MASSACHUSETTS ADVOCATES STANDING STRONG INC

Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong (MASS) is an organization which supports and empowers people with developmental or intellectual disabilities (self-advocates). What makes MASS so special is that all our board members are comprised of self-advocates who make all the critical decisions about our organization. MASS offers various trainings in basic self-advocacy skills such as Rainbow support groups and regional meetings throughout Massachusetts. We offer trainings that are taught by the self-advocates to various providers and people with disabilities about how to find a job, to improve their interview skills and how to write a resume. For many people who are disabled this is a great challenge. We also provide Action & Awareness trainings that teach people with disabilities about recognizing and reporting abuse. People with disabilities are often the most vulnerable group of people. Also, MASS supports self-advocates involvement in many community boards that advocate for persons with disabilities. We believe everyone has the same rights and that rights and responsibilities go together. Everyone should be treated equally. People should have the same opportunities to make their own decisions and choices. People should have the support they need. Everyone is important. We speak out for ourselves and each other. We stand by each other and make things better in our lives. MASS also advocates and educates the legislature and governor about issues which are important to us. One day a month we reach out to legislators which have influence on decisions about funding programs important to all persons with disabilities. At our annual conference in October, we will celebrate the diversity of all people.