Advocacy
Adopt the Federal Definition of Developmental Disabilities for Adults
COVID-19 cannot stop DDU Advocacy!
(only stop advocacy meetings…)
Remind state legislators what Strong Endorsements our DDU bill has!
Family members, advocates and policymakers met for a legislative breakfast on July 10th at the Massachusetts State House in support of our bill before the legislature, “An Act Relative to Persons with Disabilities.” Very special thanks to Senator Joan Lovely and Representative Jim O’Day for organizing this wonderful event and for their continuous support!
Share Your Story!
Do you know someone with an FASD? Family member, friend, or ally, tell your legislator why FASD matters to you.
Tell Your Story in Six Sentences
View our newest advocacy flier…
Contact Your Legislator
From Awareness to Advocacy: Legislative FAST Facts and current massFAS endorsements.
Family members and advocates attend Developmental Disabilities Day at the Massachusetts State House on March 6, 2019!
Ask
Ask your legislator to support our goal. We are asking the Mass. Department of Developmental Services to expand eligibility criteria to include all developmental disabilities for individuals who have IQs over 70 and have substantial functional limitations.
Visit malegislature.gov to find your legislator, and use our sample advocacy letter to ask them to support our goal.
Download a sample advocacy letter…
View contact information for representatives on the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities here.
State Senator Joan Lovely with massFAS staff (left)
State Representative Jim O’Day with family advocates (middle)
State Representative Mindy Domb with family advocate and massFAS staff (right)
“There is strength in numbers, so the more families that show their support for this legislation and voice how this bill will positively affect their lives, the more traction the bill will get. Therefore, I am so happy to know that there are parents and families that want to continue advocating for the legislation we’re going to file this upcoming session. I greatly look forward to working with massFAS and families affected by FASD because together we can truly make a difference.”
State Representative Jim O’Day (Worcester)
Read Representative O’Day’s full letter discussing FASD…
Not sure where to start?
- Download our massFAS Fact Sheet to share with your legislator
- View tips for testifying before a committee
- Review the recent history of Intellectual Disabilities definitions
- Tips for Talking with Questioning Legislators or Advocates