusetts attorney general Maura Healy stands at the podium with a MASS self-advocate.
A male self-advocate talks to a man in Quincy market.
A woman stands in front of a booth for the Rainbow Group.
Members and staff from MASS stand proudly at the State House.

Accomplishments

 

DMR to DDS

 

On June 30, 2008, Massachusetts officially renamed the Department of Mental R********** (DMR) to the Department of Developmental Services.

Massachusetts recognized MASS and Central Regional Coordinator Sue Moriarty with a Commissioner’s Exemplar Awards for their work.

MASS gave individual awards to self-advocates Craig Smith (Brighton), Anne Fracht (Brighton), John Anton (Haverhill), and Buddy Bostick (Haverhill).

 

The Real Lives Bill

 

In October 2014, Governor Deval Patrick signed the milestone Real Lives Bill into law. The ceremony took place at Fenway Park. The Real Lives Bill allows individuals to self-direct where their DDS service dollars go. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities will now have a greater ability to choose how they live.

MASS self-advocate Janet Laperle testified at the State House in favor of the bill and was recognized by Rep. Kay Khan (D - 11th Middlesex) for her work.

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