October 21, 2026
ŷbƬ hosted an educational event, “My Vote, My Choice”, for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), autism, families, caregivers, and community members. The event held on October 15th focused on helping individuals with disabilities understand their voting rights and feel confident participating in elections.
“My Vote, My Choice” was part of a statewide series organized by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Office of Human Rights. ŷbƬ was one of six provider agencies selected to host a presentation on voting rights and accessible participation in the electoral process.
The nonpartisan program covered a range of important topics, including why voting matters, who is eligible to vote, how to register, available voting methods, and how to locate a polling place. Participants also learned about accessible voting options and accommodations, voting rules for individuals under guardianship, and resources available to support voters with disabilities. An AutoMARK accessible voting machine was available for participants to practice using adaptive voting equipment.
“For ŷbƬ, hosting ‘My Vote, My Choice’ reflected its ongoing commitment to promoting independence, self-advocacy, and inclusion,” said Chris Starnes, who oversees ŷbƬ’s Meaningful Whole Life (MWL) program. “The event emphasized that people with disabilities have the right to exercise their constitutional rights, make informed decisions, and participate in their communities. It also provided an opportunity to raise awareness about the barriers and stigmas people with disabilities may encounter when exercising their right to vote.”
In preparation for the October event, the MWL team conducted a practice session to help residents and members prepare for the Sept. 1 state primary. Participants worked through the voting process, including checking their voter registration status, identifying their polling locations, and developing individual plans for casting their ballots successfully. Starnes said the experience provided valuable insight into the questions and practical challenges voters may face, allowing the team to build on what they learned during the primary season and reinforce that knowledge through the October information session.
By helping individuals understand the voting process and plan for Election Day, ŷbƬ continues to support the people it serves in becoming active, informed participants in their communities. “My Vote, My Choice” reinforced an important message: Every eligible voter deserves the information, resources, and accessible opportunities needed to make their voice heard.