Opportunities for People With Disabilities, Southeastern Massachusetts

Scott Gilchrest, Jeanette Villani, Steve Villani and Charles Kennedy of Yarmouth and Cheryle Goold of Dennisport have all received an achievement certificate from the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council after attending their eight-week course in Hyannis. They obtained their certificates on March 3 “In recognition of outstanding accomplishments and contributions in completion of The Self-Advocacy Leadership Series.”

The purpose of the course is to train individuals with disabilities to speak up for themselves and others, to express their special needs and to learn leadership skills to advocate successfully for people with disabilities. Cheryle says that the course gave her “an uplift in her life” and she hopes to start a local self-advocacy group. Jeanette feels she now has a stronger voice and is grateful that, through the class, she has made a new friend. Charles particularly enjoyed learning to make his graduation speech using a microphone.   

Nicole Cummings of Dennis who earned her certificate of achievement just last year from the MDDC was this year’s certificate presenter. Nicole is currently a member of and contributor to www.TheTravelingWheelchair.com where she posts reviews of places she visits, indicating how accessible they are to people in wheelchairs. In addition, three Community Connections staff– Midge Gamble, Katarina Soldatov and Susanne Norman – received certificates for supporting the participants during the course.