Special Olympian Matt Millett explains how sports have made him a stronger self-advocate.
Matt Millett is a Special Olympics in multiple sports, a self-advocate, and a regular judge for Northeast Arc's Arc Tank competition. In this week's episode, Matt speaks about how his experiences through Special Olympics have made him a stronger self-advocate while increasing his confidence.
Watch Matt's viral shot at the Special Olympics World Games
About Northeast Arc
Northeast Arc was founded in 1954 by parents of children with developmental disabilities who wanted to raise their sons and daughters as full members of the community. By having the courage to challenge professionals who told them their children could not be educated and would not live to become adults, these parents created the systems that enabled them to attend public schools, develop friendships, reside in the neighborhoods of their choice and to earn a paycheck. Over the years, our programs have expanded to support children and adults with a broader range of disabilities, including autism and physical disabilities. Today we serve thousands of people in nearly 190 cities and towns across Massachusetts. The goal of the Northeast Arc is to ensure that children and adults with disabilities are able to live, work, engage in civic life and play in the community. We work toward that goal by offering a wide variety of programs including Autism Services, Day Habilitation, Deaf Services, Early Intervention, Employment Services, Family Support, Personal Care Assistance, Recreation, Residential and Transition Services. Northeast Arc is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of individuals with disabilities, parents and siblings of people with disabilities, and business and community leaders. Programs are operated by a professional staff led by a Chief Executive Officer with 35 years of experience at the helm of the organization, and are supported by a large volunteer corps.
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Hello and welcome to All Things Disability, a podcast from Northeast Arc. I'm Jo Ann Simons, the president and CEO of Northeast Arc. Today, I'm thrilled to be joined by Matt Millett.
I'm very fortunate, especially as Special Olympics helped me get outside my shell. So you see I'll break my shell open where I can now travel without really worrying about. Like the White House, the reason why I was picked because I traveled by myself, so able to fly down to DC able to do that without specialist.
Matt is someone familiar to us at the Northeast Arc. And we've been lucky to have him as a regular judge during our Arc Tank competition. We'll talk more about that during the episode but first, a little bit about Matt.
He currently works for the Department of Youth Services for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. When he's not on the job, Matt is a successful Special Olympian. He has traveled the globe, participating in soccer, basketball, and volleyball. Matt has also previously served on the board of directors of Special Olympics Massachusetts. Matt, Thanks for joining us today.
Thanks for having this great little venue. I appreciate it. Thank you.
Well, we love to talk to you because you have such a great perspective on disability and what it means to have a disability. So for our listeners who don't know you, introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your story.
My story is kind of bland, if not, I think it is. But I've been specialist now for over 25 years now, I think, '98-- how many years-- I guess, I can't do math anymore.
How old were you when you started?
18, 18 or 19, I think. It was right after high school, actually, so. Well, yeah, I like to-- I'll like to have fun and play with fellow teammates. I like to travel now. Now we can actually travel again now as far as the last-- I'll say couple years were a little difficult traveling. But yeah, I like to have fun, like to hit up with my family, just try to have fun, so.
Tell me about being a leader, an athlete leader in Special Olympics.
I try to consider myself a leader. I try to lead by example, because I hate when people like tell you what to do all the time. That is not hopefully not my style. If it is, I apologize. I just like to lead by example. It's just like, if say, I'll help you, coach you something or try to teach a teammate a new trick, not only coach them but just try being a leader.
Just-- it should be the way you want other people to be. So like if you don't want see people slack off, you shouldn't slack off, so stuff like that.
Well that's a great perspective. And it would be helpful if more people in the country and in the world actually led by example.
Yes, it would be a little-- definitely right now, it's an interesting time in our history. So it's definitely could be better, so.
Well, let's shift a little bit. And I mentioned that you worked for the Department of Youth Services. Tell me about how you got the job.
So actually specialist helped me get the job because way back when-- I've been working with department for over 15 years now-- my teammate, his father worked with DOS. He was pretty high up. He kept saying for like three years like, Matt, come over to Department of Youth Services. I was like, no, I was working at Papa Gino's. I was having fun you'll make a pizza.
But then I want a new job. And so I talked to my friend's father, had an interview, been there ever since. So yeah, so specialist helped me get the job about for 15 years now, so.
Wow, 15 years. So tell me, what do you do at the Department of Youth Services?
So my title is a very official title as institutional security officer. But I really don't that, that much. I've been in the control, I call it. I watch cameras. I let people in and out of the building. I talk to guests, all visitors if they come in. I want, basically, want to make sure everything OK. I open doors for people. So yeah, it's very--
Well, that's an important job because it's a secure facility, right?
Yeah, it's a very-- it's secure facility so definitely I pay attention to the cameras, make sure nothing happening. So it's definitely an important job, so.
So for our listeners who don't know but I do, tell us what your hours are because I was impressed.
So a lot of people think I work during the day like 8:00 to 4:00 or 10:00 to 6:00, something like that. But no, I work weird hours, which I actually enjoy. I work midnight to 8:00 AM, so. But hey, weekends off so that one I can enjoy it. If I didn't have weekends off, I probably hate those hours, but so yeah.
