advocacy
Position Papers
Our position papers reflect the Core Values and Guiding Principles of our organization. We have developed these position papers in response to some of the most serious issues impacting people with disabilities and their families.
Position Paper on Supported Decision-Making
[Adopted December 9, 2019]
Documento de posición para de toma de decisiones con apoyo en español
Position Paper on Aversive Behavioral Practices
[Adopted August 29, 2007; Updated November 2, 2012]
Documento de posición de prácticas aversivas de comportamiento
Position Paper on State Facilities
[Adopted February 1, 2008; amended November 2. 2012; amended February 5, 2014; amended February 8, 2015]
Documento de posición a las instituciones del estado
Position Paper on Meetings at Certain Facilities
[Adopted September 26, 2001; Revised June 26, 2006; amended November 2, 2012; amended February 5, 2014; amended February 2015]
Documento de posición de reuniones en instalaciones ciertas [Venidero]
Legislative Alerts & Advocacy Updates
Advocacy Starts With Relationships: Join Our Annual Legislator Love Note Campaign
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about candy hearts and cards. It’s also a powerful reminder that relationships matter. When it comes to advocacy, real change happens when lawmakers know who we are, what we care about, and why our communities matter. It’s easier to move...
Advocacy at UMass Amherst
Since last Fall, Sue, Western Mass Family Leadership Coordinator, has been working with a group of UMass Amherst students who are involved with the Boltwood Project, a student run civil service group that focuses on the disability community. This great group of...
Spread Love with MassFamilies this Valentine’s Day
They say that honey catches more flies than vinegar, so let's be sweet to our elected officials! MassFamilies invites you to join us in stealing our legislators' hearts this Valentine's Day with our annual Legislator Love Notes Campaign. Each Valentine's Day, we...
MassFamilies hosts its 2024 Annual Meeting 🎉
MassFamilies would like to thank everyone who logged on to the 2024 Annual meeting on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Our Annual Meeting is a chance to report out on our activities over the past year and share our plans for the upcoming year! Highlights Check out the...
Application period for 2025 Western Mass Family Leadership Series now open!
Since 1990, MassFamilies has provided the Family Leadership Series to empower families and individuals to live and engage in their communities. Applications for the 2025 West Region Family Leadership Series are now being accepted. In-Person sessions will take place in...
Love is in the Air! MassFamilies Legislator Love Note Campaign
Valentine's Day is right around the corner and it's time to spread some love. For Valentine's Day, we are encouraging all families in our network to send a Valentine to their State Representative and Senator. We are deeply appreciative to our legislators for all they...