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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260915T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260915T133000
DTSTAMP:20260804T152301Z
CREATED:20260804T152057Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T152301Z
UID:19111-1789473600-1789479000@thearcofmass.org
SUMMARY:[TOWN HALL] Family Town Hall on Camera Policies in Group Homes | Daytime Session
DESCRIPTION:The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is currently developing policies regarding the use of cameras in group homes. To ensure these policies reflect the needs and perspectives of those they affect most\, DDS and The Arc of Massachusetts are collaborating to host a virtual Town Hall specifically for families. \nThis session is an opportunity for you to share your feedback\, voice your concerns\, and ask questions directly to DDS leadership. Your input is vital to this process. \nTo reach a wide audience\, we are hosting two identical Zoom sessions: \n\nTuesday\, September 15\, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM\nTuesday\, September 15\, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM\n\nWe hope you will join us for this important conversation. \nRegister for the daytime session here.
URL:https://thearcofmass.org/event/town-hall-family-town-hall-on-camera-policies-in-group-homes-daytime-session/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260915T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260915T203000
DTSTAMP:20260804T152451Z
CREATED:20260804T152451Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T152451Z
UID:19114-1789498800-1789504200@thearcofmass.org
SUMMARY:[TOWN HALL] Family Town Hall on Camera Policies in Group Homes | Evening Session
DESCRIPTION:The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is currently developing policies regarding the use of cameras in group homes. To ensure these policies reflect the needs and perspectives of those they affect most\, DDS and The Arc of Massachusetts are collaborating to host a virtual Town Hall specifically for families. \nThis session is an opportunity for you to share your feedback\, voice your concerns\, and ask questions directly to DDS leadership. Your input is vital to this process. \nTo reach a wide audience\, we are hosting two identical Zoom sessions: \n\nTuesday\, September 15\, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM\nTuesday\, September 15\, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM\n\nWe hope you will join us for this important conversation. \nRegister for the evening session here.
URL:https://thearcofmass.org/event/town-hall-family-town-hall-on-camera-policies-in-group-homes-evening-session/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260916T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260916T130000
DTSTAMP:20260820T201327Z
CREATED:20260820T201327Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T201327Z
UID:19473-1789560000-1789563600@thearcofmass.org
SUMMARY:[WEBINAR] Preparing for Transition: Parents Share Unique Journeys
DESCRIPTION:Transitioning to adulthood is a common stage of life\, yet the path is different for each of us. When the journey includes navigating disability services\, programming options and government benefits for your child\, it can feel overwhelming. \nAs the primary caregiver\, parents know their children’s strengths\, interests\, and needs better than anyone; and they play a vital role in building a bridge to a meaningful future for them. Join us for a conversation with parents about preparing for their child’s transition to adult services. \nRegister for this webinar here.
URL:https://thearcofmass.org/event/webinar-preparing-for-transition-parents-share-unique-journeys/
CATEGORIES:Webinars
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T130000
DTSTAMP:20260818T181417Z
CREATED:20260818T181417Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260818T181417Z
UID:19317-1789646400-1789650000@thearcofmass.org
SUMMARY:[WEBINAR] REV UP the Disability Vote: Your Vote\, Your Voice in the 2026 Election
DESCRIPTION:Join The Arc of Massachusetts Government Affairs Team and Brianna Zimmerman\, Voting Rights Advocate at the Disability Law Center (DLC) and REV UP MA\, for this informative webinar to help prepare you for the 2026 Statewide Election happening this November. \nTopics we will cover include: \n\nThe rights of Massachusetts voters with disabilities and who can vote;\nHow to register to vote;\nHow to vote and accommodations available to voters with disabilities; and\nWhat we are voting for in November’s General Election\, including an explanation of the ballot questions\n\nWe will also allow time to answer your questions. This will be a practical\, informative opportunity to know your voting rights and some of the issues that will be covered in the November state election! \nBrianna Zimmerman (she/her/hers) is the Voting Rights Advocate at the Disability Law Center (DLC). DLC is a statewide nonprofit legal services organization and the Protection and Advocacy (P & A) agency for Massachusetts. Under the Protection and Advocacy for Voting Access (PAVA) program\, Brianna conducts voter registration drives\, voting rights trainings\, and ensures that voting is accessible to disabilities. Brianna also helps coordinate the REV UP MA coalition\, a group of organizations and self-advocates that are passionate about civic engagement and voting access. \nRegister for this webinar here.
