Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services

The importance of community partnerships was on full display this morning at the opening of ’ (HOPE) and ’s (JVS) new facility in downtown Brockton. The sparkling newly renovated space is the product of selfless coordination, cooperation and collaboration between HOPE, JVS, the Liberty Mutual Foundation and the Old Colony YMCA (). This will help expand inclusive services and employment opportunities for people living with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

The Massachusetts Family Leadership Series brought in advocates from across the Commonwealth for a lobby day at the State House. Jennifer Bertrand from the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council implored family members to personalize their stories when speaking to elected officials about their loved ones. furthered that point, saying, “There’s no more effective way to get through to a legislator than putting a face on the issue.” Commissioner Sarah Peterson encouraged family members to get involved through DDS’s Citizen Advisory Boards. For more information, please visit www.mass.gov/mddc.

DDS Staff from the Planning, Development, and Autism Services Division represented the agency at the Autism Connections Conference in Springfield today to promote the Children's Autism Waiver Program. Pictured from left are Katherine Callaway, Lori Cusson and Susan Kraemer, all Children's Autism Waiver Clinical Managers.

At the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, we support autistic people and their communities all year long through services, advocacy, and partnership.

We remain committed to building a more inclusive Commonwealth where autistic folx are respected, supported, and empowered—every day of the year.

We were thrilled to attend today's Partners for Youth with Disabilities (PYD) Brunch and Build, which featured a keynote address from "Love on the Spectrum" star .

Brunch & Build is an employer-focused breakfast experience that features:
*Networking with leaders in inclusion and workforce development
*A live demonstration of LEARN, PYD’s new employer training program
*Round table discussions with fellow employers
*A panel of young professionals and employer partners who built their pathway through PYD.

In the first photo are (from left) DesNeiges Harkness, DDS's Adult Autism Support Manager; Ellen Kilicarslan, DDS's Director of Family Support; Dani Bowman; Stephanie Coburn, DDS's Children's Autism Waiver Manager; and Jennifer Manci, DDS's Workforce Development Manager.

You may have heard the terms person-first and identity-first language. Here’s a simple way to understand the difference:

Person-first language puts the person before the diagnosis.

Example: “person with autism”

This approach was designed to emphasize someone’s humanity, especially in medical or clinical settings where people were often reduced to labels.

Identity-first language places the identity front and center.

Example: “autistic person”

Many neurodivergent individuals prefer this because their neurotype is not something separate from them—it’s a core part of who they are, not something they “have.”

So which one is correct?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.

A neurodiversity-affirming approach means:

Respecting individual preferences

Avoiding assumptions

Listening to how people describe themselves

For many in the autistic and broader neurodivergent community, identity-first language feels more authentic and empowering. But the most important thing is honoring each person’s choice.

When in doubt, ask—and be open to learning.

You may have heard people talk about different ways of understanding disability—two of the most common are the medical model and the social model. The difference between them shapes how autistic people are treated, supported, and understood every day.

The medical model of disability sees autism as something “wrong” within the individual—something to be treated, fixed, or cured. Support often focuses on reducing traits or helping someone appear more “typical.”

The social model of disability shifts the focus outward. It recognizes that people are disabled not just by their neurology, but by environments, systems, and expectations that aren’t designed with them in mind. Barriers—like sensory-unfriendly spaces, rigid communication norms, or lack of flexibility—are the problem, not the person.

A neurodiversity-affirming approach builds on the social model:

Autistic people don’t need to be fixed—they need to be understood, respected, and supported in ways that actually work for them.

This Autism Acceptance Month, we can all ask:

• What barriers can we remove?

• What assumptions can we challenge?

• How can we make space for different ways of thinking, communicating, and being? (1/2)

You may have heard people talk about different ways of understanding disability—two of the most common are the medical model and the social model. The difference between them shapes how autistic people are treated, supported, and understood every day.

The medical model of disability sees autism as something “wrong” within the individual—something to be treated, fixed, or cured. Support often focuses on reducing traits or helping someone appear more “typical.”

The social model of disability shifts the focus outward. It recognizes that people are disabled not just by their neurology, but by environments, systems, and expectations that aren’t designed with them in mind. Barriers—like sensory-unfriendly spaces, rigid communication norms, or lack of flexibility—are the problem, not the person.

A neurodiversity-affirming approach builds on the social model:

Autistic people don’t need to be fixed—they need to be understood, respected, and supported in ways that actually work for them.

This Autism Acceptance Month, we can all ask:

• What barriers can we remove?

• What assumptions can we challenge?

• How can we make space for different ways of thinking, communicating, and being?

Because inclusion isn’t about changing people—it’s about changing systems.