Advocacy

Menu

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.

Head to Action Center

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. 

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 & PolicyCOVID-19Government AffairsNewsWorkforce Initiative
March 24, 2023

Act Now: Take Action For The Arc’s FY24 State Budget Ask

It is time to take action with your lawmakers!  Please use our action alert to contact your Representative and Senator and ask them to support The Arc’s FY24 State Budget…
Katerina 0
Love1
Budget & PolicyGovernment AffairsLeo's LettersNews
March 19, 2023

Leo’s Letter: Explaining the Home and Community-Based Services Access Act

In this week's video message, Executive Director Leo Sarkissian provides an overview of the importance of the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Act, including the recent feature on the act in HuffPost that…
Katerina 0
Love0
Budget & PolicyGovernment AffairsLeo's LettersNews
March 9, 2023

Leo’s Letter: Celebrating the Community at the 45th Annual Legislative Reception

In this week's video message, Executive Director Leo Sarkissian shares some highlights of this year's 45th Annual Legislative Reception, including the incredible speakers and honorees, 400-plus turnout, groups from our…
Katerina 0
Love0
VIEW ALL

Get the latest news directly to your inbox

Sign up for the latest news, events, and ways you can get involved with The Arc.

Name

By submitting your email you agree to The Arc terms