URL:https://thearcofmass.org/event/webinar-rev-up-the-disability-vote-your-vote-your-voice-in-the-2026-election/
CATEGORIES:Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T180000
DTSTAMP:20260821T164522Z
CREATED:20260821T164522Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260821T164522Z
UID:19488-1789664400-1789668000@thearcofmass.org
SUMMARY:[WEBINAR]  After I'm Gone: Taking a Walk through the Future Planning Guide
DESCRIPTION:This session will summarize the entire Future Planning Guide planning tool and delve deeper into one of the sections. It will include time for questions. It should be a helpful session whether using one of the tools we have online or other tools\, or thinking about planning. With Leo Sarkissian. \nVisit https://thearcofmass.org/future to learn more about the Future Planning Guide\, including purchasing the full guide or downloading a sample. \nRegister for this webinar here.
URL:https://thearcofmass.org/event/webinar-after-im-gone-taking-a-walk-through-the-future-planning-guide/
CATEGORIES:After I'm Gone,Webinars
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260922T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260922T150000
DTSTAMP:20260819T175108Z
CREATED:20260817T210138Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260819T175108Z
UID:19312-1790083800-1790089200@thearcofmass.org
SUMMARY:[MA21] DDS Self-Direction Budgets: Understanding the Process and Your Rights
DESCRIPTION:What do the Real Lives Law and DDS regulations say about self-direction budgets? \nWhat can you do if you disagree with your budget amount? \nJoin this informative webinar for a discussion about the budget planning process and your right to appeal budget decisions. Panelists will share what they have learned from the law and regulations\, as well as their professional experience and lived experience. \nPanelists: \n\nAnne Fracht\, Self-Advocacy Associate\, Harvard Law School Project on Disability (HPOD)\nLiz Fahey\, Director of Transition Services\, Integrated Center for Child Development (ICCD) Partners\nRichard Glassman\, Legal Disability Policy Analyst\, Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC)\nEliza L.M. Presson\, Kotin\, Crabtree & Strong\, LLP
URL:https://thearcofmass.org/event/ma21-dds-self-direction-budgets-understanding-the-process-and-your-rights/
CATEGORIES:MA21 Alliance
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thearcofmass.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/MA21-Logo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260929T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260929T123000
DTSTAMP:20260821T164041Z
CREATED:20260821T164041Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260821T164041Z
UID:19485-1790683200-1790685000@thearcofmass.org
SUMMARY:[WEBINAR] After I'm Gone: Establishing a Semi-Independent Living Situation with Mike Ripp: Question and Answer Clinic
DESCRIPTION:In July\, Brian Clark of Lifeworks and Mike Ripp presented on semi-independent living. Mike shared the steps involved in the successful transition of her daughter. \nIn this 30-minute session\, Mike will answer questions from participants. If you can’t make the session\, but have questions to share in advance\, please use the “Contact Us” form with your question\, located at the end of this page: https://thearcofmass.org/future/. We will record the session. \nWatch the July 21 session here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWcE5VIzElo \nRegister for this webinar here.
URL:https://thearcofmass.org/event/webinar-after-im-gone-establishing-a-semi-independent-living-situation-with-mike-ripp-question-and-answer-clinic/
CATEGORIES:After I'm Gone,Webinars
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260930T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260930T130000
DTSTAMP:20260827T180125Z
CREATED:20260820T201831Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260827T180125Z
UID:19476-1790769600-1790773200@thearcofmass.org
SUMMARY:[WEBINAR] New Blue Envelope Law: What it Means for Drivers\, Passengers\, and Police
DESCRIPTION:Learn about the Blue Envelope Program\, the new law\, and the impact it has on drivers\, passengers\, and law enforcement. \nWe will share how this law\, like so many that impact the disability community\, started from self-advocates speaking up\, joining voices\, and being heard. \nPanelists will share their perspectives on what the law means for them personally as well as the far-reaching impact on safety and increased awareness. \nPanelists include Marie Zullo and Massachusetts State Police Trooper Derek Henneberry. \nRegister for this webinar here.
