About The Arc of Massachusetts

Our Mission

The mission of The Arc of Massachusetts is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, and their families.

We fulfill this through advocacy for community supports and services that foster social inclusion, self-determination, and equity across all aspects of society.

Timeline

1

1960s

Families began to band together to support each other and to effect change in both policy and practice. Some early activities include local camps, home schools, and support groups.
2

1970s

Chapters of The Arc expand their advocacy, convince school systems to offer programs and establish workshops.
3

1980s

Special education and de-institutionalization take center stage; nonsent decrees usher in community services; ‘normalization’ becomes the watchword for services; a life in the community.
1

1990s

Few residential spaces are available and families fear aging. The Rolland lawsuit, in which The Arc is a representative plaintiff, is settled, moving 1,500 people with developmental disabilities from nursing homes to community services.
2

2000s

udge Douglas Woodlock ruled on the Boulet case, that the state must pay for the 2,437 individuals on the DMR Waiting List. Between 2000 and 2006, every person must be served.
3

2010s

The autism omnibus bill was passed. The Real Lives bill passed which placed into statute the right to self-direct services with public funds. Nicky's Law, also known as the abuse registry bill, is enacted. A staffing shortage crisis begins to emerge in the direct support workforce.
4

2020s

COVID-19 changes the disability landscape. Isolation overtakes inclusion. Staffing shortages worsen. People with disabilities remain unserved and underserved. The Arc leads the charge advocating for their needs.

Learn more about the history The Arc of Massachusetts

Looking Forward

Program Information

The Arc of Massachusetts maintains active programs on education and information referral; legislative and public policy; health equity; social inclusion; and support brokering.

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Goals

The following document contains The Arc's Strategic Plan for the years between 2021 and 2024, as devised in the beginning of 2021. A new Strategic Plan will be added.

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Information and Referrals

As part of our Education and Outreach initiatives, The Arc of Massachusetts takes information and referral requests to support individuals and families.

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Our Impact

Through advocacy, programs that promote inclusion, and engaging the community, The Arc creates tangible changes in the community and in the lives of people with disabilities.

200,000

Individuals & Families Supported

70 Years

of Enhancing the Lives of People with Disabilities

17

Local Chapters

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Meet The Arc of Massachusetts Team

Meet the Team