Advocacy

Overview

Advocacy can mean many things both in regard to what and the how. The what for us is—working toward policies, funding, laws, regulations and other types of outcomes which advance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. On a simple level, the “how” means encouraging, pleading, urging, and providing justification. But it gets more complex when you apply the “how” to “where”. There is the administration of the state or federal government, the legislature, the courts, school committees, etc.

Bill Priorities

TRACKING LEGISLATION – LAWS
Our bills advance areas such as healthcare, housing, protection, education and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism.

Policy Issues

A VARIETY OF KEY ISSUES
Policy issues cover changes within government at state or regional levels which impact the ways services are delivered or rights are enforced. MassHealth covers several important community living services in addition to health care.

Go to www.MA21Alliance.org to join the advocacy efforts of MA21 to make sure DDS Self-Direction follows the Real Lives Law. The Massachusetts Alliance for 21st Century Disability Policy (MA21) was formed in 2007 to protect the right of people with disabilities to self-direct, and through its efforts helped pass the Real Lives Law in 2014.

State Budget

TRACKING OUR BUDGET PROCESS
Each January the Governor releases her version of the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year that begins on July 1st. Each branch of the legislature (House and Senate) in turn develops a budget on which they ultimately agree and send to the Governor for her signature prior to July 1st.

Advocacy Tools

HELPFUL GUIDES AND FACT SHEETS
In this section, you will find various tools to navigate the information on public policy such as Advocacy Guides, How You Can Help, Public testimony, and Useful Information.

Insider's View

COMMENTS FROM POLICY MAKERS
Insider’s View offers constituents a chance to get to know the members of the Massachusetts legislature and hear from them directly about their involvement with the disability community.

GA Committee Opportunity to Participate

The Government Affairs Committee consists of members of The Arc’s 17 chapters and other organizations, who meet once a month to discuss legislative priorities and advocacy actions.

Headlines

Government AffairsNewsNicky's Law
June 11, 2025

The Arc of Massachusetts Testifies in Support of Bills Including Nicky’s Law Expansion, Archaic Language

On Tuesday, June 10, The Arc of Massachusetts was pleased to offer testimony before the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities. At this hearing, two of our…
Fact SheetsGovernment AffairsNews
June 10, 2025

Fact Sheet: Overview of Higher Education Regulations for Students with Disabilities

Since 2007, Massachusetts has provided funding to public state colleges and universities that chose to invite individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to engage in college life (e.g., take classes,…
Action AlertsBudget & PolicyGovernment AffairsNews
June 5, 2025

Your Advocacy Is Needed: Ask Your Legislators to Support The Arc’s Final FY26 Budget Priorities!

Please contact your state legislators today and ask them to support The Arc of Massachusetts’ final budget priorities! Over the last few months, both the House and Senate have passed…

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