Maude helps us celebrate Human Rights Day

We celebrated Human Rights Day on Saturday, and are please to introduce you to Maude, a member of one of May's Human Rights Committees. We are grateful to Maude and others who help ensure the rights and amplify the voice of people with disabilities at May and around the country and beyond.

When Maude, who has received services from May Institute for the past three years, was asked to serve on the Human Rights Committee (HRC) for its Eastern Massachusetts division, she gave it some thought and then agreed.

“I told myself, ‘I gotta do this for the betterment of other people with disabilities,’” she confides. 

Keeping the individuals we serve safe, protecting their rights, promoting their welfare, and treating them with dignity and respect are among the most important expectations of and priorities for every person who works at May Institute. 

We have a number of safeguards in place to make sure we are successful in these efforts. One of these safeguards are HRC teams that meet regularly to review any significant incidents in our programs or residences.

Massachusetts’ Department of Developmental Services (DDS) requires each of its provider organizations to have an HRC to ensure that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive the supports they need, are free from mistreatment, and are provided with opportunities for self-determination in their daily lives. 

Our HRCs meet regularly to ensure the organization is meeting these standards of service. The Eastern Massachusetts HRC team includes Coordinator Justin Kelly, Director of Clinical Services for our May Center for Adult Services; an attorney, who serves as the chair; a medical professional; two parents; and two individuals May Institute serves, one of whom is Maude. 

“The individuals in our care who attend our HRC meetings are extremely valuable members of the team,” Justin says. “They provide first-hand knowledge about staff behavior and often want to discuss physical site issues such as appliances that may need to be replaced.”

“I think some people might be shocked to learn that I’m on this committee,” says Maude, “but other people might say ‘Yay!’ Being on the HRC gives me time to focus on other people who need help. It makes me so joyful because situations we discuss are getting better and we know we will be able to take care of more people.”

"We must answer tough questions and address situations to ensure rights are protected," shares Justin. "I think we’re doing a good job monitoring ourselves; we consistently earn a two-year license and certification from DDS.” 

When she offers suggestions during HRC meetings, Maude likes how her fellow teammates listen and consider her input before making decisions.

“I raise my hand when I want to speak, and people hear me,” she says. I want to speak for people like me and say ‘be strong, be yourself, and be powerful. Don’t let your disability control you.’

“I want to be a voice for people with disabilities.”