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.
FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (Dec. 18, 2024) – The Association for Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP) has announced the election of Jean Phelps, CEO of Incompass Human Services, to its Board of Directors. Phelps, a recognized leader with more than four decades of experience in the human services field, will serve alongside Lynn Ireland, President and CEO of Riverside Industries in Easthampton.
ADDP, a statewide association representing over 130 community-based human services organizations, plays a pivotal role in shaping policy and advocacy efforts for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including autism, and those with brain injuries. The addition of Phelps and Ireland to the board underscores the organization’s commitment to addressing critical challenges faced by providers across Massachusetts.
“Jean and Lynn know the realities that providers across Massachusetts face and what it takes to deliver the highest quality care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and brain injuries,” said Ellen Attaliades, ADDP President and CEO. “Their leadership will help our association continue to push for solutions to workforce and funding challenges and make a difference for the families and communities that our members serve.”
Jean’s extensive career includes transformative leadership at our own Incompass Human Services, where she has significantly expanded the organization’s service portfolio and geographic reach. A seasoned advocate for the IDD community, she has previously served as chair of the ADDP Board and chaired ADDP’s legislative and shared living committees. Jean holds a master’s degree in social work from Boston University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Clark University.
This election comes at a crucial time as ADDP intensifies its efforts to advance policies and programs that improve the lives of individuals with IDD and brain injuries. With the combined leadership of Phelps, Ireland, and other board members, ADDP aims to strengthen its mission of ensuring the success of community-based providers.
We’re excited to share that our recent Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Campaign Photoshoot was a fantastic success! The energy at the Safe Minds Community Center (SMCC) was truly inspiring as members eagerly stepped up to showcase the vibrant, inclusive environment they’ve helped create. It was wonderful to witness the joy, excitement, and commitment each participant brought, embodying the welcoming spirit of SMCC. We’re so proud to shine a spotlight on their contributions and can’t wait to see the impact of this campaign in sharing their stories with a broader audience!
We are thrilled to share that several outstanding members of our Incompass team were recognized by the Lowell Area DDS Office for their exceptional service. Both Leslie and Philomena were nominated for the Providers Recognition Award, a prestigious honor that highlights their dedication and hard work in serving our community. While the nomination alone is an incredible achievement, we are especially proud to announce that Heike won the award!
Heike was nominated by Jen Allen, a supervisor at the Lowell DDS, for her commitment and exemplary service. In addition to Heike, Brittany and Neema were also recognized with Providers Recognition Awards. Neema’s nomination came from Susan, recognizing her remarkable contributions to the team.
We are excited to also acknowledge Lawrence and Scott, who were recognized for their efforts and dedication at the event. The recognition ceremony took place last Wednesday at the Lowell Area DDS Office, where Leslie and Philomena were also celebrated for their nominations.
Please join us in congratulating Heike, Brittany, and Neema for their outstanding achievements, and in celebrating Leslie, Philomena, Lawrence, and Scott for their well-deserved recognition. We are so proud to have such dedicated and talented individuals as part of the Incompass team!
“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.”