URL:https://thearcofmass.org/event/webinar-new-blue-envelope-law-what-it-means-for-drivers-passengers-and-police/
CATEGORIES: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:20261013T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261013T130000
DTSTAMP:20261004T185831Z
CREATED:20260821T165312Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261004T185831Z
UID:19491-1791892800-1791896400@thearcofmass.org
SUMMARY:[WEBINAR] After I'm Gone: Health and Advanced Care Planning with Janet Rico\, Elise Kopley\, and Leo Sarkissian
DESCRIPTION:This session will cover: \n\nWhat is advanced care planning?\nEducating healthcare professionals so they “know” your loved one\nSerious medical illness.\n\n“Having the conversation” regarding preferences and determining the best health care proxy will also be discussed. \nJanet Rico\, a nurse practitioner\, holds a doctorate in Law and Public Policy\, with several decades experience in various clinical settings including palliative care. For much of her career\, she trained graduate level nurses at Simmons University\, and as the assistant dean of graduate nursing programs at Northeastern University. She served on and chaired the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. Janet is the former Chair of The Arc of Massachusetts Board of Directors and has participated in several state level health task forces. \nElise Kopley is Deputy General Counsel at the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). \nRegister for this webinar here.
URL:https://thearcofmass.org/event/webinar-after-im-gone-health-and-advanced-care-planning-with-janet-rico-and-leo-sarkissian/
CATEGORIES:After I'm Gone,Webinars
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261015T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261015T130000
DTSTAMP:20260820T174014Z
CREATED:20260820T174014Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T174014Z
UID:19468-1792065600-1792069200@thearcofmass.org
SUMMARY:[WEBINAR] Autism Support Centers: Building Community Across Massachusetts
DESCRIPTION:Autism Support Centers provide a wide range of resources\, programs\, and support for autistic individuals and their families across Massachusetts. \nJoin Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM) to learn more about what Autism Support Centers offer\, how families can access services and connect with their local center\, and the opportunities available to get involved in advocacy and community engagement. \nWe’ll also explore how these local resources can help families connect with broader efforts to advance meaningful change for the autism community. \nRegister for this webinar here.
URL:https://thearcofmass.org/event/webinar-autism-support-centers-building-community-across-massachusetts/
CATEGORIES:AFAM,Webinars
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261022T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261022T130000
DTSTAMP:20261005T155244Z
CREATED:20261005T155244Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T155244Z
UID:19807-1792670400-1792674000@thearcofmass.org
SUMMARY:[WEBINAR] Protecting the Promise of Community Living: Olmstead In Massachusetts
DESCRIPTION:Special Guest: Shira Wakschlag\, Senior Executive Officer of Legal Advocacy and General Counsel\, The Arc of the United States \nFor more than 25 years\, the landmark Supreme Court decision Olmstead v. L.C. has protected the rights of people with disabilities to live in their communities rather than being unnecessarily placed in institutions. In June 2026\, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a concerning memo\, changing how the federal government could interpret and enforce Olmstead. This moment calls for focused advocacy. \nJoin The Arc of Massachusetts Government Affairs team for an in-depth discussion exploring the state of community living in Massachusetts and current advocacy opportunities. We will be joined by Shira Wakschlag\, Senior Executive Officer of Legal Advocacy and General Counsel\, The Arc of the United States\, who will bring a national perspective to this crucial civil rights issue. \nWe will share practical ways that advocates\, families\, and policymakers can work together to defend home- and community-based services\, uphold disability rights\, and strengthen our collective voices to ensure that every individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities can thrive safely and meaningfully in their community. \nRegister for this webinar here.
