Massachusetts West Region Self Advocacy

Category: Uncategorized

  • Leadership Through Advocacy Group Updates

    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. Here are some of our recent accomplishments:

    • Presented a workshop on legislative advocacy, helping others learn how to make their voices heard and participate in the legislative process.
    • Advocated for disability rights by providing testimony on legislation and writing letters to lawmakers.
    • Celebrated a leadership milestone as LTA member Scott Volker was appointed to the Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong (MASS) State Board, representing the voices of self advocates from across the commonwealth.
    • Continued building leadership skills and strengthening self-advocacy through active participation in local and statewide initiatives.

    Join Us!

    LTA is actively seeking new members. Whether you’re just getting started with self advocacy or have years of experience, we welcome you to join our group. It’s a great place to meet new people, develop leadership skills, learn about advocacy, and make a difference in your community.

  • Rainbow Group Relaunch

    Rainbow Group Relaunch

    West Region Rainbow Support Group is Back!!



    The Rainbow Support Group provides support and information to
    individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities who
    identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex,
    asexual, or are questioning. In this group, we will talk about
    identity, community support, resources, rights, pride activities, and
    other topics that are important to the group. We hope this can be a
    space where people can feel respected, heard, and supported.

    For more information please contact:
    Becky Xu, Self-Advocacy Regional Coordinator
    (413) 887-4205
    RXu@wmtcinfo.org

  • Intern Wanted

    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 Self Advocacy, aims to enhance the quality of life for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) in Massachusetts by providing tailored sexual education. Our mission is to develop a specialized sexuality education curriculum that addresses the unique needs of this population, focusing on sexual health, safety, and fostering confidence to engage in healthy relationships. This initiative is crucial for filling existing gaps in sexual education and ensuring that individuals with ID/DD have the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate their intimate lives safely and confidently.

    Massachusetts West Region Self Advocacy is a team of local self-advocates working together to promote education, equal rights, responsibility, and informed choice for people with disabilities to live full lives in the community.

    Position Overview:

    The Project Intern/Research Assistant will be integral to the Becoming a Sexual Self Advocate campaign, contributing to the development and implementation of the specialized sexuality education curriculum for adults with ID/DD. The role involves assisting with curriculum development, content creation, and evaluation efforts.

    Key Responsibilities:

    • Content Creation (Video Editing & Design):
      • Assist in creating educational assets such as handouts, guides, visual materials, and instructional videos.
      • Utilize video editing and design tools to develop engaging and accessible digital content to support the curriculum.
      • Ensure all assets are well-designed, accessible, and suitable for the target audience with ID/DD.
    • Metrics, Evaluation, and Focus Group Support:
      • Assist in developing metrics to assess the effectiveness of the Becoming a Sexual Self Advocate curriculum.
      • Track and analyze data related to participant knowledge, comfort levels, and engagement with the curriculum.
      • Support the coordination and organization of focus groups, including scheduling, preparing materials, and collecting feedback.
      • Analyze focus group insights and data to measure program outcomes and success.
    • Outreach and Advocacy:
      • Support the project team in promoting the campaign through social media, newsletters, and community outreach initiatives.
      • Assist in identifying potential collaborators, such as schools, community organizations, and advocacy groups.
      • Help organize and prepare materials for workshops, webinars, or other public events.
    • Administrative Support:
      • Assist with scheduling meetings, maintaining project documentation, and organizing files.

    Preferred Skills:.

    • Strong interest in sexual education, disability rights, curriculum development, and/or content creation.
    • Excellent writing and communication skills.
    • Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
    • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
    • Experience with or interest in working with individuals with disabilities is a plus.
    • Proficiency in video editing tools (e.g., Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or similar).
    • Experience with design software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Canva).
    • Experience with data collection and analysis, or an interest in learning how to track and measure program outcomes.
    • Experience or interest in assisting with focus group logistics.

    How to Apply:

    Please submit a resume, and cover letter to Amber Pettell, Self Advocacy Peer Coordinator, at Apettell@wmtcinfo.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

  • Conference Reminders

    Conference Reminders

    Arrival and Parking

    The event is located at the Sheraton Monarch Place Hotel in downtown Springfield. We’ll be on the third floor. 

    The registration/check-in window starts at 9am and ends at 10am. Please plan to arrive by 9:45 at the latest. 
     

    You are asked to park in either the Sheraton Garage or the 91 South Garage. These will be the ONLY two garages where we are able to validate parking. To have your parking validated visit the front desk of the hotel.

    Check-In

    When you arrive please proceed to the registration table with the red banner.

    If you prepaid you will get in line at the left side. If you still need to pay look for the “Pay at the Door” sign at the right.

    Fun Stuff!

    Along with a great line up of speakers and workshops we’ll have music, raffles, and vendors. Maybe consider bringing some spending cash.

    We’ll see you Saturday!!

  • Join Our Team!

    Join Our Team!

    Self-Advocacy Regional Coordinator

    The Consortium (www.wmtcinfo.org) is in search of a part-time Regional Self-Advocacy Coordinator. This position involves teaming with the Self-Advocacy Peer Coordinator, 20 hours/week (some afternoon and evenings required), to support the West Region Self-Advocacy Program including working with local Self-Advocacy Groups in Holyoke and Springfield, as well as planning and support for the Western MA Region https://pfr.iax.mybluehost.me/website_149b6245/. The Regional Self-Advocacy Coordinator also supports/facilitates monthly meetings of the Rainbow Support Group. Hourly rate $21/hour.

    Experience working with adults with developmental disabilities, identification with LGBTQIA+ lived experience, and/or lived experience with disability experience preferred.  Excellent benefits offered. Doing “with” and not “for” is essential to the approach of this position.

    West Region Self Advocacy is a team of local self-advocates working together to promote education, equal rights, responsibility and informed choice for people with disabilities to live full lives in the community. Responsibilities for this position include supporting self-determination, individual mentoring and group support, developing leadership skills, community support, and public relations. Duties include coordinating meetings, actively participating in legislative and community advocacy, identifying resources, working with Self-Advocates and the Self-Advocacy Peer Coordinator to host an annual regional conference, and providing detailed documentation.

    A valid driver’s license, two years safe driving history, reliable transportation, competency in Microsoft Office Suite, social media, and flexibility in scheduling required. In addition, a variety of life experiences that can demonstrably enhance sensitivity to issues of persons with disabilities (this may include parenting, teaching, and other care-giving experiences) as well as competency and a demonstrated commitment to social justice.

    The Consortium is committed to undoing systems of oppression and the harms they have caused. It actively works toward building an anti-racist environment and a sense of belonging.

    If you are interested in applying for this position, please send a cover letter and resume to Kathy Chaisson  at KChaisson@wmtcinfo.org.  This position will be posted until filled.

  • Virtual Option for 2022 Conference

    Virtual Option for 2022 Conference

    In light of the current COVID 19 numbers West Region Self Advocacy will be providing an extra virtual option for our 2022 Self Advocacy Conference. Online attendees will be able to see our key note speaker Dr. Temple Grandin as well as participate on our Q & A session with DDS Central/West Director Anthony Keane and view the awards ceremony. Registration can be accessed on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/99074992971

  • 2022 Conference Theme

    2022 Conference Theme

    We are excited to announce that next year’s theme will be Building Friendships!