About this Event
Join us for a day of advocacy, friendship, and fun at the MASS Annual Self-Advocacy Conference! Learn from your peers, network with fellow self-advocates, and make Your IDEAS Count!
Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 9am - 4:30pm
Registration closes completely on Tuesday, October 6. No walk-ins, you must register to attend. Questions, or need to pay another way? Email [email protected] for more information.
This conference is made possible thanks to our generous sponsors! Become a sponsor or exhibitor by going here: www.WeAreMASS.org/sponsorship
Platinum Sponsors:
Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-developmental-disabilities-council
Grow Sponsors:
Advocates https://advocates.org/
Vinfen https://vinfen.org/
DDS https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-developmental-services
Build Sponsors:
Delta Projects https://www.deltaprojects.org/
Road to Responsibility https://www.roadtoresponsibility.org/
Beaverbrook STEP www.beaverbrookstep.org
The Guild for Human Services https://www.guildhumanservices.org/
Bay Cove Human Services https://baycovehumanservices.org/
Develop Sponsors:
Northeast Arc https://ne-arc.org/
Seven Hills Foundation https://www.sevenhills.org/
Sunshine Village https://www.sunshine.us/
Entertainment (interactive and accessible dance)
Dance Latin Boston is dedicated to improving community health through movement, joy, and connection. They believe prevention begins with activity — moving the body, lifting the spirit, and strengthening the community. Classes combine dance, light exercise, and motivation — all designed to prevent disease, reduce stress, and boost happiness.
Raffle
Buy your tickets during the conference and try to win a prize!
Prizes include gift cards to restaurants across Massachusetts, vouchers for bowling and mini-golf, tickets to sports events and theaters, and so much more!
Keynote: Beth Kollett is a self-advocate and Board Member of Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong (MASS), representing the Central Region as an At-Large member. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Stepping Stones Community Theater and enjoys candlepin bowling.
Beth uses a Supported Decision-Making Agreement (SDMA) instead of guardianship and works with her mother as a supporter while continuing to make her own decisions. Beth became the first person in Massachusetts to officially complete and notarize a Supported Decision-Making Agreement written in braille on August 24, 2022.
Beth shared that, “The process was difficult and long, but worth it,” and explained that it helped make her a stronger advocate for herself and others. Through Supported Decision-Making, Beth is able to choose what types of decisions she wants support with while still remaining in control of her own life and choices.
Agenda
🕑: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Sponsor and Exhibitor Check-in
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:45 AM
General Attendee Check-in and Nametags - Meet & Greet
🕑: 09:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Opening Welcome (Main Ballroom) Sponsor and Special Guest recognition.
🕑: 10:15 AM - 10:35 AM
Keynote Speaker, Beth Kollett (Main Ballroom)
🕑: 10:35 AM - 11:00 AM
MASS Peer Screening Squad Health Video Screening (Main Ballroom)
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Walk and roll to Morning Workshop Block#1.
Info: (See Program Book for workshop options, map, and location.)
🕑: 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
Morning Workshop Block#1
Info: (See Program Book for workshop options, map, and location.)
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:10 PM
Walk and roll back to the ballroom for lunch.
Info: (Lunch starts at 12:10 pm.)
🕑: 12:10 PM - 01:40 PM
Lunch (1.50 hours)
Info: Lunch will take place in the Main Ballroom from 12:10 to 1:40 PM. During lunch we will also have the awards ceremony for statewide and regional awards.
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:40 PM
Awards: Statewide + Regional (Main Ballroom)
Info: STATEWIDE AWARDS - The Craig Smith Spirit Award, The Judi Rodger Mentorship Award, The Janet Laperle Encouragement Award, the MDDC/MASS Sandra Houghton Self-Advocate of The Year Award, The Pauline Bosma LGBTQ+ Leadership Award, The Alfred “Big Al” Daigle LGBTQ+ Community Support Award, The John Gibbons Rainbow Group of the Year, REGIONAL AWARDS: Gunnar Dybwad Supporter Award, Nancy Maynard Leadership Award
🕑: 01:40 PM - 02:15 PM
Leave Ballroom for Regional Meet Ups, Exhibitors, or buy raffle tickets.
Info: From 1:40 pm to 2:15 pm we will clear the front of the ballroom to set up the space for Dance Latin Boston. During this time we will ask people to leave the ballroom and visit with exhibitors or meet up with your region in one of the open workshop rooms.
🕑: 02:15 PM - 03:00 PM
Dance Latin Boston Performance (Main Ballroom)
Info: Join in the fun with this interactive and accessible performance with Dance Latin Boston from 2:15pm to 3:00pm in the Main Ballroom.
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:10 PM
Walk and roll to Afternoon Workshop Block#2.
Info: (See Program Book for workshop options, map, and location.)
🕑: 03:10 PM - 03:55 PM
Afternoon Workshop Block#2
Info: (See Program Book for workshop options, map, and location.)
🕑: 03:55 PM - 04:05 PM
Walk and roll back to the ballroom for the final raffle draw.
🕑: 04:05 PM - 04:30 PM
Final Raffle Draw (Main Ballroom)
Info: The final raffle draw will take place in the Main Ballroom at the end of the day. Raffle winners will be mailed their raffle prize if not present for the final raffle drawing.
Event venue & nearby stays
Norwood Conference Center at the Four Points by Sheraton Norwood, 1125 Boston-Providence Turnpike, Norwood, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.