It's definitely tough to get used to, especially with people who don't work overnights. Like just come out to dinner at 5:00 at night. Like no, that's my breakfast. And they're like, what? Yeah, I sleep 9:00 to 3:00 and I wake up, so.
Before you join Special Olympics and learned how to be an advocate for yourself, were you in special education? I had some classes, yes, at high school itself but not really like a little high ability so it wasn't too much, so yeah.
Have there been times when you needed to advocate for yourself?
Oh, definitely. We mostly work as is but very well, very OK and a lot of people. More like outside of work or stuff like just--
Can you think of an example?
I was trying to, actually. You sent me the questions. I don't really think about it now because I think I would do it so law for self advocate that I really don't pay attention to where I self-advocate because I'm so used to self-advocate for myself. Say like, if I go to the restaurant and it not right, I would self-advocate, like, hey, this is not right, please let me do order. So say if they like it play sports, I'm lucky to play adult sports. I advocate myself that way or-- yeah. So I don't really think about it anymore because I'm lucky to be do for someone. Special Olympics help me self-advocate for last 12 years so I've been just doing it, so.
So you had some training from Special Olympics?
Yes. Yes. Yeah. Back then that was all athletes leadership course, or something like that. This was like 30 years ago. So I remember this course. But now--
--right there. I think that's what it was called.
Probably something else now. But yeah, so they helped me meet my voice, see my voice. I don't know which way you want to say it. But yeah.
You're saying it perfectly.
Yeah. So I mean, I was pretty-- yeah, even then, I was still pretty quiet. But like now, I'm able to talk up where I need to. Back then I would just let it flow and just not ever go there again. Say somebody disrespected me, I would just never talk to them again. But now, I'm able to speak up a little more.
That's important for our listeners to know. How did you get involved in Special Olympics?
I have high school. I was just-- I found it. I forget how I found it because it was 25 years ago, so I don't still remember how I found it. But I would play basketball with Surrey Hills way back then. I played soccer at Shrewsbury. That, perhaps 2010, I went to the World Cup with Special Olympics for a soccer player.
So after like 2010, I really got involved with Special Olympics. I became a boy later that year. I became more athlete leader, so.
So for our listeners who don't know that Special Olympics is more than just a once a year sporting event--
Well, we like to call it a track and field event, that's it. All we do is track and field at Special Olympics. That is so rare. Especially nowadays, we are obviously way past high schools, but Unified spirits, Unified schools, it's so huge now, we wish we had it back then when I was-- I mean, I was lucky in Millburn. I went to Millburn High. We were very-- I was very exclusive in my friends so I was OK. But I know a lot of people weren't. So now, to see it, what it is, it's so awesome.
So I wanted to explain that Unified Sports and Special Olympics is probably the largest and continues to be the fastest growing aspect of sports competition where every sport has an opportunity for athletes to participate with people who do not have special needs or have any kind of disability. And they are unified partners. And they are playing as equals. Whether or not they're golfing, or swimming, or playing basketball, or soccer, or pickleball.
Yeah. Yes.
Which is a new sport I understand?
Yeah, we would call it hold out is prepared for, I heard. I wish I could sometimes do but I can't do a lot, so. But yeah, even saying it, people think we're track and field, which is so-- we're not. Basketball, pickleball, but also help athletes to get a voice. Make sure we're healthy. Not a lot, but at least a little bit. That way the road to be more healthy.
And Special Olympics is a movement. It's a global movement of inclusion.
Yeah. We're very fortunate to have it, so.
Very lucky.
Can you think of a special-- or your favorite Special Olympic moment, or maybe you have several of them?
I'm fortunate to have a lot of them because--
Well, share a--
For the last 12 years, I remember we played in the World Cup 2010, with the unified-- I [INAUDIBLE]. But unified, we played soccer before Germany-Argentina like three hours before they played on the field. We played at the same field. I mean, I'm a huge soccer fan, so doing that way back then is amazing.
But then, I got to the White House a few years ago. Let's not talk politics. But I was in the White House, the Oval Office. So because the USA team, they were invited to the White House. I was fortunate to go with my basketball team.
So that was amazing. We got to be in the White House. And we--
To be in the White House. I don't think-- I think you're the only one in the room here that's been to the White House.
Yeah, I mean, I was in awe. It was just so amazing. Plus I love DC. I love lobbies, all that. Plus, the reason why rest of the lawsuits because of my shot. Which hopefully a lot of people will haven't seen. But if YouTube Matt Millett shot, it should come up. It was the 3/4 court shot to end the game in the world days back in 2019.
The reason why I love that moment, not because I made it, because the reaction of my teammates. My teammate, right, just came and hugged me. All my team were just so happy. That's why I love our Special Olympics. We're all a huge family, so. Even the other team, they were a little mad because we were beating them a little bad, but--
Well, you beat them a little badly. Weren't you up 14 points?
We were 14 points. So I really didn't think I would make that shot, because I mean, come on. But even all the referees were amazed that I made that shot. So it's just-- I love that moment because it was just not about me, it was about Special Olympics. Plus, it made Special Olympics explode for the next three days.
