At Incompass Human Services, we are always seeking meaningful opportunities for the individuals we support to connect with their community in impactful ways. One such opportunity has flourished through our ongoing partnership with Ironstone Farm in Andover, MA.
On a recurring basis, individuals from our Safe Minds Community Center eagerly visit Ironstone Farm to assist with farm maintenance and animal care. From preparing hay to walking the horses to their designated areas, our volunteers take pride in their responsibilities and embrace each visit with enthusiasm. These experiences allow them to contribute their skills while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of working with animals in a serene farm setting.
The excitement is always high when it’s time to visit Ironstone, and the stories they bring back are just as heartwarming. This partnership not only fosters a sense of purpose and responsibility but also strengthens the connection between our individuals and the greater community.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Ironstone Farm for providing such an inclusive and welcoming space. Their dedication to creating opportunities for engagement and personal growth aligns perfectly with our mission at Incompass.
Stay tuned for more updates on this wonderful collaboration as we continue to build meaningful experiences together!
At Incompass Human Services, creativity is more than just an artistic outlet—it’s a way to engage, learn, and connect. Recently, individuals in Day Hab Room 2 embraced this philosophy with a vibrant tie-dye project that turned into a multi-sensory and communication-building experience.
The activity began with a hands-on exploration, as staff member Betsy encouraged participants to engage their senses before revealing their colorful banner. They felt the damp fabric, noticing its texture and temperature, and shared their thoughts on how it felt. This simple yet impactful moment sparked conversation and encouraged self-expression in a way that went beyond words.
As the tie-dye masterpiece unfolded, the group took time to appreciate the colors, each selecting a shade that caught their eye. But this wasn’t just about picking favorites—everyone had the chance to name their chosen color, a fun and meaningful exercise in creativity and communication. The colors reflected not only their observations but also their personalities and perspectives.
More than just an art project, this activity reinforced key skills such as sensory awareness, verbal expression, and social engagement. It also provided an opportunity for individuals to celebrate their creativity in a supportive and interactive environment.
At Incompass, we believe that learning and personal growth happen in many ways—and sometimes, the most impactful lessons come in the form of a hands-on, colorful experience. The tie-dye project in Day Hab Room 2 is just one example of how we empower individuals to build confidence, express themselves, and connect with others—one vibrant creation at a time.
Incompass Human Services was born out of the disability rights movement, rooted in the fundamental belief that disability rights are human rights. And 70 years later we have never wavered from that mission. We know that many in our community are feeling anxiety and uncertainty right now, and I want you to know that we hear you. If you receive services, if you support people in our programs, if your loved one relies on Incompass—whatever your connection—there is room for you in our tent. You are valued, you are supported, and you belong here.
Every day, our Care Champions come together with a shared purpose to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and acquired brain injuries to live their best lives. That commitment is not just a guiding principle—it is who we are. And I am so privileged to lead an agency with such an authentic culture. Whether someone is medically fragile, behaviorally challenged, autistic, or facing other significant life challenges, they deserve the chance to have a purpose and a place in this world. And we’re here to help them find it – that is our “north star.”
But honestly one of the things I am most proud of is the rich diversity of our community. Our Care Champions come from all backgrounds and bring their authentic selves to this work, united by a shared dedication to the people we support. In fact, one of our strategic plan goals is rooted in cultural competency and the JEDI model. We believe in fostering an inclusive culture where every voice matters, and that belief will not change. After all, the work we do here is built on seventy years of compassion, advocacy, and respect for each other.
As a Board member for The Arc at both the state and national level, I am advocating for our community alongside leaders across the country. Incompass is proud to be a chapter of The Arc, and we stand with our fellow advocates to ensure that the rights of people with disabilities are protected. We are not alone in this mission, and we will continue to move forward with our vision —because the people we support deserve nothing less.
While I cannot predict what the future holds, I can say this with certainty: our commitment to the Incompass mission and our Care Champion culture will never waver. It is the foundation of who we are, and it is what will carry us forward—one step at a time.
Black history isn’t just something that we look back on. Black legislators, nonprofit leaders, activists, small business owners, artists, and the list goes on. History is being made right now. As a human services agency that supports people from all walks of life, we were excited to profile trailblazers in this field as part of Black History Month.
Johnnie Lacy (1937-2010)
“Johnnie Lacy was a leader in the independent living movement and fought for the rights of people with disabilities, especially people of color. She led Community Resources for Independent Living, a nonprofit in Hayward providing services and advocacy. Lacy spoke of being excluded from the Black community due to her disability and from the disability community due to being a person of color. As a Black woman in a wheelchair, she educated her communities about race and disability and served as a role model for many other Black disabled women.”
In her own words, listen to Lacy’s oral history here.
