Anne Fracht: Employee and Self-Advocate

Meet Anne – Advocates’ employee, self-advocate, and the next honoree in our 40 Years, 40 Caring Partners series.  Anne is a remarkable self-advocate and an outspoken champion for the self-advocacy movement. We admire her passionate and strong voice that empowers people with disabilities in the community to speak up for themselves and make decisions about their own lives. Read on to learn how Anne partners with the self-advocacy community and peers at Advocates.

Why and how did you get involved with Advocates?
I had an administrative job where I was filing papers and didn’t like it. I needed a job that allowed me to do what I am passionate about– advocating for people. I started at Advocates in the summer of 2009 as the Self-Advocacy Coordinator.

How have you been involved in shaping creative solutions for better lives at Advocates and beyond?
My biggest contribution is getting others involved in self-advocacy. People with disabilities deserve the same pay, the same kinds of jobs, and the same medical care as others. We need to make a point to professionals that we matter. I lead meetings for a self-advocacy group  where we talk about issues in world of self-advocacy, things going on in our personal lives, and fun things like sports, events, and boating. We plan community events, like dances, a couple times each year. The Leadership Series are trainings we do with another group. It brings the communities together. We train on human rights, how to speak up for yourself, and to go out and meet your legislatures. We create presentations that are shared at national self-advocacy conferences and meetings.

I’m currently the Chairperson of Mass. Advocates Standing Strong, the state wide advocacy organization, and serve on the Governor’s Commission on Intellectual Disabilities, Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered Board, Disability Advocates Advancing our Healthcare Board, and DDS Self-Determination Advisory Board.
   
What has been a favorite accomplishment or other highlight of your partnership with Advocates and why?
My favorite accomplishment is helping others get involved and getting people to speak up for themselves. Self-advocacy is really about speaking up for yourself, helping others, and learning how to become independent. It’s not just a title.

What do you envision for collaborating with Advocates in the future? What do you hope to accomplish in the future? Is there another community you would like to be involved in?
Years ago I would have said I’d like to work on getting the youth involved with self-advocacy, but now I have people helping me do that. I’d like to continue to get more people at Advocates involved in self-advocacy. I am trying to get people to attend the Arc of Massachusetts/Mass Developmental Disabilities Council Legislative Reception at the State House on March 9th. I would love to see people at the State House!

Why do you think partnerships are a key to success when supporting individuals with disabilities or other life challenges?
I train staff to allow the individuals they work with to express their own thoughts. People have the right to take risks and fail. It’s important for individuals with disabilities to get out to the State House and visit their legislators – let them know who you are and how you feel. Staff can partner with us and help us do that. It’s good to get to know your peers and stand together.

What would friends and supporters of Advocates be most surprised to learn about you?
I like music, especially classic R&B. I’m a huge Temptations fan.