At the Massachusetts Autistic Self Advocacy Alliance (MASAA), our mission is to ensure that Autistic individuals in the Commonwealth are the primary stakeholders in their own lives. We exist to shift the narrative from "fixing" to flourishing, advocating for a world where neurodiversity is embraced as a fundamental human right.
To achieve our mission, we focus our energy on three core areas of impact:
1. Systemic Advocacy & Policy Reform
We work to influence Massachusetts state policy and legislation to ensure that the rights of Autistic people are protected. This includes advocating for:
The transition from segregated settings to integrated, community-based living.
The implementation of robust Supported Decision-Making frameworks.
The elimination of harmful, compliance-based "treatments" that prioritize masking over well-being.
2. Autistic Leadership & Empowerment
We believe that leadership is a skill that is grown through community. MASAA provides the tools, training, and platforms necessary for Autistic people, particularly those from multiply-marginalized backgrounds, to become leaders in their local communities and beyond.
3. Cultivating Neuro-Affirming Spaces
We strive to build a Massachusetts where accessibility is the default, not an afterthought. By providing education to public and private sectors, we help create environments—from workplaces to healthcare—that respect sensory needs, communication differences, and the unique processing styles of our community.
Our Guiding Principle: "Nothing about us without us"
Our mission is rooted in the belief that the "Autism conversation" belongs to those who live it. We are dedicated to a future where every Autistic person in Massachusetts has the support they need, the community they deserve, and the autonomy to define their own success.