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February 2025

MASS Flash Newsletter

It feels great getting more sunlight in our days, and with the days slowly getting longer again, we are working on some new events for this year! Here are the current things going on:



There will be a Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) Bill-Sharing Event at the State House in-person and online on Feb. 13th, talking about various bills that will impact people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.


Next month on March 6, we are excited to co-sponsor the 47th Annual Arc of Massachusetts and MDDC Legislative Day at the State House. There is more information below, but you can also click here to learn more and register!


We have two Statewide Drop-In events this month to socialize and meet other people with I/DD, and we are working on our first Speed-Friending event to help people make more friends in the community -- more info to come about the date!

MASS Events Calendar

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Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong

Happy Black History month! A good quote to remember this month, and every month: "It is not possible to be in favor of justice for some people and not be in favor of justice for all people." #MLK...

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Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong

We wanted to recognize an award we received for Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong in Pauline's name, for her tireless work with the Rainbow Group and the LGBTQ+ and I/DD communities! The...

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2025 West Region Self Advocacy Conference

Are you interested in acting as the Keynote Speaker and sharing your story with everyone at the

2025 Massachusetts West Region Self Advocacy conference on May 31, 2025?


Do you have valuable skills that you can teach others in a workshop?



The deadline to apply is February 21, 2025.

Apply here!

MDDC 2025 - 2026

Legislative Priorities Survey and

Upcoming Bill-Sharing Event!

Have you filled out this survey yet? If not, there is still time!


What is the MDDC? The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) is funded by the federal government to support people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families across Massachusetts to enjoy full and productive lives by promoting community inclusion and providing opportunities.

Every 2 years, MDDC creates a “Priority Legislation” list. They meet with policymakers and provide testimony to educate MA state government about the impact the bills could have on the I/DD community.

 

Complete the survey by clicking the link below. Share your input to decide what topics and policies should be covered in the next Priority Legislation list.

The survey in English
La encuesta en Espanol

Need help completing the MDDC survey?


If you have questions about this survey or have any problems, you can reach out to Kaitlin Stober, MDDC Disability Policy Assistant by email: Kaitlin.Stober@mass.gov. You can also leave a voicemail at 617.770.7676, extension 105 with your questions!

 

Kaitlin is also available to help people fill out the survey. She is available to meet by phone, over Zoom or in person and can help read the questions or click on your answers.

Kamisha's Corner

Hi everyone, for this month’s Kamisha’s Corner we will be talking about goal setting!


Goal setting is the process of creating a plan to achieve a desired result within a specific time frame. It involves committing to a goal with thought, emotion, and behavior.


What does goal setting mean and look like to you?


In my eyes the word goal setting can have many different meanings depending on the situation. For example, if you wanted to finish a book series. So you would give yourself like a month or so depending on how you want to handle it, and then every day for like 30 minutes you would read. 


Another example could be if you wanted to get a tattoo… remember when we talked about feelings and being respected in the last MASS Flash update? Well, since I felt strongly about the message and the quote I decided to go get one part of the quote tattooed on me for my birthday!


The most important part of this article is to let you know that you don’t have to finish something right away as long as you put your mind, heart, and soul into it that’s all that matters and you will be great no matter what you decide to do and you should be proud of yourself no matter what happens in the end!


Upcoming Meetings and Events

February

13

MDDC Bill-Sharing Event (link) Massachusetts State House, Room 428


24 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02133 or virtually via Zoom.


Less than 22 seats remain for those interested in attending in person. If you choose to attend virtually, you will receive a Zoom link via email after registering.

1:30pm - 3:30pm.

February

13

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.

February

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.

February

27

Breaking Barriers: Navigating Health Inequities at the Intersection of Black Identity and Disability (link)


Presented by The Health and Disability Program, in collaboration with the Division of Community Engagement via Zoom on Friday from

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM.

March

6

The 47th Annual Legislative Reception: "Safeguarding Our Rights Through Advocacy" (link)


We are excited to announce this year's Legislator of the Year Awardees: Senator Robyn K. Kennedy and Representative Sean Garballey who are tireless advocates for people with disabilities.


We anticipate several hundred people with disabilities, family members, and staff in the field will attend, as well as numerous elected and appointed officials. You will need to go through security, so please plan your schedule accordingly.


American Sign Language (ASL) has been requested, and CART will be provided.


Registration required.


Accommodations must be requested by Saturday, Feb 22.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM.

March

15

Vinfen Film Festival (link)


On Saturday, March 15, 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.


Complementary popcorn and water will be provided, and lunch options will be available at the 3pm break between films.


ASL interpreters are provided.


GBH Studios

1 Guest Street

Boston, MA 02135


11:30 AM - 7:30 PM.

Regional and Rainbow Updates

CENTRAL

REGION


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


https://www.wearemass.org/events/central-regional-meeting-111

PDF - Central Region Update - February 2025

SOUTHEAST

REGION


Regional Meeting: Wednesday, Feb 19 from 4:00pm - 5:00pm


https://www.wearemass.org/events/southeast-regional-meeting-47

PDF - Southeast Region Update -February 2025

METRO

REGION


Regional Meeting:

Tuesday, Feb 18 from 4:30pm - 5:30pm



https://www.wearemass.org/events/metro-regional-meeting-58

PDF - Metro Region Update -February 2025

CENTRAL

REGION


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


https://www.wearemass.org/events/central-regional-meeting-112

PDF - Central Region Update -February 2025

NORTHEAST

REGION


Regional Meeting:

Wednesday, Feb 19 from 4:00pm - 5:30pm



https://www.wearemass.org/events/northeast-regional-meeting-72

PDF - Northeast Region Update -February 2025

RAINBOW

GROUP


Rainbow Meeting:

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


https://www.wearemass.org/events/rainbow-group-meeting-72

PDF - Rainbow Group Update -February 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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