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March 2025

MASS Flash Newsletter

March 6th Legislative Reception

We had a great time attending the 47th Annual Legislative Reception: Safeguarding Our Rights Through Advocacy!


There were emotional and impactful speeches, and an incredible turnout - the room was packed almost wall-to-wall!


We will soon decide on our own State House day, in partnership with MDDC. Stay tuned for more information!


If you were not able to attend, you can watch a recording of the Legislative Reception below:

MASS Events Calendar

Kamisha's Corner

On Thursday, February 13, 2025 my colleague Jenna D and I went to an exhibit fair at the Cambridge Rindge & Latin School. It was so much fun because we got the opportunity to see new faces and also connect with different organizations and see how we can help each other grow. It was also good to see familiar faces as well like some of the students and teachers we’ve trained in the past.


To me school fairs are about educating the world on what we have to offer as a whole. It’s also about connecting with one another and letting everybody know that there are a lot of strength in numbers, no matter where you look. 


I have learned a lot about myself recently at this event. The reason why I say this is because there were three organizations that I know or that I have been a part of which makes me think and understand that I have helped make a lot of difference in the world today and that I continue to touch people‘s lives more than I’ve ever expected to, and this is something I will continue for the rest of my life.


Upcoming Meetings and Events

March

13

Statewide Drop-In (link)


There will be a Statewide Drop-in via Zoom on the second Thursday of each month.

5:30pm - 7:00pm.

March

15

Vinfen Film Festival (link)


On Saturday, March 15, from 11:30 AM - 7:30 PM, Vinfen's signature event returns to GBH Studios in Boston, featuring screenings of feature-length and short films, as well as panel discussions with filmmakers, stars of the films, human services professional, and individuals with lived experience. Following the films, festival guests can mix and mingle at an evening reception.


Registration required.

ASL interpreters are provided.

March

18

Advocacy for Self-Directed Services (link)


Topic: “Needs Assessments: The Foundation for Identifying Appropriate Services”


Join the conversation about Massachusetts Alliance for 21st Century Disability Policy (MA21) advocacy for MA DDS Self-Directed Services to comply with the 2014 Real Lives Law.


Check out https://www.ma21alliance.org for more information, and click here to register (link)!

March

26

Statewide Drop-In (link)


There will be a second Statewide Drop-in via Zoom on the fourth Wednesday of each month.

4:30pm - 6:00pm.

April

3

MA-APSE 50/50 for Employment First Conference


Massachusetts Association of People Supporting Employment First Conference (MA-APSE) is bringing together 50 career-seekers with disabilities, with 50 disability-focused workforce professionals, and 50 parent/family advocates to build a more inclusive workforce.


Thanks to the generous support of DDS, there are still some free parent and career-seeker seats available for the conference. Use code 5050Free to get them!


If you would like or register or if you have questions, please contact Jeff Gentry at jgentry@jvs-boston.org or (978) 590-4466.

April

30

DDS Northeast Region Assistive Technology Fair (link)


This 4th annual free event is your chance to learn about a range of assistive technology (AT) products from 30 vendors. AT enables people to live productive, meaningful, and dignified lives by enhancing an individual’s ability to perform daily tasks, facilitate independent living, and contribute to a higher quality of life.


Examples of AT on display will include: medication management devices, communication devices or software, mobility aids, smart home technology, remote supports, adaptive gaming and recreation, and more!


Registration required.

May

31

2025 Massachusetts West Region Self Advocacy Conference (link)


The theme for this year's conference is The Legacy of Self Advocacy: Past, Present, and Future.

Regional and Rainbow Updates

CENTRAL

REGION


Regional Meeting: Tuesday, Mar 11 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm


https://www.wearemass.org/events/central-regional-meeting-113

PDF - Central Region Update - March 2025

SOUTHEAST

REGION


In-person Regional Meeting: Thursday, Apr 3 from 6:00pm - 7:30pm


https://www.wearemass.org/events/southeast-regional-meeting-48

PDF - Southeast Region Update - March 2025

METRO

REGION


Regional Meeting:

Tuesday, Mar 18 from 4:30pm - 6:00pm



https://www.wearemass.org/events/metro-regional-meeting-59

PDF - Metro Region Update -March 2025

CENTRAL

REGION


Regional Meeting: Tuesday, Mar 25 from 3:30pm - 5:30pm


https://www.wearemass.org/events/central-regional-meeting-114

PDF - Central Region Update -March 2025

NORTHEAST

REGION


Regional Meeting:

Wednesday, Apr 16 from 4:00pm - 5:30pm



https://www.wearemass.org/events/northeast-regional-meeting-73

PDF - Northeast Region Update - March 2025

RAINBOW

GROUP


Rainbow Meeting:

Tuesday, Mar 25, 2025 from 5:30pm - 7:00pm!


https://www.wearemass.org/events/rainbow-group-meeting-73

PDF - Rainbow Group Update -March 2025
View Upcoming Meetings and Events on the MASS Calendar

We want to hear from you!

Is there anything exciting happening in your life that you are just itching to talk about?

Want to share it with the world?!


If so, great because I, Kamisha Heriveaux, am always on the look out for interesting events, your hobbies, and topics that interest you - so please don't hesitate to reach out to us!

Email info@WeAreMASS.org

~ Kamisha

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