Preciphist

NewburyportNews.com, Newburyport, MA
October 2, 2008
Self-advocates, supporters celebrate 'respect'
By Liz King
SALISBURY — For John Anton, the name change of the Department of Mental Retardation to the Department of Developmental Services was a long time coming, and now it's time to celebrate.
"The name change (in July) was a major accomplishment that we all achieved," said Anton, chairman of the Mass Advocates Standing Strong (MASS). "The self-advocates worked hard as a team to overcome this together."
Now, self-advocates and supporters will celebrate their successful campaign by participating in a 25-mile relay, The Trek for Respect, which will recognize the teamwork that made the name change a reality.
"I hope this will show a shift in thinking," said Newburyport's Buddy Bostick, 18-year veteran of the DMR. "The people that receive support should have a say in it. They should have more choice and control."
The event starts in Haverhill and ends with a symbolic finish by Anton and state Rep. Michael Costello under a banner bearing the new name.
"I was honored to walk in the Trek for Respect. They have worked long and hard to gain a place, and a respectful place, in society," Costello said. "I cannot wait to walk."
The walk/run relay will end at the Beach Club in Salisbury and culminate with a concert on the waterfront.
"After I was introduced to Buddy, we teamed up and began working on this," said Mark Sgro, co-founder of the Have a Dream Foundation. "I saw over years that programs like these don't have funding for entertainment, so we decided to make it happen."
Bands include acoustic act John Gerard opening at 2 p.m.; Leaving Eden, who have opened for Alice Cooper and the Dropkick Murphys; rock band Preciphist; former Universal and Sony R&B artist Tashawn King; up-and-comers Project 57; and international reggae group Nachilus.
"All the bands are at least local to Boston," Sgro said. "It's really diversified; there's something for everyone."
All bands donated their time, and Preciphist'a sound and lighting company donated their services with a sound tech free of charge for the event.
The fundraiser for MASS gives the self-advocates and supporters a chance to celebrate respect for people of all abilities.
"I've had a lifetime of being humiliated by the word 'retard.' It's so hurtful," said Anton, 42. "Changing the name of the department was important because changing the name changes attitudes. People see us as humans."
Over a decade ago, Anton brought up the proposal for the department's name change to a local regional advocacy group who, along with Bostick, approached Costello shortly after he took office.
"The name change has been a long-time goal," said Bridget Crowley, Northeast coordinator of MASS. "In the past, there was opposition, but folks in New England took leadership. MASS explained to Mike (Costello) how it felt to be labeled. He didn't see any barriers, only potential."
They told Costello about the stigma attached to the term and took him to a MASS meeting. Anton also notes that Massachusetts was one of the last states to change the department name. For the next four years, Costello advocated for the name change.
"No one can know how bad people feel when they hear the 'r word,'" Bostick said. "A positive label would shed a positive light on people, as well as a positive outlook."
Costello had filed legislation to change the name of DMR in each of the last three legislative sessions before it passed. Concerns had surfaced over what the name change would mean, including whether it would widen the range of disabilities the agency would focus on or how it would change funding. Costello re-filed the bill, including a provision in the bill stating the agency will continue to serve the developmentally disabled who meet the current requirements.
The efforts proved to be a success, as House Bill 4610 was included in the state's 2009 budget, which Gov. Deval Patrick passed this summer. Bostick said the new governor and commission were a big help in the push.
"The name change shows that the self-advocates are a powerful group," Bostick said. "They know what they want; all they need is a little support to get it."
The bill takes effect on June 30, 2009, officially changing the department's title to the Department of Developmental Disability Services.
Anton, who has Down syndrome, has been positive through the whole journey.
"No matter what disability we have, we're never 'down;' we're up. We have 'up' syndrome," Anton said. "We're adults. We have a head on our shoulders, and we can speak for ourselves."
Not only did Anton work with Costello on the bill, he has been interning at the Statehouse in Boston. And in January, he starts a full-time paid job at the Statehouse as a legislative advocacy consultant.
"I'll be working on bills, going to meetings. It's a great opportunity for me to help other self-advocates," Anton said. "I can make an impact on others."
MASS is currently working with other organizations on the Awareness and Action Project, which aims to educate and raise awareness about abuse.
In addition, Anton recently gave a presentation on self-advocacy to about 60 people in Hyannis, where he received two standing ovations.
With his self-advocacy campaigning, his involvement in MASS and ARC (Advocacy for the intellectually impaired and disabled), and his political work, it seems Anton has his plate full.
"The name change is one major burden off my shoulders," he said. "I was there when the bill passed, and I was overjoyed. We have accomplished a big goal, and the relay and concert are the best opportunity to live it up."
If you go:
What: Rock for Respect
Where: The Salisbury Beach Pavilion — 4 Ocean Front North
When: Saturday, Oct. 4, continuous music from 2 to 10 p.m. Estimated Trek finish between 3:45 and 4:15 p.m.
How: 21-plus, $10 cover charge.
For more information, call 781-789-4274

- NewburyportNews, Newburyport, MA