Welcome to The Arc of Massachusetts
Nonprofit, 501(c)(3)
217 South Street, Waltham, MA 02453
781-891-6270 
 
The mission of The Arc of Massachusetts is to enhance the lives of individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
We accomplish this through 
advocacy of supports and services based in the community.
 
 
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What's new at The Arc!

We're using Constant Contact as an improved way to deliver important information to you.  If you have not received an email newsletter from us, we hope you will join with us and the other 4,000 and growing constituents on this listing to receive timely information that is important to your family or those you serve
with intellectual disabilities.
At anytime, you may opt out easily and quickly by following the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any electronic newsletter you receive from The Arc of Massachusetts.  If you have any questions, please let us know by emailing us 

Quick Arc Links
Agency Champion Leaders

We are especially grateful for the generous support of the following organizations, each of which has responded to our appeals by making a contribution or pledge of $5,000 or more.

Learn about The Arc's Program
"Grow Together
See listing of all Agencies
Saftey Net Protected

October & November 2009
The Arc of Massachusetts led the way in convincing the Governor in the fall of 2009 to protect the needs of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our two week vigil at the State House helped spare disability services in October. A new round of MassHealth in November put the Safety Net in jeopardy but the Governor responded.  You can read more in our Current Events listing.

Cool Tools
In the Community

In Reading, Massachusetts
Billboard design courtesy of Dick Davis of GearonHoffman, Inc. of Boston 

Exciting Merger November '09
PALS and SUPPORTbrokers Merge!
Affiliate Spotlight
3rd Annual Art Exhibit and Auction ~ Call for Artwork ~ Sponsorships ~ Donations

Artists may submit their artwork for donation or a 50-50 profit share. 
Deadline March 12, 2010
Artist Submission Art Policy Document
Please save  the date!
The Arc of Massachusetts is pleased to announce 
its highly anticipated

3rd Annual Art Exhibit and Auction
Showcasing the talents of New England artists
 
To be held on
Thursday, April 15, 2010 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
at  the National Heritage Museum
in Lexington, Massachusetts
 
 
email us for questions and more information
or call 781-891-6270 x 102
 
Auction Item Donations
Do you need to market your business and services?  We're seeking donations for all kinds of auction items for our sucessful auction.  This will be great marketing for your business and services.  email us today.
Art Event Sponsorships
We are currently accepting sponsors for this event
at levels $250, $500, $1000, $2500, $5000, $10000, and $25000.
Each sponsorship includes event ticket(s) and special recognitions during the evening. Learn more!

Current Events & Issues
Save The Date: 32nd Annual Legislative Reception coming up - Thursday, February 04, 2010
Please join us on Wednesday, March 3  from 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM for the 32nd Annual Legislative Reception at the Grand Staircase of the State House. Co-hosted by The Arc and MDDC, the theme of this year's event is "Shaping 21st Century Disability Policy - The Americans with Disabilities Act: 20 years and counting". It is an ideal opportunity for persons with disabilities, family members, advocates, state agency heads and their staff, and legislators to interact, network, and catch up on legislative, budget, and policy priorities. Go here to View and print the event flyer for distribution.  
See below to sign up as a Co-sponsor, Deadline is February 16, 2010.  See agency co-sponsors, and for a link to our Action Center, where you can ask your legislator to attend.
 
 read more ...

Public Hearings Announced by Joint Committee on Ways and Means - Wednesday, February 03, 2010
 On March 5, the Joint Committee on Ways and Means will hold its annual budget hearing for the public at Gardner Auditorium at the State House.  The hearings will begin at 10am and will be chaired by House and Senate Vice-Chairs of the Ways and Means Committee, Rep. L’Italien and Sen. Brewer. Other hearings will be held beginning on February 16 where Administration officials will present testimony.  read more ...

Governor Releases FY2011 Budget Proposal - Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The Governor's budget incudes cuts to a range of line-items inside and outside DDS: residential, day/work, family support, transportation, DESE-DDS and MRC Extended Employment. It is evidence that the economic crisis continues to hurt people with disabilities by further fraying the Disability Services Safety Net. See link for complete analysis and detailed budget chart.  read more ...

Disability Advocates anxiously await Governor's Budget Proposal - Friday, January 22, 2010
On Wed. January 27, Governor Patrick will submit his 2011 budget to the House and Senate, which will deliberate through June.  The tone set by the Governor's budget (known as House 1 or House 2) will have implications throughout the budget process. Organizations such as ADDP, MFOFC and The Arc will be fighting for the best outcomes for individuals with disabilities despite the obstacles we face during this difficult recession. For more information throughout the budget process, visit our Main Budget Page, which includes "The Revenue Gap: How did we get here?" and a Dec. 8 letter from The Arc and ADDP to Gov. Patrick.
 read more ...

