Melissa Lewis, MSW
Senior Vice President of Operations, Intellectual/Developmental Disability and Brain Injury
People with developmental disabilities at Advocates find a supportive community where they can live, work, learn, and play in accordance with their own goals, interests, and needs. Within all of our programs, we emphasize personal choice and support individuals in leading productive, fulfilling lives of their own design.
Services
Children's ABA Services
We provide high-quality, individualized, and intensive support services to children and young adults who have been diagnosed with autism, developmental disabilities, and behavioral challenges. By listening deeply to children and families, we are able to tailor our services to each individual’s needs.
Our services employ the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), an evidence-based practice that teaches skills that children need to live as independently as possible. Our goal is to understand your story and your needs in order to provide compassionate, evidence-based care. Programs include Advocates ABA Clinic, Early Intervention, ABA Home and Community Services, and The Darnell School. Learn More
Day & Employment Services
At locations in Ashland, Franklin, Millbury, Plainville, and Sterling, our Day & Employment Services provide a multitude of opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities to learn, grow, and participate in community life. Learn More
Residential Services
Our residential supports for adults with developmental disabilities provide not only a home but also a place in the community. Our group homes offer a welcoming, comfortable and safe environment and a sense of family among the residents and staff. Individuals are encouraged and supported in achieving their personal goals, connecting with friends and family, and pursuing their interests at home and out-and-about. Away from home, individuals participate in a wide range of educational, recreational, and social activities at Advocates and in the wider community.
In addition to 24-hour staffed group homes, we offer Shared Living, supported living for adults who live independently in the community, and Adult Family Care for families caring for loved ones at home. Learn More
Self-Advocacy
At Advocates, we actively promote the principles of self-advocacy and encourage opportunities for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities to make choices about their own lives and supports, to develop leadership skills, and to connect with other self-advocates. We employ a self-advocacy coordinator, an individual with an intellectual disability, to coordinate self-advocacy activities and to educate staff and individuals at Advocates and in the community about the rights of people with disabilities.
To learn more, contact Cristy Dearbin, self-advocacy coordinator.
Advocates Developmental Residential Services, Day Habilitation Services, and Employment Services are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
