Advocacy and Self-Advocacy Resources

Advocacy

Thank you for visiting the Arc of Massachusetts Advocacy Page.
Please learn more about the importance of advocacy work and we hope that you will join us in our cause.

RESPECT

Respect for the dignity of each individual is something we can take for granted. Sometimes we all experience minor "indignities" from strangers or even people we know. The "R" word has become a symbol of disrespect or a disregard for the dignity of people with disabilities. So we ask people to think before they speak and show respect for our dignity. See below and then read more here!

People with disabilities are graduates....

Basketball players

And Advocates!

Michael's Story

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. To make matters worse, Michael’s parents, who are 72 and 67 years old, live on fixed incomes and their health is declining; his father recently had a hip replaced and his mother does not get around well either.

Michael’s parents' biggest concern is, who will take care of Michael when they aren’t able to anymore? Michael's family depends upon The Arc of Massachusetts to advocate for him and his family. To continue our efforts, your generous support is needed, now more than ever. Please help us by joining with us!

Advocacy Resources

Disabilityinfo.org

This site will provide specific information on various sources of assistance available to individuals with disabilities and their families in Massachusetts. You can identify resources and services that fit your needs..

Disability Law Center
A private, non-profit public interest law firm providing free legal assistance and information to people with disabilities throughout Massachusetts.

Center for Public Representation (CPR)
CPR is a non-profit public interest law firm providing mental health law and disability law services. It seeks to improve the quality of lives of people with mental illness and other disabilities through the systemic enforcement of their legal rights, while promoting improvements in services for citizens with disabilities.

Massachusetts Law Reform Institute
A non-profit statewide legal services support center.

Massachusetts Aging and Disabilities Information Locator

This site links to many resources related to aging or disabilities.

Medicaid Reference Desk

This site summarizes Medicaid funded services which are available in Massachusetts and other states.

Go Voter

This site provides provides assistance on voting for individuals with disabilities.

The Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC)
DPPC is the independent state agency responsible for protecting the health and safety of adults with disabilities from abusive acts and omissions of their caregivers. Telephone toll-free 1-800-426-9009 V/TTY 24 hours a day, seven days a week (including holidays) to report suspected instances of abuse.

The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination
The state agency mandated with enforcing Massachusetts’ anti-discrimination laws. Investigates complaints of discrimination based upon disability, race, color, national origin, national ancestry, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, and criminal records.

The Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD)
A state agency providing advocacy and informations services to individuals with disabilities who have experienced or are experiencing violations of their civil rights. As the Commonwealth's Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinating Agency, it provides guidance on public private responsibilities with regard to the ADA.

Attorney General's Disability Rights Project (DRP)
A special office within the state Attorney General’s office, DRP provides a centralized authority to enforce both federal and state laws applicable to individuals with disabilities. DRP's focus has included enforcement of Titles II and III of the ADA and the elimination of all varieties of discriminatory barriers to services, programs and accommodations for individuals with physical and mental disabilities.

Public Records Division, The Massachusetts Secretary of State
You have the right to review personal information collected by public agencies about you and your history. This webpage has an excellent summary of the public records statute, along with a "frequently asked questions" page.

Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC)
The MDDC, a state agency funded by the Federal Administration on Developmental Disabilities, provides resources, information and grants aimed at enhancing the lives of persons with developmental disabilities living with Massachusetts.

The Arc of the United States
The parent organization of The Arc of Mass., The Arc of the U.S. is the national organization of and for people with mental retardation and related intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families. Website contains extensive resource information and links to other sites.

Governor’s Commission on Mental Retardation
The Commission was established as part of the final court order issued by Federal Chief Judge Joseph Tauro in May 1993, ending a 20–year-old class action lawsuit against the state of Massachusetts and specifically the Department of Mental Retardation. The Commission is an independent citizen oversight body consisting of 13 members appointed by the Governor for a term of three years. Offers web resources and portal for feedback on policies affecting persons with mental retardation.

Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change (MFOFC)
A statewide, grassroots coalition of individuals with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses and their families. Provides information and assistance to families; provides leadership training; and has regular regional and statewide meetings for families and individuals living within Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong (MASS)
A private, non-profit statewide organization for self-advocates with disabilities. Offers professional and peer information and referral services. Click here for a list of self-advocacy resources compiled by MASS.

Massachusetts Advocates for Children(formerly Massachusetts Advocacy Center)
A private non-profit organization dedicated to being an independent and effective voice for children who face significant barriers to equal educational and life opportunities. Programs include an Autism Special Education Legal Support Center, which operates a hotline (617-357-8431, ext. 234) that offers free advocacy assistance, referral, and answers to questions about educational rights of children on the autism spectrum.

Making Your Case
A free self-study online course designed to help people with developmental disabilities and their families develop the skills needed to create positive change through advocacy. Teaches how to identify the policymakers who can help bring about the changes you need, write effective letters and e-mails, conduct productive meetings with policymakers, give effective testimony, tell your story in writing and in person, organize with others, and more.

New England ADA & Accessible IT Center

Provides information and guidance on the ADA, Section 508, and accessible information technology to individuals living in New England. Online resources include an extensive collection of publications offering information on the ADA and disability rights for individuals with disabilities, business owners, government officials, employers, school officials, law enforcement agencies, and others. Also maintains a toll-free V/TTY information line staffed by people who can answer your questions about the ADA and accessible IT.

Autism Resources
A listing of state and local organizations providing advocacy, information, services, and referral for persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Why Advocate?

Advocacy is essential in maintaining or improving the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities. They may need the assistance of advocates in order to know, understand and assert their rights; practice self-determination; practice self-protection; obtain needed services; identify and overcome barriers to and discrimination in the community; and be protected from abuse and neglect.

Self-advocacy is speaking up for oneself. It means speaking up for oneself, and making one’s own choices in life, large and small. It means learning about one’s rights and responsibilities. It also means living the way one chooses and respecting the right of others to do the same.

Learn More about Advocacy

Legislative advocacy tools and resources compiled by The Arc of Massachusetts' Governmental Affairs Committee

Communicating with State Legislators in Good Times and Bad:
A family-friendly guide on the importance and best ways of communicating with your state legislators

The Massachusetts Human Services System – How it Works

Resources, information, and position statements from The Arc on:

The Americans with Disabilities Act

Rights of People with Developmental Disabilities