07/20/2025
Meet Krista, a fierce disability justice advocate and Peer Support Specialist with the Brockton RCC. She has spent decades breaking down barriers and building up equity. From shaping policy in Massachusetts, to protesting and amplifying voices, Krista reminds us that advocacy is both personal and powerful.
Krista was just in elementary school when the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law in 1990 to promote needed services and accommodations to those living with disabling conditions. The legislation raised awareness for those who were marginalized by society and many systems, allowing those like Krista to embrace their identities and shatter stigma.
Krista was one of the many kids in the 80’s and 90’s with such emotional, social, and educational “quirks” that it puzzled her family, professionals and teachers. Ten years ago, when she entered Dual Recovery, she realized she was on the Autism Spectrum all along. Some accommodations while growing up were a blessing, while others were a curse.
Two weeks before her 25th birthday, she was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition. She had to brave TWO invisible conditions and now she continues to bring awareness to others. She has supported others at the RCC who have shared similar journeys as her!
Disability Pride Month encourages us to stand up for others who do not have a voice, against those who want to oppress them and do the unthinkable. Outside the RCC, Krista stands up against her abusers at the Judge Rotenberg Center and continues to fight for those without a voice who are still inside. Also, she is starting to provide support for her classmates who were there with her and those that came after her time.
For more information on Krista's fight against the JRC to cease its human rights violations:
https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/25-investigates-renewed-push-ban-shock-therapy-controversial-canton-center/SXVEXCTG3NDUDLOZJ4ITS6MJM4/
https://www.madinamerica.com/2021/07/jrc-wins-court-battle-use-electric-shock-disabled-students/
https://www.madinamerica.com/2018/03/stop-shocks-torture-massachusetts/
Learn more about the supports Krista offers at the Brockton RCC by going to southeastrlc.org/Brockton.
🎉Disability Pride isn’t just about awareness; it’s about visibility, culture, and unapologetic joy. It’s about saying: We belong. We lead. We thrive.
