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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T113000
DTSTAMP:20260613T065147
CREATED:20251218T173738Z
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UID:16941-1775642400-1775647800@thearcofmass.org
SUMMARY:21st Annual Autism Advocacy Day - Safeguarding Our Future: Defending Critical Services for the Autism Community
DESCRIPTION:21st Annual Autism Advocacy Day\nSafeguarding Our Future: Defending Critical Services for the Autism Community\nWednesday\, April 8\, 2026 | 10:00 – 11:30AM\nGreat Hall\, Massachusetts State House\nAutism Advocacy Day is an annual event that brings self-advocates\, families\, friends\, and professionals together at the Massachusetts State House to make their voices heard on issues that matter most to the autism community.   \nIn this urgent moment when essential supports and services are threatened\, this year’s theme is Safeguarding Our Future: Defending Critical Services for the Autism Community. Hosted by The Arc of Massachusetts and Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM)\, this empowering event is an opportunity to learn about legislative priorities\, connect with fellow advocates\, and meet directly with your state legislators to share your stories.  \nWe will be honoring Senator Paul Feeney and Representative Vanna Howard for their incredible work supporting this community.  \nJoin us at the Massachusetts State House for the 21st Annual Autism Advocacy Day on Wednesday\, April 8 as we come together to defend critical services\, uplift the voices of the autism community\, and honor this year’s legislative champions. 
URL:https://thearcofmass.org/event/21st-annual-autism-advocacy-day/
LOCATION:Massachusetts State House\, 24 Beacon Street\, Boston\, MA\, 02133\, United States
CATEGORIES:Advocacy Events,AFAM
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thearcofmass.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/The-Arc-with-AFAM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T113000
DTSTAMP:20260613T065147
CREATED:20251002T043656Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T220433Z
UID:16713-1773136800-1773142200@thearcofmass.org
SUMMARY:48th Annual Legislative Reception: Protecting Our Lives: Now More than Ever
DESCRIPTION:48th Annual Legislative Reception\nProtecting Our Lives: Now More Than Ever\nTuesday\, March 10\, 2026 | 10:00 – 11:30AM\nGreat Hall\, Massachusetts State House\nPlease join The Arc of Massachusetts (The Arc) and the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) at the Massachusetts State House on Tuesday\, March 10\, 2026 for the 48th Annual Legislative Reception. \nThis year’s theme is “Protecting Our Lives: Now More than Ever.”\nAt a pivotal moment for disability policy and services\, the 48th Annual Legislative Reception provides a vital space to gather\, advocate\, and be heard. Join The Arc and MDDC at the State House to connect with legislators and fellow advocates\, hear from leaders within the disability community\, and uplift the voices of individuals with developmental disabilities. \nThis annual event will honor legislative champions who have demonstrated leadership and commitment to protecting the lives\, rights\, and supports of people with disabilities now more than ever. The Legislative Reception is a valuable opportunity for our community and the public to come together to celebrate Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
URL:https://thearcofmass.org/event/48th-annual-legislative-reception/
LOCATION:Massachusetts State House\, 24 Beacon Street\, Boston\, MA\, 02133\, United States
CATEGORIES:Advocacy Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thearcofmass.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DSC4741.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260202T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260202T130000
DTSTAMP:20260613T065147
CREATED:20251218T053122Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251218T053122Z
UID:16940-1770033600-1770037200@thearcofmass.org
SUMMARY:[WEBINAR] Why the State Budget Matters and How You Can Help: Part Two
DESCRIPTION:The state budget isn’t just a list of numbers; it’s a reflection of our Commonwealth’s priorities and it funds the services that support the IDD and autism communities. This year\, the stakes are higher than ever\, as the budget is where we will see the impacts of federal cuts and changes most acutely. \nJoin The Arc of Massachusetts for a two-part webinar series to go behind the scenes of the budget process and learn how to make your voice heard. \nPart 1: Demystifying the State Budget | Thursday\, January 15 at noon:\nUnderstand the budget and the process. We’ll walk through the timeline\, key line items\, and show you where advocate intervention makes the biggest difference. \nPart 2: The Governor’s Proposal & Next Steps | Monday\, February 2 at noon:\nShortly after the Governor releases her budget\, we’ll break down what it means for you. We will share our top priorities and give you a clear roadmap for advocacy in the months ahead. \nRegister for this two-part webinar series here.
