Chris Storie, as he speaks to Legislators about direct care salaries.

William, "Smitty", Pignatelli speaking at the 2004 Berkshire Disability Pride Day Legislative Breakfast.

for human service workers.  This is a welcomed proposal, along with most DMR programs being fully-funded, as well as monies for transportation and day services being put back into the budget for the next fiscal year. 
   After the breakfast there was also an opportunity for people to learn how to effectively write letters to Legislators in order to advocate for people with disabilities. 
   There are many people and agencies that were responsible for making this year's Legislative Breakfast possible and for giving those who have disabilities and the people who serve them an opportunity to have one-to-one contact with the people who represent them everyday in Boston.
   The following agencies made this day possible: Ad Lib, Inc., Berkshire Brain Injury Support Group, Berkshire County Arc, BFAIR, Carson Center for TBI Services in Western MA, City of Pittsfield Commission on Disabilities, Berkshire Area Citizen Advisory Board of the Department of Mental Retardation, Goodwill Indus

   On Friday, April 16th, 2004, Berkshire County Arc, in collaboration with other area human service agencies, held the Berkshire Disability Pride Day Annual Legislative Breakfast at Berkshire Hills Country Club in Pittsfield.
   Approximately 200 people attended the breakfast, entitled "Let Your Voice Be Heard: Advocating for Support & Services During These Challenging Times", was a morning of legislative advocacy, where people with disabilities, as well as those advocating for them, were able to be face-to-face with local Legislators to voice their concerns.  The event was an open forum, where these people were given the opportunity to ask questions about issues that directly affect them. 
   Moderated by Ken Singer, Executive Director of Berkshire County Arc,  Christine Singer, Executive Director of UCP, and MaryLee Daniels, of Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, the event welcomed  State Sena