In April, 2023, we launched a series of Aging and Disability Study Sessions.
On October 20, 2021, we celebrated Global Dignity Day with a conversation about dignity. Learn more about the event at the Global Dignity Day page, or watch the Global Dignity Day webinar.
Some workshops are posted on our YouTube Channel.
Upcoming Sessions
Study Sessions, Workshops and Training
Study Session: Navigating New Massachusetts Assisted Living Regulations
September 30, 2026 Presenters: John Ford, Esq. Liane Zeitz, Esq., Kathleen Moncata, Esq. Massachusetts has implemented some of the most significant regulations regarding Assisted Living Residences (ALRs) in years. From ...
Study Session: Report: Half of all nursing homes in Massachusetts are understaffed
September 16, 2026 Presenters: Grace Ferguson, Investigating Reporter at The New Beford Light in conversation with DignityMA Co-Founder, former State Senator Richard Moore Grace Ferguson reports on nursing home care, ...
Study Session:Guardianship Issues, Needs and Impact in Massachusetts
May 13, 2026
Presenter: Wynn Gerhard, Esq, Guardian Community Trust and the Massachusetts Guardianship Policy Institute
Topics covered:
Presenter: Wynn Gerhard, Esq, Guardian Community Trust and the Massachusetts Guardianship Policy Institute
Topics covered:
- What is Guardianship
- History of Guardianship and Guardianship Reform in Massachusetts
- Obligations of Guardians ...
Study Session: PACE Program
Update: On May 26, 2026, Jennifer Maynard, Executive Director of MassPACE, gave a 15 minute overview of the MassPACE program to the DignityMA participants' meeting (which meets every two ...
Study Session: Protecting SNAP Nutrition Benefits for Older Adults and Persons with Disabilities
April 10, 2026 Presented by Pat Baker, Senior Economic Justice Advocate, Mass Law Reform Institute This 1 hour webinar covered the July 2025 cuts to SNAP benefits as a result ...
Raise Personal Needs Allowance for Nursing Home Residents
The Personal Needs Allowance for nursing home residents is just $72.80 per month—far too little to cover basic necessities like clothing, toiletries, or a haircut. This decades-old amount undermines dignity ...
Study Session: Using AI as an Advocacy Tool
April 1, 2026: A Tutorial in the Use of Artificial Intelligence Applications by Advocates Presented: James Lomastro, PhD, Chair , DignityMA Facilities
Workgroup and Coordinating Committee Member What AI does for ...
Workgroup and Coordinating Committee Member What AI does for ...
Study Session: Introduction to the Nursing Home Staffing Resource Center
Nursing Home Staffing Resource Center Long Term Care Community Connection (LTCCC)
Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Presented by Richard Mollot, Executive Director, LTCCC The Nursing Home Staffing Resource Center ...
Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Presented by Richard Mollot, Executive Director, LTCCC The Nursing Home Staffing Resource Center ...
Study Session: Aging Policy Update: What We Know, What We Don’t Know, and What We Should Fear
December 5, 2025 Presenter: Bob Blancato, National Coordinator of the bipartisan 3000-member Elder Justice Coalition Bob discussed the current state of aging policy at the national level under the new ...
Study Session: Marsters v. Healey Settlement Update
November 20, 2025
Presenters: Attorney Stephen Schwartz and Kathy Walker, Center for Public Representation Stephen Schwartz and Kathy Walker are the lead counsel for the plaintiffs. Stephen reviewed the progress since ...
Presenters: Attorney Stephen Schwartz and Kathy Walker, Center for Public Representation Stephen Schwartz and Kathy Walker are the lead counsel for the plaintiffs. Stephen reviewed the progress since ...
Study Session: Nursing Home Staffing Resource Center
Understanding and Using Nursing Home Staffing Data to Improve Care January 9, 2026 at 1 p.m. Presented by Richard J. Mollot, LTCCC Executive Director Sufficient nursing staffing is the foundation ...
Social Security: It’s history, current issues, and advocacy options (Roosevelt)
May 22, 2025 - A DignityMA Study Session Presenter: James Roosevelt, JD, former Associate Commissioner, U.S. Social Security Administration Jim advises health care payers, providers, trade associations, and service providers ...
The New Legal Landscape: The Administration’s Campaign to Erase Disability Rights, Protections, and Protectors (Schwartz)
June 5, 2025 This DignityMA Study Session reviews the Trump Administration's coordinated attack on disability rights, through the issuance of executive orders that eliminate legal claims and disability rights, rescind ...
American Eldercide: by Margaret Gullette
American Eldercide: How It Happened, How to Prevent It by Margaret Gullette: A book reading and discussion Scroll down to watch the video. Wednesday, October 30, 2024 American Eldercide is ...
Massachusetts Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 A Long-Term Care Ombudsman is certified to investigate any issues that arise in nursing homes, rest homes, or assisted living facilities, so the residents who live ...
DignityMA Proposes Assisted Living Protections
The Assisted Living Workgroup, along with other organizations, have proposed Consumer Protection Regulations for Residents of Assisted Living Residences in Massachusetts. The proposal was sent to Mary Freeley, Director of ...
Learn about the role of Options Counselors
Presented by Tri-Valley, Center for Living & Working (CLW), and Elder Services of Worcester (ESWA) on December 6, 2024.
The video explains how their Option's Counselors (OC) help individuals of all ...
The video explains how their Option's Counselors (OC) help individuals of all ...
Independent Assessment Entity (IAE) Community Listening Session August 21
DignityMA hosted a webinar (watch below) to present information in support of the request to MassHealth to put aside the Request for Response (RFR) and engage in meaningful exploration with ...
All about Adult Family Care
Thursday, October 24, 2024 Presenters:
- George Fleischner, President / CEO, Nonotuck Resource Associates
- Sindelle Robles, Vice President, Nonotuck Resource Associates
Bringing People Home – On Marsters for guardians, and supported decision-making personnel
May 29, 2024: A webinar explaining the Marsters v. Healey Settlement Agreement, was prepared especially for guardians, supporters in supported decision-making arrangements, and other advocates. The objectives of the webinar ...
