Congratulations to Maura Sullivan and other winners at Work Inc's Award Night.  Maura is the daughter of former Arc board member Maureen Sullivan and husband Jim.  Hit the link to hear Maura's inspiring words at the site, My Uncle Joe.
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June 29, 2009: Essential disability services were spared in the latest round of the budget process. After tremendous outcry about the cuts already included in the state's FY10 budget, the Governor chose not to inflict further damage. Nonetheless, thousands upon thousands of families are still facing devastating cuts  beginning July 1 (which total $47.3 million in DDS alone) to services such as Day/Employment, Transportation, Family Support (Respite), Turning 22, and DESE-DDS. The fight will continue as we plead with the Governor to issue a deficiency/supplemental budget to stop the untenable proposed cuts from taking effect.  read more ...

June 19, 2009:  The Conference Committee budget, released today, has more than $100 million in cuts to disability services ($47 million in DDS alone), including day/employment, transportation, family supports, turning 22, and DESE-DDS services. In addition to opposing any vetoes, our community is unified in seeking a deficiency/supplemental budget for these cuts since they will have a damaging impact on individuals and families. See below for more details, including a detailed chart.  read more ...

Disability services are sharply reduced in the proposed budgets. Because of our entire community's vigorous advocacy, we have succeeded in restoring a portion of the proposed cuts.  However, heading into Conference Committee -- where House and Senate leaders will decide line-by-line which version of the budget to accept -- we are still faced with a worst case shortfall of $73 MILLION in the Department of Developmental Services budget alone. Even if all our Conference Committee requests are granted, DDS would still be $47.5 MILLION short-funded (not including cuts at other disability agencies).  read more ...

Governor Patrick released a revised budget today that is alarming for disability advocates, cutting services to as many as 15,000 people with disabilities. The Governor's proposal would decimate essential services at the Department of Developmental Services, with drastic cuts to Transportation, Day and Employment, Family Support, Autism and Turning 22 services. It also completely eliminates funding for Adult Dental Services, which are used by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. read more ...

On  May 20, the Boston Herald published an editorial cartoon by Jerry Holbert inspired by yesterday's New Revenue rally with "Peter, Paul and (Senate President Therese) Murray." You can see that image and rally photos our Flickr page, a video of Murray talking about disability services just after the rally at our You Tube page, and more news pieces about or inspired by The Arc at our Arc in the News page here.  

We are happy to report that the Senate debate resulted in increased funds for Family Support, Day Habilitation, day and employment, Turning 22, Adult Dental Care, Early Intervention and more to come.  Also see some pictures from yesterday's rally. Much more work needs to be done, employment and other line items.  We are waiting to hear on Community First.  We are far from "out of the woods" yet.
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This week (May 13), the Senate Ways and Means Committee released a budget which cuts $250 Million in services to persons with disabilities and affects tens of thousands of people. A rally will be held at the state house steps on Tuesday, May 19 at 11 am and will include Peter and Paul of Peter, Paul and Mary.  Cuts include 10,000 people in Day and work services, 11,000 in family support and tens of thousands of adults will lose dental services.  Read more by choosing link.
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The Arc, MFOFC and ADDP are sponsoring a Family Advocacy Day at the front steps of the State House on Wednesday May 6, 2009 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. While the House budget restored Family Supports, it is NOT a final budget. There's a long way to go. Plus, even if the House budget stands, it would still cut services to thousands of people with disabilities and their families. Please see the flyer below and let's keep the pressure on.  read more ...

April 15, 2009: We are grateful to Chairman Charley Murphy and the House Ways & Means Committee for restoring or largely restoring major disability-related line-items in the FY10 budget (including Family Supports, MRC Extended Employment, DESE-DDS program, Autism Division) However, there are other critical services that would be cut if this budget were to go through. Please visit our Action Center, where you can email your Rep. and follow-up with a phone call (see here for phone numbers) asking her or him to support our amendments. See link below for complete analysis and budget chart.

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At Noon on Wed., March 4, immediately following The Arc/MDDC 31st Annual Legislative Reception at the Grand Staircase of the State House, The Arc will team with other statewide disability organizations to "Fill the Hill," and rally to restore disability funding in the FY2010 budget. See here for the Flyer on the event that you are welcome to edit, print and distribute.

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Please reach out to your legislator to restore services for people with disabilities. The Governor's proposed budget will cut services in many areas, including a whopping $45 million cut to Family Services that would completely eliminate that program. See The Arc's analysis here, as well as Fact Sheets for your legislators (including a Family Support Fact Sheet). Also, visit our Action Center here to send your legislator an email asking them to Restore Disabilities Funding.  

See a comprehensive list of Regional Legislative Advocacy Events for people with disabilities around the state this budget season. Check back for updates.

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The Arc has launched a Facebook page, where you can share your story with Legislators and the public about the need to save critical disability services. See that page here, and see a page here specifically focussed on saving Family Support Services. You must be signed into Facebook to join these groups. If you are not familiar with Facebook, see the easy to follow instructions at the link below.   read more ...

Governor Patrick's historic announcement in December of 2008 to close four of Massachusetts' six institutions (Fernald, Glavin, Monson and Templeton) over the next four years is a major victory for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, friends and advocates. Thank Patrick Administration officials here and see The Arc's press release below.

Fernald Center

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The Arc of Massachusetts is releasing a brochure titled, "Community Funding: A Priority," that is at the center of its campaign supporting Community Services. The pamphlet tells the story of Joyce and Michael, two constituents with intellectual disabilities who, with help from their families, chose to live in a community setting, and with proper funding from the state, were able to do so. The brochure ultimately makes the case that community-based programs are essential to supporting people with disabilities but that they have been chronically underfunded. The pamphlets will be distributed to legislators during this budget season. See the brochure here. (Note that the text begins on Page 2 and continues on Page 1.)

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Members and Staff of The Arc can save 6%! Learn more.  

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