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 his 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 his 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

Budget & PolicyCelebrating Leo SarkissianGovernment AffairsNewsWorkforce Initiative
October 31, 2024

Nora Bent: Reflecting on My First Two Months at The Arc of Massachusetts + a Call to Action for Our Community

I want to first thank everyone who has reached out as I joined The Arc of Massachusetts team about two months ago. I have had the opportunity to meet with…
a man in a suit and tie smiling at the camera#TheArcVotesCelebrating Leo SarkissianGovernment AffairsIn the MediaNews
October 24, 2024

Executive Director Leo Sarkissian’s Career and Legacy Profiled by Boston Globe Columnist Joan Vennochi

On Thursday, October 24, renowned Boston Globe columnist Joan Vennochi penned a thoughtful, inspiring tribute to the legacy of The Arc of Massachusetts Executive Director Leo Sarkissian, who will be…
Celebrating Leo SarkissianGovernment AffairsLeo's LettersNews
October 24, 2024

Leo’s Letter: Reflecting on 33 Years of Change for the Disability Community in Massachusetts

In this week's video message, Executive Director Leo Sarkissian reflects on lessons he has learned over 33 years of leading The Arc of Massachusetts - as well as in the…

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