Growing up I never thought of my relationship with my younger brother, Shaun, as any different from those shared by brothers. I never recall looking at him any differently or my parents showing him any more or less attention because of his disability.

Around the age of five Shaun was diagnosed as autistic with impulse control disorder. Instead of looking at our families' situation as strange, I was struck by all the wonderful things that made him special rather than different - from his great memory that had a knack for recording every last minute detail of an event to his love for any movie that had music in it.

Click here to read the rest of Tim's story. 

This week's Notes from the Arc.

International recording star Justin Hines and Boston College and Baltimore Colts great Dan Sullivan joined WBZ Radio NightSide Host Dan Rea for the second annual "All Aboard The Arc" fundraising and awareness rally yesterday, Sunday, April 29 at John Hancock Hall in Boston. Comcast Business Class was the statewide sponsor of the event. Nearly 1,000 joined the event thru a caravan of busses from across the state via nine send-off sites: Greenfield, Hyannis, Haverhill, Southbridge, Brockton, Fitchburg, Taunton, Westwood and Waltham.  Still time to donate-- you can do that here.
Click here to view pictures from the events.

The House has ended its debate on budget amendments pertaining to disability accounts. Thanks for your hard work calling and emailing your representatives asking them to support disability amendments!
 
Minor changes were made to disability accounts in the final House budget compared to the House Ways and Means version. Changes include language that requires the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to ensure that the autism waiver is fully enrolled.Click here to read more.

Every year the state budget undergoes several  steps prior to being finalized.  In each branch of the legislature, a ways and means committee is responsible for its respective budget.  The committee crafts a budget for the consideration of the entire House.  Much feedback and consultation goes into this process.  The Committee’s budget is debated prior to a vote and many amendments are offered. Click here to read more.