The Disability Law Center (DLC) is the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy agency for Massachusetts. In this role, DLC receives funding from the Protection & Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Program.

As required by the federal mandate, an Advisory Council was established to advise the DLC on priorities and issues important to people who are knowledgeable about mental health services in the Commonwealth. The Council also provides information to others about the mission, purpose and priorities of the DLC.  Council members consist of a diverse group of representatives from the community.

Meetings are held quarterly at the DLC. All meetings are open to the public, except for when meetings are closed to discuss litigation or other matters which are confidential.


Council Against Institutional & Psychiatric Abuse Philosophy

 

People labeled mentally ill have the same rights as any citizen. However, additional protections through state and federal legislation have also been put in place due to the fear and discrimination that consumers of mental health services regularly face.

We believe that self-advocacy should be the first avenue of recourse to correct rights violations. But stigma and prejudice are so pervasive that self-advocacy efforts are often unsuccessful. Attempts by people labeled mentally ill to promote change or redress wrongs are too often ignored or minimized.

DLC  believes that advocacy means to plead the cause of another, as defined by that individual, because that person is not listened to in her or his own right. Our advocacy efforts are defined by the person. This philosophy of avid advocacy also drives our CAIPA’s mission, composition, outreach and screening process. People labeled ‘mentally ill’ comprise the majority of Council’s membership. All potential candidates are screened for their respect for and commitment to individual rights.

Current CAIPA work:

CAIPA Article on How Cigarette Restrictions Illustrate a Common Pattern of Systemic Oppression


Current CAIPA Priorities:

Priority 1: Expansion of the Circulation of CAIPA Publications

Priority 2: Assistance and Education on Pathways to Achieve Equal Representation in Committees and Commissions Tasked with Legislation that Directly Impact Our Communities

Priority 3: Education and Trainings That Prioritize the Experience and Wisdom of Impacted Persons

Priority 4: Demonstrable Commitment to Greater Equity in Access of Existing DLC Resources

Priority 5: Communicating Rights to People Held in Emergency Rooms Prior to Transfer to a Psychiatric Facility


Current Members

Sera Davidow, CAIPA Chair

Andy Beresky

Thomas Brown

Aladdin Connolly

Ebony Flint

Lionel Frechette

Chris Holley-Williams

Jessica Thompson

Eliza Williamson


Interested in becoming a CAIPA Advisory Council member?

To apply to become a CAIPA Advisory Council member, complete an online application form below.

CAIPA Application

Travel expenses will be reimbursed, but we encourage you to notify DLC if pre-paying your expenses is a barrier to your participation.

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