URL:https://thearcofmass.org/event/webinar-why-the-state-budget-matters-and-how-you-can-help-part-two/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Advocacy Events,Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thearcofmass.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/The-Arc-Webinar-Thumbnail.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T130000
DTSTAMP:20260613T065147
CREATED:20251218T052938Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251218T052938Z
UID:16939-1768478400-1768482000@thearcofmass.org
SUMMARY:[WEBINAR] Why the State Budget Matters and How You Can Help: Part One
DESCRIPTION:The state budget isn’t just a list of numbers; it’s a reflection of our Commonwealth’s priorities and it funds the services that support the IDD and autism communities. This year\, the stakes are higher than ever\, as the budget is where we will see the impacts of federal cuts and changes most acutely. \nJoin The Arc of Massachusetts for a two-part webinar series to go behind the scenes of the budget process and learn how to make your voice heard. \nPart 1: Demystifying the State Budget | Thursday\, January 15 at noon:\nUnderstand the budget and the process. We’ll walk through the timeline\, key line items\, and show you where advocate intervention makes the biggest difference. \nPart 2: The Governor’s Proposal & Next Steps | Monday\, February 2 at noon:\nShortly after the Governor releases her budget\, we’ll break down what it means for you. We will share our top priorities and give you a clear roadmap for advocacy in the months ahead. \nRegister for this two-part webinar series here.
URL:https://thearcofmass.org/event/webinar-why-the-state-budget-matters-and-how-you-can-help-part-one/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Advocacy Events,Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thearcofmass.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/The-Arc-Webinar-Thumbnail.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250723T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250723T140000
DTSTAMP:20260613T065147
CREATED:20250707T165342Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250707T165530Z
UID:16467-1753272000-1753279200@thearcofmass.org
SUMMARY:Boston: ADA 35 Rally and March
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a rally and march on July 23\, 2025 to mark the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. We will meet at 12 pm at Boston City Hall Plaza and then BCIL will lead a march from City Hall Plaza to the Embrace in Boston Common. \n12:00 pm: Flag Raising on City Hall Plaza\n12:30 pm: March & Roll to Boston Common\n1:00 pm: Rally at the Embrace Monument \nMake your voices heard: Disability rights are worth fighting for! Join us on City Hall Plaza to march and roll to the Boston Common in honor of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). \nASL and CART will be provided. All locations are wheelchair accessible. An MBTA bus with air conditioning will be available for cooling. Water will be available so bring a bottle for refills. Interpretation\, translation\, and disability accommodations are available to you at no cost. If you need them\, please contact Andrea at disability@boston.gov or call 617-635-3682. \nThis event will take place rain or shine – we hope to see you there!
URL:https://thearcofmass.org/event/boston-ada-35-rally-and-march/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Advocacy Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thearcofmass.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ADA-35-Boston.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250417T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250417T130000
DTSTAMP:20260613T065147
CREATED:20250414T091047Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T091047Z
UID:16266-1744891200-1744894800@thearcofmass.org
SUMMARY:[WEBINAR] Federal Advocacy Updates: DPS and What Comes Next
DESCRIPTION:Join The Arc’s Government Affairs team for a webinar focused on the federal landscape and our advocacy efforts. This session will recap The Arc’s work at the Disability Policy Seminar in Washington\, D.C. and will outline the upcoming advocacy needed in these uncertain times \nRegister for this webinar here.
URL:https://thearcofmass.org/event/webinar-federal-advocacy-updates-dps-and-what-comes-next/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Advocacy Events,Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thearcofmass.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/The-Arc-Webinar-Thumbnail.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250408T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250408T113000
DTSTAMP:20260613T065147
CREATED:20250228T071841Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250228T071841Z
UID:16098-1744106400-1744111800@thearcofmass.org
SUMMARY:20th Annual Autism Advocacy Day: Advocating for Rights and Opportunities across the Spectrum of Need
DESCRIPTION:Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM) welcomes you to join self-advocates\, family members\, caregivers and professionals supporting the autism community\, as well as our elected and appointed officials as we honor two strong\, steady legislative champions of the autism community: Representative Christine Barber and Senator Cindy Friedman. \nRegistration is required. Reserve your spaces today while they are still available. \nQuestions? Contact info@afamaction.org. \nRegistration is now open here.
