Thursday, July 3: The joint House and Senate Conference Committee provided the best possible budget for individuals served by DMR, the Community First Program and Early Intervention. In addition, the conferees agreed to change the name of DMR to the Department of Developmental Services. Not only is this budget a big success for Mass. Advocates Standing Strong, but the Legislature showed its commitment to individuals with disabilities and the community services services system. Please visit our Action Center to thank the Conference Committee leadership and to ask Governor Patrick NOT to veto and disabilty accounts.  

June 30, 2008: In preparation for planning and advocacy in the coming year, The Arc has posted a new unmet needs survey. You can fill out the survey either online (see here) or on paper (see here). This survey has questions on specific areas such as health care, housing, employment, social/recreation and other categories. Please forward this survey to those who may be interested.  We will be working with other groups into September to get a good cross-section of responses. Your participation in this survey will not only help you or your family member but others who have needs but who are unable to participate. Results will make a difference in our ability to obtain new services. All answers will remain confidential.

May 22: There were two VERY positive pieces of news today for people with disabilities from different ends of the state.
1. In a federal hearing today in Springfield, Judge Nieman gave his verbal approval for the Rolland Settlement, in which the Commonwealth would provide community placements for 640 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who currently live in nursing homes. The settlement is as yet unfunded, but Senators Jehlen and Marzilli have filed an amendment to the Senate Budget to address first-year funding.
2. At the State House, an amendment passed the Senate that would change the name of DMR to the Department of Developmental Services (the word "Disability" was removed from a previous proposal. Thanks to Senators Berry, Spilka and Brewer for that amendment. Now it will be up to the House to insert the same language during Conference Committee.

April 30, 2008: The House this week voted on DMR and other amendments, finalizing key disability-related line items. Thanks to the courage of our Legislature, the House budget includes more funding for services for people with disabilities and their families than the Governor's proposed budget. Increases include the Autism Division, Turning 22, Family Supports, Community Residential services, and the Residential Rate Initiative. Community First/Rolland amendments, however, did not fare well. Nor did the DOE/DMR program.

April 25, 2008: More than 1400 amendments have been filed for the House version of the 2009 budget.  You can view our priority amendments on this website.  Your final opportunity to influence the outcome of the House budget is during the week of April 28.  We have just loaded a list of amendments we support and oppose. You also can see our general letter to house members.

Feb. 28, 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.)