What is Self Advocacy

Learn

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.


Connect

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.

Advocate

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.

Meet our team

We love Self Advocacy!

Amber Pettell

Peer Coordinator

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. Amber holds a Master's in Public Interest Communication from the University of Florida. As part of her ongoing commitment to the disability rights movement Amber is currently serving on the MA Developmental Disabilities Council and the PCA Workforce Council. Her hobbies include watching movies and graphic design.


Becky Xu

Regional Coordinator

Becky joined the Self Advocacy team with experience in community-based support and research. With an academic background in Psychology and International Relations, she comes to this work with a strong commitment to social justice and to supporting self-determination by working with people rather than for them. Becky is passionate about helping individuals build leadership skills, access resources, and have their voices heard within their communities. Outside of work, she enjoys watching musicals and cooking.

James Miller

James Miller

Regional Facillitator

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.

West Region News

Stay informed

Game Night

You’re Invited to Self Advocacy Game Night! Looking for a fun evening to connect with friends, meet new people, and enjoy some friendly competition? Join West Region Self Advocacy for our Self Advocacy Game Night! Read more…

Leadership Through Advocacy Group Updates

LTA continues to make a positive impact through advocacy, leadership, and community engagement. Members are working together to educate others, influence public policy, and create opportunities for people with disabilities to have their voices heard. Read more…

Get in Touch

Massachusetts West Region Self Advocacy

187 High Street Suite 303

Holyoke, MA 01040

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