MassHealth Cuts Rescinded, The Arc and ADDP urge Governor to protect safety net for 2011 - Thursday, December 10, 2009
On December 4, Governor Patrick rescinded $100 Million in proposed MassHealth Cuts for this fiscal year (ending on June 30, 2010).  We urged constituents and friends to thank the governor for once again protecting most of the disability safety net.  On March 8, The Arc and ADDP sent a letter to the Governor urging him to keep us in mind as he crafts the 2011 budget.  Go to our budget section to read the letter and a recent article on the MassHealth cuts.
 read more ...

Vigil Canceled: Governor Agrees to Meet with Disability Advocates - Wednesday, November 18, 2009

The Vigil planned for outside the Governor's appearance at the S. Shore Chamber of Commerce today (and for the State House Thursday and Friday) has been canceled because the Governor has agreed to meet with disability advocates. Thanks to all who were planning to come. We will keep you apprised of the outcome.

 

MassHealth cuts force disability advocates to restart Vigil - Tuesday, November 17, 2009

In response to Governor Patrick’s Nov. 13 announcement of further cuts to critical disability services, advocates have been forced to re-start our “Vigil to save our Safety Net.” The vigil will launch Wednesday, November 18 at The Lantana Restaurant in Randolph, where the Governor will be speaking at a South Shore Chamber of Commerce lunch. It will continue Thursday, November 19 and Friday, November 20 at the Governor's Office in the State House.  

 read more ...

Action Alert: Gov. Announces Cuts to Critical MassHealth Services - Friday, November 13, 2009
In a disappointing turn of events and despite our best efforts, the Governor and his Administration have announced that they will address the $307 Million MassHealth budget gap with cuts to critical long-term disability services, including Day Habilitation, Dental and other services. Cuts translate into elimination of services or reductions of more than 20%. Take Action Below!  read more ...

Thank Gov. Patrick and his Administration for courageous budget decision - Monday, November 02, 2009

The Governor last week stood up and made a courageous decision to largely protect disability services in the latest round of 9C cuts. While cuts in the range of $70 million to DDS were talked about, he ultimately cut just $7.7 million to DDS and $82 million to EOHHS. Use link below to thank him and his Administration.

 read more ...

First Day of Vigil at Offices of Senate President and Speaker - Monday, October 26, 2009
Today was the first day of the vigil at the offices of the Speaker and Senate President.  Covered by State House News, we understand that an individual who is served by Riverside was interviewed by Channel 7 News!  Thank you to the many families, individuals and staff who attended.  We also want to acknowledge the agencies that provided support and answered questions of participants including Advocates, Road to Responsibility, Mass. Families Organizing for Change, Bay Cove Human Services, TILL, Riverside Community Care and The Arc of Gr. Haverhill and Newburyport. Don't forget to bring a towel or blanket in case you have to sit on the floor.  Also, visit your representative and senator while you're there!
The "read more" link will take you to our main budget page, where on the upper right hand side there are three new links---our last vigil update at the Gov's office, a fact sheet that explains our serious shortfall in revenue and talking points for the current vigil and beyond! Look to the upper right hand side of the page.
 read more ...

Vigil News: Past and Future - Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Because of the great success of our Vigil to save our Safety Net - while we didn't get any assurances from the Governor, it was very evident that he felt the pressure, and the media helped us get the word out to the public - we are launching the 2nd Phase of our "Vigil to save our Safety Net." On Monday, the recently completed vigil at the Governor's Office will move to the Offices of the Senate President and Speaker of the House.   The vigil continues to focus on the serious crisis facing thousands of people with disabilities whose services are slated to be slashed due to the budget crisis.   read more ...

The Arc addresses concerns with "Impaired Drivers" bill - Sunday, October 04, 2009

H2241, An Act Relative to Impaired Drivers, as currently written would unintentionally target people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD), leading to unfounded reports against capable drivers. It would put an unwarranted burden on people with disabilities to prove their fitness to drive beyond what is expected of other drivers. However, The Arc believes that this bill could be infinitely improved and the risk of discrimination would be greatly limited with the inclusion of two provisions. See below for The Arc’s comprehensive fact sheet.

 read more ...

Advocate Vows to Climb New England Peaks on behalf of People with Disabilities - Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Tim Evans, whose brother has a disability, is setting out to climb all 48 four-thousand+ foot mountains within the White Mountains chain over the next year and a half on behalf of people with disabilities. By doing this, he intends to raise awareness about developmental disabilities and collect donations for The Arc. Please show him your support and help his goal to raise money for disability awareness. See the link below to visit his Facebook page and contribute.

 read more ...

Why The Arc of Massachusetts Advocates...why we need your help today!

Michael S. of Bedford, 28, has Down syndrome and Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Unfortunately, Michael’s family recently got a letter from DMR saying Michael has not been accepted for a group home.

You can help today!
Please help us continue our advocacy work during our Annual Fund Campaign.  We are so close to our goal and we need your help to continue the work we do.  And your donation is tax-deductible! 
 
$10, $20, $25, $50, $75 or more.
No amount is too small to help us continue our much needed efforts during these challenging budget cuts. 


Human Service Agencies click here.
 
See our Agency Leaders to the left.  And for a complete listing of all agencies, please click here.