Craig Smith (1956-2010)
“Craig Smith was a champion for the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Massachusetts. A fervent support of self-advocacy, Smith helped co-found the organization known as Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong to help others in the state advocate for themselves. He lived self-advocacy. He used his time on this earth meaningfully, as a staff member at Vinfen, a co-founder and Chair of Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong, and serving on many committees and boards. Always with the goal of making the world a better place for people with disabilities. In 2009, just a year before he left us, Smith advocated for the name change of the Department of Mental Retardation, now known as the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).”
“Lois Curtis is an African American artist with intellectual and developmental disabilities and schizophrenia. Curtis paved the way for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to get out of institutional settings and live within communities. During her childhood and early adulthood, she lived in state-run institutions, and her requests to live in the community were repeatedly denied. She sued the state of Georgia, and her case went to the Supreme Court. In the now-famous L.C. v. Olmstead decision, the Court declared that Curtis and other people with disabilities have a right to live in the community and to be provided adequate supports. The Court said the unnecessary institutionalization is a form of segregation and is illegal under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Curtis now lives in the community. While Lois Curtis’s contribution to disability and civil rights history is immeasurable, her life extends far beyond that seminal court case.”
Learn more about Lois’ life and her accomplishments here:
“Dr. Sylvia Walker was born in New York City, New York on July 18, 1937. She was blind, and few had expectations for her beyond the typical jobs such as clerical work. After more than 10 years and four degrees, Dr. Walker became an assistant professor in the School of Education at Howard University, and soon a full-time professor. She founded the Center for the Study of Handicapped Children and Youth at Howard University in 1975. She was a champion for disability rights and her research helped lead to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In 1994, President Clinton appointed Dr. Walker as vice-chair of the President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities (AAPD) with fellow activists.”
In so many ways we see that Black history and disability history intersect. It has been such a wonderful process of discovering pioneers in our own field. We hope that after reading these profiles you’ve perhaps walked away with a new piece of information or a new appreciation for how far human services have come.
Incompass Human Services is proud to share the launch of an ad campaign highlighting the Safe Minds Community Center, the program model, and its Individuals impacted by acquired and traumatic brain injuries (ABIs/TBIs). This multi-channel campaign is designed to raise awareness and build support for SMCC’s crucial initiatives.
The campaign features a compelling combination of digital ads, social media outreach, billboards, and bus advertisements that showcase members of the SMCC community. These ads shine a spotlight on their strength, perseverance, and the importance of a supportive community.
What makes this campaign truly special is the involvement of SMCC’s participants. Individuals from the center took part in a professional photoshoot, contributing their stories and voices to create authentic, impactful content. Their contributions are not only the heart of the campaign but also serve to foster deeper connections with the community at large.
We are excited to announce the launch an initiative aimed at supporting families and individuals in our community: the Respite Recruitment Campaign, now on the move! This campaign highlights the vital role respite care plays in empowering caregivers and providing essential relief for those caring for loved ones with disabilities or complex needs.
The campaign’s visual elements feature vibrant and authentic imagery of our own dedicated staff volunteers, showcasing their passion and professionalism. These photos were captured during a photoshoot at Omni Way, where staff came together to bring the campaign to life. The Respite Campaign also includes a dedicated webpage, resources for families, and social media content designed to educate the community about the benefits of respite care. It serves as a reminder that caregivers should never feel alone in their journey.
This campaign is a cornerstone of Incompass’ mission to empower individuals with diverse abilities and their families, fostering greater inclusion and quality of life. Together, we can ensure that every family in our community has the resources and support they need to thrive.
“Johnnie Lacy was a leader in the independent living movement and fought for the rights of people with disabilities, especially people of color. She led Community Resources for Independent Living, a nonprofit in Hayward providing services and advocacy. Lacy spoke of being excluded from the Black community due to her disability and from the disability community due to being a person of color. As a Black woman in a wheelchair, she educated her communities about race and disability and served as a role model for many other Black disabled women.”
“Craig Smith was a champion for the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Massachusetts. A fervent support of self-advocacy, Smith helped co-found the organization known as Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong to help others in the state advocate for themselves. He lived self-advocacy. He used his time on this earth meaningfully, as a staff member at Vinfen, a co-founder and Chair of Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong, and serving on many committees and boards. Always with the goal of making the world a better place for people with disabilities. In 2009, just a year before he left us, Smith advocated for the name change of the Department of Mental Retardation, now known as the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).”
“Lois Curtis is an African American artist with intellectual and developmental disabilities and schizophrenia. Curtis paved the way for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to get out of institutional settings and live within communities. During her childhood and early adulthood, she lived in state-run institutions, and her requests to live in the community were repeatedly denied. She sued the state of Georgia, and her case went to the Supreme Court. In the now-famous L.C. v. Olmstead decision, the Court declared that Curtis and other people with disabilities have a right to live in the community and to be provided adequate supports. The Court said the unnecessary institutionalization is a form of segregation and is illegal under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Curtis now lives in the community. While Lois Curtis’s contribution to disability and civil rights history is immeasurable, her life extends far beyond that seminal court case.”
