News  Submit Your Nomination for the Sandra Houghton Self-Advocate of the Year Award

Nominations are open for the The Sandra Houghton Self-Advocate of the Year Award. This award is co-presented by the MDDC and Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong (MASS) at their Annual Self-Advocacy Conference.

This award, named for longtime advocate and former MDDC Council member Sandra (Sandy) Houghton is given to one person who is seen as a leader in the self-advocacy movement who models and implements change for others with disabilities. They shall empower other self-advocates to speak up for themselves and embody leadership and persistence through positive actions as Sandra has done for over 25 years.

To nominate someone, they must be a leader in the self-advocacy movement who can guide and encourage people to be strong self-advocates.

Nominations are due Friday, October 17th. Find the nomination form here: https://www.wearemass.org/self-advocate-of-the-year-award. A full list of awards accepting nominations is available on MASS' website.

The MASS Self-Advocacy Conference will take place on November 22, 2025 at the Sheraton in Norwood, MA.

For questions about the award, contact Lee Larriu at lee.larriu@mass.gov.