Self advocates learn skills and information to help us stand up for ourselves, such as communication skills, human rights and legal rights, how laws get made, and strategies for creating change.
Self advocates create relationships that are respectful and meaningful to everyone involved. Self advocates build lifelong friendships and learn the benefits of being part of a group.
Self advocates are role models for others. Self advocates are leaders in our communities who create the changes we wish to see in the world.
Amber joined the Self Advocacy team in 2015 though she has been involved in self advocacy in one way or another since she was a young teenager. She comes to the job with her own lived experience of having a disability and is deeply passionate about creating a society that validates and celebrates differences instead of creating harmful stigmas. Outside of work Amber's favorite hobby is watching movies.
Prior to joining the Self Advocacy team in December 2023, Ris worked in early childhood education and support work for adults with disabilities. She comes to this job with a longstanding commitment to social justice and mutual aid. Originally from the Boston area, Ris holds a B.A. in Sociology from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY. Outside of work, you can find her doing yoga, gardening, or spending time with her cats.
James is a veteran self advocate who has been working with the Self Advocacy team for more than a decade. He brings a unique voice to the team. His skills, knowledge, and leadership abilities have made him very respected among his peers. Outside of work James is very close with his family and enjoys sports.
From September 23-25, 2024 West Region Self Advocate Steven Tobey and Self Advocacy Peer Coordinator, Amber Pettell traveled to Marlborough, MA to participate in the 2024 Paul W. Spooner Generational Leadership Summit. The summit, hosted Read more…
Job Title:Project Intern/Research Assistant Organization:The Consortium/Massachusetts West Region Self Advocacy Location:Holyoke, MA (Remote/Hybrid options available) Position Type:Internship – For Academic Credit (Part-time, 10-15 hours/week) Becoming a Sexual Self Advocate, a project of Massachusetts West Region Read more…
Massachusetts West Region Self Advocacy
187 High Street Suite 303
Holyoke, MA 01040