We are people with disabilities providing resources and support to others with disabilities and those who want to improve access. We are based in Boston but strive to assist all who see benefit to our services.
For more information about the Boston Self Help Center, please email Jim Wice at: info@bostonselfhelpcenter.org
History
The Boston Self Help Center (BSHC) was established in 1978, and it has operated on a peer-to-peer support model for individuals with disabilities. Over the years, we have been engaged in a wide range of activities, including peer support groups, advocating for paratransit transportation for individuals with physical disabilities, and more recently, focusing on adaptive sports and recreation. Specifically, we have been active in power wheelchair soccer for the past ten years and have recently introduced volt hockey as well.
Our extensive experience, partnerships with local colleges providing student volunteers, the ability to accommodate various disabilities, an engaged Board of Directors, and access to a community facility with a gymnasium and other resources have uniquely positioned us for expansion. Currently, we have two power soccer teams, are pioneering volt hockey in the United States, and continue to host adaptive sports and recreation demonstrations.
Having spent a decade in competitive power wheelchair soccer, our Boston team consistently performs well, meeting both players’ needs and the requirements of the United States Power Soccer Association. We have also added the Baystate Falcons to our roster. We understand the challenges of introducing individuals with upper and lower body limitations to adaptive sports and providing them with necessary equipment. To achieve this, we raise funds for equipment and travel, coordinate facility access, arrange transportation for players, recruit and schedule volunteers, host our successful annual tournament, and participate in the national tournament. We eagerly look forward to bringing volt hockey to the United States, with the goal of sending a team and coaches to the 2024 World Cup in Sweden, a feat we have accomplished in the past two years.
Additionally, we are deeply committed to promoting adaptive sports and recreation opportunities for all individuals with disabilities, particularly those who have not had the chance to participate.
Board of Directors:
Ernest Aupperlee
Kim Damato
Jim Farrow, Treasurer
Aiden Fecteau
Karen Natola
Jim Wice, Chairman
In Memoriam:
Longtime board member and clerk, Betty Commerford
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/ledgertranscript/name/elizabeth-commerford-obituary?id=32404983Original starting member of the Boston Brakers, Larry Brennan
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/bostonglobe/name/laurence-brennan-obituary?id=21429400Original starting member of the Boston Brakers, John Winske
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/bostonglobe/name/john-winske-obituary?pid=197229021Longtime board member, Kathryn Piccard
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/bostonglobe/name/kathryn-piccard-obituary?id=15344186