The Home Page for The Arc of Massachusetts.

Patrick Administration announces plan to close four institutions

Dec. 12, 2008: Governor Patrick's historic announcement today 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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Nov. 20: Legislative Advocacy Training in Jamaica Plain

Learn about how to advocate for your/your family's needs at the State House. Thursday, Nov. 20, 6 p.m. English High School, 144 Mcbride St., Jamaica Plain. Hosted by The Arc and offered in collaboration with the Boston Special Education Parent Advocacy meeting.

The Arc's 2008 Election Wrap Up

Nov. 5, 2008: See our election wrap-up, including averting Question 1 Fallout and the 18 new legislators who will be walking the halls of the State House. Also, Save the Date of our Freshman Legislative Orientation, where you can let your new legislator know the issues that are important to you.

The Arc analyzes Governor's mid-year cuts

Oct. 21, 2008: The Patrick Administration’s mid-year (9C) cuts, announced Oct. 15, will have a profound impact on hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD). These cuts will be felt across a wide spectrum of service areas, including family support (respite), special education, employment and health services. Department of Developmental Services (formerly DMR) community services are being cut $5 Million, not including earmarks. See The Arc's overview and analysis, including a detailed chart.

"Photo-Op Day" scheduled in lieu of Rally

Oct. 17, 2008: Because the mid-year budget cuts were not as severe as feared, there will be NO RALLY at this time. However, the recent cuts have affected real people and the news may get worse before it gets better. Therefore, The Arc is teaming with other disability organization to to hold a “Photo-Op Day” on Thursday, Oct. 30, to highlight the existing needs and the inability for the disability community to sustain further cuts. Stay tuned for more information.

Globe Editorial on Fernald Center

Oct. 17, 2008: Please see today’s editorial from The Boston Globe about the recent Fernald court ruling and the future of state institutions (and by default other state institutions). The piece shows progress in the Globe’s editorial stance, as it is more balanced than past editorials. However, it ultimately leaves a lot unsaid. Read more, including the editorial, here. Center

Arc and partners issue letter to Gov. in anticipation of impending cuts to disability services

Oct. 14, 2008: The Arc joined five partner disability advocacy organizations in issueing a letter to Deval Patrick urging him to hold disability services harmless when considering mid-year (9C) budget cuts. The letter, which you can see here, spells out specific proposals for how the governor could do so. This is the second letter in the last two weeks The Arc has written to the governor on the subject. The first was addressed to Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Sal DiMasi as well as the governor. See that letter here.

Olmstead Plan available online/ public forums scheduled

Sept. 30, 2008: Massachusetts’ Olmstead Plan, a roadmap for ensuring that people with disabilities and elders have access to community-living opportunities and supports that address each individual's diverse needs, abilities and backgrounds, is now available online for viewing. Also, the Commonwealth is sponsoring four public education forums on the Olmstead Plan around the state. See here for more information.

The Arc issues open letter to state leaders about Mid-year cuts

Sept. 30, 2008: Revenue for the first two weeks of September were down $200 million compared to the last year. Governor Patrick has asked state agencies to prepare for mid-year spending cuts. In response, The Arc has written an open letter to Gov. Patrick, Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Sal DiMasi asking that disability accounts be spared as the Governor and Legislature consider so-called 9C cuts to the budget. See the letter here.

ADA Amendments Act Signed into Law

Sept. 25, 2008: The ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), S.3406, was signed into law today. The ADAAA overturns a decade of jurisprudence that has barred the door to ADA eligibility for many people with disabilities, including epilepsy, diabetes, intellectual and developmental disabilities, muscular dystrophy, and cancer, among many others. Read more here.

Arc launches campaign for Community Services funding

2008: 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.)