URL:https://thearcofmass.org/event/20th-annual-autism-advocacy-day-advocating-for-rights-and-opportunities-across-the-spectrum-of-need/
LOCATION:Massachusetts State House\, 24 Beacon Street\, Boston\, MA\, 02133\, United States
CATEGORIES:Advocacy Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thearcofmass.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG_0476-_1_.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250326T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250326T130000
DTSTAMP:20260613T065147
CREATED:20250228T071340Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250314T081148Z
UID:16097-1742990400-1742994000@thearcofmass.org
SUMMARY:[WEBINAR] Finding Our Power During Difficult Times
DESCRIPTION:Are you worried government changes will mean less support for people with disabilities? Join us for a special webinar that reminds us we have been here before\, and we know what to do. Our power to protect our community was never easy\, but it was always about standing together for what matters. \nJoin co-hosts Jackie Doherty and Nora Bent as we share a few inspiring wins from the past\, information about how to turn your worry into action\, and tips for self-care to survive battle fatigue. \nRegister for this webinar here.
URL:https://thearcofmass.org/event/webinar-finding-our-power-during-difficult-times/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Advocacy Events,Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thearcofmass.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/The-Arc-Webinar-Thumbnail.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250313T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250313T130000
DTSTAMP:20260613T065147
CREATED:20250228T070947Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250228T070947Z
UID:16096-1741867200-1741870800@thearcofmass.org
SUMMARY:[WEBINAR] Empowering Effective Advocates: Federal & State Advocacy Training
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a webinar where we will share tips and tricks for being an effective advocate at the federal and state level. Especially in this time of great uncertainty\, it is critical that we all engage in advocacy for the issues impacting the IDD and autism community. \nRegister for this webinar here.
URL:https://thearcofmass.org/event/webinar-empowering-effective-advocates-federal-state-advocacy-training/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Advocacy Events,Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thearcofmass.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/The-Arc-Webinar-Thumbnail.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250312T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250312T130000
DTSTAMP:20260613T065147
CREATED:20250228T072929Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250228T072929Z
UID:16100-1741780800-1741784400@thearcofmass.org
SUMMARY:[WEBINAR] Charting the LifeCourse in Action Caregivers Series: The Nuts & Bolts of SSI/SSDI\, Public Health Insurance & Other Public Benefits
DESCRIPTION:Join the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services\, The Arc of Massachusetts\, and the Institute for Community Inclusion for the next webinar in this ongoing series. \nCharting the LifeCourse is a powerful set of principles and tools that people around the country are using to find supports\, solve problems\, and create their vision for a good life. \nRegister for this series.
URL:https://thearcofmass.org/event/webinar-charting-the-lifecourse-in-action-caregivers-series-the-nuts-bolts-of-ssi-ssdi-public-health-insurance-other-public-benefits/
LOCATION:MA
CATEGORIES:Advocacy Events,Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thearcofmass.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-28-022819.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250306T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250306T113000
DTSTAMP:20260613T065147
CREATED:20250124T031215Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250205T024426Z
UID:15999-1741255200-1741260600@thearcofmass.org
SUMMARY:47th Annual Legislative Reception: Safeguarding Our Rights through Advocacy
DESCRIPTION:Please join The Arc of Massachusetts (The Arc) and the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) on Thursday\, March 6\, 2025 for the 47th Annual Legislative Reception. The theme for the reception this year is “Safeguarding Our Rights through Advocacy.” \nWe are excited to announce this year’s Legislator of the Year Awardees: Senator Robyn K. Kennedy and Representative Sean Garballey. Both Senator Kennedy and Representative Garballey are tireless advocates for people with disabilities. \nWe anticipate several hundred people with disabilities\, family members\, and staff in the field will attend\, as well as numerous elected and appointed officials. The program will begin promptly at 10:30AM\, and there is likely to be a line at security for entering the State House\, so please plan your schedule accordingly. \nAmerican Sign Language (ASL) has been requested\, and CART will be provided. Accommodations must be requested by Saturday\, February 22. \nWe hope you will join us in honoring our community’s champions! \nRegistration is required. Reserve your spaces today while they are still available. \n\n\n10:00 Check-in and Networking \n10:30 – 11:30 Program \nRegistration is now open.
URL:https://thearcofmass.org/event/47th-annual-legislative-reception-safeguarding-our-rights-through-advocacy/
LOCATION:Massachusetts State House\, 24 Beacon Street\, Boston\, MA\, 02133\, United States
CATEGORIES:Advocacy Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thearcofmass.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DSC4741.png
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