Marlborough, MA, May 19th & 20th, 2023, with Mass Advocates Standing Strong. MASS is a state-wide, self-advocacy organization run for and by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
*MASS 25 Year Anniversary Gala & Self-Advocacy Conference is two days of workshops, keynote speakers, awards, and in-person friendship and networking.
Keynote Speaker – Marissa Pike: As someone who spent 10 years in the foster care system, Marissa Pike became interested in self advocacy as she felt that her life was not becoming what she intended it to be. Marissa holds an associates in Early Childhood Education, a certificate in Developmental Disabilities, and a bachelors in Criminal Justice. She currently serves on the North Shore Citizens Advisory Board, as well as the self-direction advisory board. She works as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), working the North Shore 911 system. * Marissa often speaks about her role in advocating for a correct diagnosis. Marissa for years felt that a piece of her was missing. She speaks about the way finding the correct diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder changed her care, as well as her life.
To register or for more information visit https://ma-advocates.org/ or contact info@wearemass.org.
Additonal Speakers:
* Matt Brown: Matt Brown was a 15-year-old sophomore at Norwood High School in Massachusetts when he suffered a spinal cord injury during a high school hockey game in 2010. He spent 21 days at Children’s Hospital Boston, then 100 days in Atlanta, GA at the Shepherd Center Rehabilitation Center before returning to his home town of Norwood. He is the author of the book Line Change, which he wrote with Todd Civin, which chronicles his experiences, from the day of the accident to current day. The book gives the reader a personal account of what Matt was feeling and experiencing over the last 10 years, as well as hearing from his family and friends on how Matt has affected their lives.
* Matt is also a motivational speaker to high schools, colleges, and professional organizations about dealing with challenges and change and overcoming adversity
Robert Schmus: Robert serves as a clinician at Youth Consultation Services. In his practice, Robert supports adolescents with developmental disabilities, including autism, utilizing a variety of therapeutic interventions. His experience as a clinical professional on the spectrum of autism places him in a very unique role. He served as a board member of ASCEND (Autism & Asperger’s Alliance of Greater Philadelphia) and in an advisory capacity for the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute of Philadelphia.
* As a self advocate, Robert brings his refreshing, insightful perspectives as a clinician and a person with autism to his presentations, providing helpful information to families, autistics and other neurodivergents, as well as people who support them.
Entertainment – the Plugged In Band Program: Plugged In Band Program has a non-competitive approach to learning, a sense of community, and positive change-making through music. Their musicians thrive in a space without hierarchies or band leaders, where those of all abilities and skill levels are met where they are. In this environment of compassion, our students learn the power of helping others and loving themselves.