It was the shot that was seen around the world. I kept playing it.
Yes. I definitely do play it once in a while. People keep asking me about it. So it's really cool, so.
They'll probably ask you about it for the rest of your life?
Probably. I wouldn't say though, so.
I mentioned earlier that you have been a regular judge during the Arc Tank, which is our competition that funds disruptive ideas and disability services. And today, to date, we have given away almost a million dollars. As someone with a disability, how do you try to evaluate the ideas that are being pitched?
Well, I'll have to say, first of all, just think of me way back when. That, to be a judge, mean its spares the last three years?
Four.
Four.
I think we're in--
Sorry, little got me all confused. Every year, you see everyone, all their ideas. How I judge it is, a few things. Obviously, it should be accessible. We shouldn't just have this one idea that's great but only helps 1% of the people. It needs to help everyone. We're lucky that we've been having some great ideas. We make sure-- feasible too. Some people have great ideas but doesn't work in the real world. You say it worked in a controlled environment, but in the real world, sometimes a lot different, so.
Those are two really important words. Are they feasible and reasonable?
Yeah, just a-- plus, shout out to Mary Beth McMahon, CEO Special Olympics, who helped me. I have ideas what you sent me that who has what. I'll go talk to her. See what I like, back ideas, make sure I see what they're doing right. Help me show--
Well, we'll give another shout out to Mary Beth McMahon, CEO of Massachusetts Special Olympics. A incredible leader, advocate, and somebody who is certainly changing the world and changing lives. And we hope to have her as a guest on a future podcast.
Well, I'm fortunate, I mean, not only her, but also you joining us to see two powerful people. It's just, I've been fortunate to meet some very powerful people. It's just, it's amazing.
But yeah, Arc Tank is just-- to see all the ideas, I mean, I see semi-usually. But to see how they were before it, it's just amazing to see who wants to help those people with disabilities.
And Arc Tank 5.0 will be coming back next fall. We were a little bit off schedule because of the pandemic. But we're looking forward to many more ideas. And Matt to join us again as a judge.
Yeah, it was definitely interesting to see it with the zoo. It was not quite a safe feel because you just couldn't see the people deliver their ideas. You couldn't see the judges react to it. Couldn't see the crowd react to it. That's another thing about Arc Tank where you see the crowd there, how they react to some of the stuff, so.
You certainly are an excellent judge. And we are fortunate to have you. I want to finish up by asking if you have any advice for other self-advocates or even advocates like me?
I say to self-advocates is, if you need help, don't be afraid of help. But make sure self it. I'm very fortunate where I, especially, something role for outside my shell socially. Break my shell open where I can now travel without really worrying about--
White House, the reason why I was picked because I could travel by myself. So able to fly down to D.C. Book a hotel. Not book a hotel, but check-in at a hotel. I don't think I would ever be able to do that without Special Olympics. So just make sure you self-advocate that way.
If there are people who self-advocate, just make sure you don't talk down to them. Because sometimes, you try to help but you don't realize you're putting them down. I'm 40 something years old, almost close to that age. But sometimes people call me son, which is not bad, but other times, it can be demeaning to people. So just, I think, if you're self-advocating, or helping an advocate, make sure you're not putting them down when advocating for them.
That's some great advice. Great advice, Matt. And we are-- I'm so thrilled that you got to join us. And I remember in-- the Arc Tank questions, that you actually have often had the best questions because you actually were prepared.
I try to be prepared. Just saying. Obviously, there's a lot to read information available. But I read it a few times to see what-- if it would help me. If not help me, why would it helped me? So that way, I just try to be prepared.
And I'm really glad that you were able to join us actually, in-person, here in the studio because you work these unusual hours. And last night, you said you had a concert in Boston.
Yeah. I'm actually recall some, Be Ready, The Road Runner. I saw the Nashville, which most people had no idea who they are because a rock band, that you'll play. But it was awesome. The concert was amazing. Then I slept over in a hotel at in Waltham. So I drove up today to PBD, to the studio.
Not an easy drive with traffic.
Luckily, at 10 o'clock, it's not bad. But yeah, I always make sure I wait because I know there's bad traffic.
And then, this weekend you said you have some other exciting plans.
Yeah, I'm heading down to [INAUDIBLE] for the weekend. I have a 10k to run on Sunday morning on a canal. So just book a weekend away. That me self, actually, myself because before I used to be able to drive to the race and come home. Or not even book a race. But now, I can book a race. Be OK. Sometimes I create teams. I know Special Olympics have 5ks. I create a team. I get people to join me that way, so.
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Well, we wish you the best of luck. And it's going to be a great weekend on the Cape. And I know that you will do something that I've never done, which is finish a 10k.
So thank you again to Matt Millett. We want to thank PBD TV for providing our wonderful recording studio. And all things disability is made possible through the financial support of the Changing Lives fund, which was created through a gift from Steven Rosenthal. To learn more about Northeast Arc, and to find past episodes of this podcast, please visit any-arc.org.
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