We are so very lucky and honored to have Brian Heffernan as this year’s keynote speaker at the YOUR IDEAS COUNT Annual MASS Conference! His accomplishments are limitless and are a true inspiration to all.
Brian is a 28 year old self-advocate from West Newton. He attended MassBay Community College for 5 years, where he completed the Transitional Scholars Program. Later, he was also accepted in the MAC Internship program.
But this was just a beginning. From there on Brian testified at the State House in support of many bills, including a bill to improve transition services for young adults with disabilities. He’s had a number of speaking engagements at BU, BC, and Harvard to name a few.
When Brian isn’t out speaking to a crowd and advocating he is busy working at the State House, Star Market, as well as Fenway Park. But self-advocacy is his calling and it is reflected in everything he’s involved with. Join us on October 19th to hear this young man of so many talents and dreams share how you too can advocate and make YOUR IDEAS COUNT!
Where
Sheraton Framingham Hotel & Conference Center
1657 Worcester Rd., Framingham, MA 01701
Driving Directions
Contact:
Marie D'Aoust
MASS Advocates Standing Strong
617-624-7549
info@ma-advocates.org
Self-Advocates, Family, Friends, Providers, and Allies, you are invited to register for the event of the year!
MASS ADVOCATES STANDING STRONG
Presents 
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Sheraton Framingham Hotel & Conference Center
1657 Worcester Road, Framingham, MA 01701
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM*
*Registration check-in starts at 8:00 AM. Please arrive at 8:00 AM to avoid the line.
How do you register online?
To register online please click the 'Register Now' button and complete the online registration form. You may register for multiple people on the online registration. Please complete all the required information for each individual attendee. Thanks!
2019 Conference Workshop Descriptions
When you complete your registration you will be asked to select your two top AM and PM workshop choices. We will do our best to give you your first choice if it is still open. Register soon to guarentee your spot!
Morning (AM) Workshop Options
1A) Supported Decision-Making (SDM) – Presenter Kim Plaut. Support – Hezzy Smith. This workshop and interactive Q&A will cover all aspects of what supported decision-making is and how to achieve it.
1B) Healthy Relationships: Presenter Pauline Bosma of the Rainbow Support Group. Support – Heidi Sue LeBoeuf. This workshop will explore various aspects of respectful relationships.
1C) What are the Bare Bones of Self-Advocacy and Leadership? Presenters Patrick Birmingham, Rebecca Fillmore and Robert Lydon. Support – Laurel Hickey. Presenters will cover the SALS series, team building and how to take political action.
1D) Finding Your Voice: Presenters Patty Quatieri and Leigh Ann Barry will focus on self-care and empowering one’s peers.
1E) Transportation Workshop + Panel Q&A Presenters Kamisha Heriveaux and Reggie Clark will speak about their daily experiences with transportation. They will discuss the challenges and some ideas for improvements. The workshop will include a panel Q&A where transportation representatives (TBD) will participate and answer additional questions.
Afternoon (PM) Workshop Options
2A) Finding Self-Confidence; Building Self-Esteem – Presenter – Therese Laporte. Support – Rebecca Christie. Presentation offers powerful insights into the presenter’s life experiences and how to overcome obstacles to try something new.
2B) Self-Direction – Presenters – TBD. This workshop will include stories/lessons from self-advocates directing their supports.
2C) Promoting Positive Outcomes with Law Enforcement and the Disability Community: Presenter Ashley Quick will speak about ideas for how to improve communication between law enforcement and the disability community.
2D) Reaching Out for Success: Presenters Isa Green and Cynthia Goldberg with supporters Scott Maguire and Julie Silversteen will speak about their personal success stories and how to deal with life’s issues such as a career, love, and adversity.
2E) The Marriage Penalty: Presenter – Donna Jay. Support – Wanda Burns. This workshop will cover what the Marriage Penalty is and what it means for self-advocates who decide they want to marry.
Need to pay another way?
Email your questions to: info@ma-advocates.org
Want to print a paper copy of the registration brochure?
