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.

Craig Kinney grew up in Marion, MA, and has built a life defined by inclusion and independence. From being included throughout school and working since the age of 16, to moving into his own home over 12 years ago, he has consistently pursued his goals. Today, Craig works weekly as a bagger at his local New Bedford Market Basket. Employment is important to Craig to be self-sufficient and live his life as he chooses.

Several tools have been instrumental in helping him achieve his life goals. Person-Centered Planning has been an invaluable tool that has helped guide Craig and his family to achieve this enviable life and continues to support his journey. Craig also practices Supported Decision Making and is his own advocate for what he wants in his life. For many years, Craig and Sandra have provided testimony at state hearings on important disability advocacy bills and legislation. They will continue to advocate for the rights of all individuals to live, love, and belong in our society and have the “good things in life” that everyone deserves.

Morgan K. Whitlatch, J.D., is the Director of Supported Decision-Making Initiatives at the Center for Public Representation (CPR), a Massachusetts-based national legal advocacy center for people with disabilities.

At CPR, Morgan develops and implements strategies to advance the decision-making rights of people with disabilities in Massachusetts and across the country. She is the former Lead Project Director of the National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making.

Daysiree Perez-Batista is the Vice President of Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong (MASS) and a strong advocate for disability rights and self determination. She is also a Human Rights Specialist with UMass and works with students at Lawrence High School every three months to support advocacy and education.

Daysiree has a limited guardianship arrangement with a medical guardian who helps support her healthcare decisions. After growing up in the custody of the Department of Social Services, she chose to have a medical guardian at age 22 because she wanted trusted support while managing complex health issues. Daysiree believes that working together as a team with her guardian has helped her feel more supported and confident in her medical decisions.

Sam Paster is a self-advocate and Peer Trainer with Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong (MASS). He has been involved in advocacy work focused on disability rights, legislative issues, and improving systems for people with disabilities. Sam previously worked at the Massachusetts State House as a legislative assistant and currently serves on the Boston Disability Commission Board.

Sam has had a guardian since he was 18 years old, with his mother serving as his legal and medical guardian while his father helps support financial decisions. While under guardianship, Sam continues to advocate for having his own voice heard and is currently exploring Supported Decision-Making as an alternative option.

Betsy Johnson has over 30 years of experience working in the field of Medical Ethics. In her work as a Medical Ethicist, she has focused on advocacy with and for people who have intellectual challenges, people who have autism and people who have an acquired brain injury. Betsy has written about and spoken nationally on the topic of Medical Ethics and People with Disabilities.

In Betsy’s work, she is keenly aware of how disability bias can effect options offered to or for people with certain diagnoses. People can be judged as having a poor quality of life just because of a particular diagnosis. In reality, the person is enjoying a good quality of life, from their perspective. Decision making is personal and ought to reflect the values of the individual, not the values of others in a decision making role. In her role of medical ethicist, Betsy has the privilege of meeting with people who are self advocates to talk about options when making personal decisions, especially medical decisions. Many times, self advocates may choose to include family and friends in these discussions. One issue that shines through all conversations is the desire for a person to have control of their personal decisions. Whether this is through a health care proxy document, a durable power of attorney document, a Supported Decision Making agreement, limited guardianship or “full” guardianship, people still want to be in as much control as possible regarding personal decisions.