2025 Annual West Region Self Advocacy Conference

Self advocacy is an international civil rights movement started by and for people with disabilities. For over 40 years in Western Massachusetts, self advocates have added to the richness of our community by recognizing a need for change and calling for action. The Annual West Region Self Advocacy Conference was created to further these meaningful pursuits by facilitating collaboration and community. For two decades self advocates from across New England have come together at the conference to share knowledge, stories, collaborate to create change, and recognize one another’s efforts and accomplishments.

This year is especially meaningful for our community as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Massachusetts West Region Self Advocacy! This is a powerful opportunity to celebrate and reflect on our victories over the past three decades. Every year we select a theme based on the ideals of our movement; this year we are proud to highlight The Legacy of Self Advocacy: Past, Present, and Future. Every day we build on the accomplishments of our past and move forward towards an inclusive and equitable world for everyone.

We must acknowledge that even on the brink of this milestone anniversary, self advocates are actively facing new challenges in today’s world. The conference remains an important time to come together and harness the collective energy, wisdom, and passion of our community. We know that when people work together, revolutionary things happen.