Friday May 17 until 3 pm we have time to obtain co-sponsors to amendments.  We need you to contact your Senators asap today to ask them to co-sponsor Turning 22 (Sen. Barrett), Autism Waiver (Sen. Creem) and Salary Reserve (Sen. Spilka).  There are other amendments too, Family Support (Sen. Clark) and we will update as soon as all sponsors are on board. Go here for summary and links to chart/report.

The Real Friends Project is a partnership between The Arc of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services. We are pleased to announce that several mini-grants of up to $7,500 each will be provided for projects throughout the state. Go here to the Real Friends page and scroll down to the bottom of the page to learn more.

The Arc of Massachusetts announced the appointment of Barbara L’Italien as Director of Government Affairs at The Arc of Massachusetts. Ms. L’Italien previously served for 8 years in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and in the office of Treasurer Steve Grossman. With the addition of Ms. L’Italien, The Arc and Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM) reaffirm their intention to collaborate and promote a progressive policy agenda for children and adults with autism.  Read more here.