The Arc of Massachusetts

Amid ongoing changes in government support and eligibility requirements, access to reliable resources has never been more important. In response to that need, The Arc of Massachusetts is launching the Resource Roundup, a new series focused on sharing information and trusted resources on a variety of topics vital to our community. Our first issue focuses on Health Insurance and MassHealth. https://lnkd.in/eJRF-Jqz

NEW from CEO Maura Sullivan: "Today, I am excited to release the findings from two successful state-funded pilots, demonstrating the undeniable value of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for adults with complex needs. Thank you to our champions in the legislature and to the expert providers who partnered with The Arc and AFAM in these pilots." Amego, Inc., May Institute, Melmark New England, Nashoba Learning Group, Northeast Arc, Road to Responsibility https://lnkd.in/epgefcyn

"The number of teachers using AI to develop individualized education programs, or IEPs, for students with disabilities is surging, but so too are questions about what role the technology should play." https://lnkd.in/dBphMVYs

The Arc of Massachusetts extends its profound gratitude to the House and Senate for passing language in a supplemental budget that will restore dignity to former patients of state institutions and their families. Opening up the records to families and historians will shine a light of transparency on this dark chapter of our history. Thank you to Senate President Karen Spilka, Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues, House Speaker Ronald Mariano, and House Ways and Means Chairman Aaron Michlewitz for including this vital language. The Arc is especially grateful to Senator Michael Barrett and Representative Sean Garballey for championing this language for many years. With their strong leadership, and with disability and human rights advocate Alex Green, The Arc helped lead the effort to create the Special Commission on the History of State Institutions. This new law brings to life a key commission recommendation. We must know the history of state institutions, however painful, so that we never repeat it.

The Arc’s Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Partnerships Nora Bent testified today before the state’s Joint Committee on Education about our priority bill “An act strengthening transitional planning and increasing accountability for persons with disabilities and their families” (H.752/S.313). Challenges with the Turning 22 processes for those leaving special education are some of the most frequent issues that we hear at The Arc. On their 22nd birthday, individuals with IDD and autism lose their special education entitlement and often fall off a devastating cliff. Navigating and entering the adult system without confirmed services is stressful for all families, and as Nora shared, even more so for “a family working multiple jobs, facing language barriers, or raising a child with profound and complex needs. We must do better.” This legislation would address short-term solutions and create long-term systemic change to improve this process for all by focusing on more time to plan, communication, transparency, and creating a Commission to dive in and make specific improvements. Thank you to Senator Jo Comerford (pictured) and Representative Susannah Whipps for sponsoring this legislation and to Committee Chairs Senator Jason Lewis and Representative Kenneth Gordon for holding this hearing. We are deeply grateful for the many advocates who shared their own stories in support of this bill. Interested in voicing your support? Email nbent@arcmass.org

This year's budget decisions will have real consequences for individuals with disabilities and the critical workforce that supports them. Federal funding shifts are putting unprecedented pressure on the state and without strong advocacy, essential services could be put at risk. Now is the time for us to act. By speaking up today, you can help ensure that the FY27 budget reflects our shared values of dignity, access, and stability for this community. Please complete and share this urgent action alert! ACT NOW: thearcofmass.org/action

Join us and learn about the Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC), the state agency responsible for protecting adults with disabilities from the abusive or negligent acts of their caregivers. Presented by experienced DPPC leadership, the webinar will explain how to report concerns of abuse and talk about the state's Abuser Registry. The webinar will also provide information about the Commission's new resources as well as its investigation, oversight and prevention efforts to protect persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Register: thearcofmass.org/webinars

Next Monday, join CEO and parent-caregiver Maura Sullivan as she facilitates honest conversations with three inspiring caregivers. We will explore the demanding, exhausting, and deeply rewarding realities of caring for individuals with complex medical needs, multiple disabilities in one family, and profound impact on the caregivers. Hear personal stories of resilience as well as the challenges that keep these caregivers up at night. This panel offers an opportunity to honor these dedicated caregivers and all caregivers in our community while we gain a deeper appreciation for their extraordinary everyday efforts. Register: thearcofmass.org/webinars

Alice Wong, the activist, MacArthur Genius Award recipient, and author known for the Disability Visibility Project, has sadly passed away at the age of 51. May her memory be a blessing and the legacy of her work continue. https://lnkd.in/gmQH7NfC

"A deal to end the nation's longest-ever government shutdown is reversing plans to gut the federal special education office and providing funds for other disability programs — at least temporarily." https://lnkd.in/eKEtWWMr