URL:https://thearcofmass.org/event/webinar-protecting-the-promise-of-community-living-olmstead-in-massachusetts/
CATEGORIES:Webinars
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261024
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261025
DTSTAMP:20260506T160358Z
CREATED:20260506T160358Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260506T160358Z
UID:18515-1792800000-1792886399@thearcofmass.org
SUMMARY:Transition Journeys 2026: Tools for Today\, Hope for Tomorrow
DESCRIPTION:Transition Journeys 2026:\nTools for Today\, Hope for Tomorrow\nSaturday\, October 24\, 2026\nRenaissance Framingham Hotel and Conference Center \nMark your calendars for The Arc of Massachusetts 2026 Transition Conference – Transition Journeys 2026: Tools for Today\, Hope for Tomorrow. This highly anticipated full‑day conference is designed for families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism who are preparing for the transition to adulthood. Don’t miss this year’s event as it promises to be bigger\, more informative\, and more empowering than ever! \nTransition to adulthood can feel overwhelming\, but you are not alone. Transition Journeys 2026 brings together families\, self‑advocates\, professionals\, and parents with lived experience to share knowledge\, insights\, and resources. Attendees will learn how to best prepare their child for life after high school\, understand adult services\, and gain practical tools and resources to advocate for the future they envision for their loved one. \nThis one‑stop conference will offer more than 20 workshops covering the critical areas families need to understand during transition. Topics include making the most of the school years; adult decision‑making; transitioning to adult healthcare; resources to support mental health\, behavior\, and complex needs; transportation; vocational training; housing; getting college ready; and strategies for successful advocacy. Panel discussions throughout the day will highlight real‑world experiences and lessons learned from those who have navigated the journey. \nAttendees will get valuable information about eligibility\, services\, and programs offered through key government agencies\, including the Department of Developmental Services\, MassHealth\, MassAbility\, Social Security\, and the Department of Mental Health. They will also gain knowledge about how these agencies work\, their resources\, and tips for accessing them – critical information for building a fulfilling future for your loved one. \nWhether your family is just beginning to explore transition or already actively planning next steps\, Transition Journeys 2026 offers guidance for each stage of the process and all levels of support. Join us to learn about programs and resources\, develop new skills\, and connect to a supportive community that understands the challenges and possibilities ahead. We look forward to seeing you there! \nVisit thearcofmass.org/conference to stay up to date with the latest information and be the first to learn when registration opens.
URL:https://thearcofmass.org/event/transition-journeys-2026-tools-for-today-hope-for-tomorrow/
LOCATION:Renaissance Framingham Hotel and Conference Center\, 1657 Worcester Rd\, Framingham\, MA\, 01701
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261104T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261104T160000
DTSTAMP:20261005T160943Z
CREATED:20261005T155516Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T160943Z
UID:19810-1793804400-1793808000@thearcofmass.org
SUMMARY:[WEBINAR] After I’m Gone: Self-Advocate Panel
DESCRIPTION:In planning for the future\, it’s critical we keep the individual with a disability voice at the center of planning. \nJoin a panel of self-advocates in a discussion on future planning. Panelists will discuss their experience navigating the transition to independence as an adult\, including housing\, transportation\, communication\, technology\, and creating a social support network. Panelists will also share their goals for the future and how families can support their adult child with a disability to ensure the right supports are in place to achieve these goals. \nThis panel will be moderated by Nicole Homerin\, Program Associate\, After I’m Gone. \nRegister for this webinar here.
URL:https://thearcofmass.org/event/webinar-after-im-gone-self-advocate-panel/
CATEGORIES:After I'm Gone,Webinars
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261119T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261119T130000
DTSTAMP:20261005T155745Z
CREATED:20261005T155721Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T155745Z
UID:19813-1795089600-1795093200@thearcofmass.org
SUMMARY:[WEBINAR] After I’m Gone: Factors to Consider in Future Planning
DESCRIPTION:Building a plan with roots today that keeps growing tomorrow \nPlanning for After I’m Gone is the conversation most families of a loved one with a disability carry privately and rarely have out loud. This session is that conversation\, held in the open and organized around the Five Factors of Special Needs Planning. \nAlexandria Nadworny\, CFP® of Sequoia Financial Group will be presenting. She is a wealth advisor who has spent years helping families build plans that outlast them\, and she is a sister who is stepping into a successor role in her own family. That combination shapes how she approaches this work: not as a set of documents to execute\, but as a life that must keep running after the people who have been running it are no longer able to. \nThe session gives closest attention to the financial factor. What does a lifetime of support actually require? Where does the money come from\, in what order\, and how does it get directed so that benefits eligibility survives the transition? We’ll work through the tools families use to fund a plan across two generations\, and the common\, preventable mistakes that undo years of careful saving. \nWe’ll also briefly cover what the funding depends on: the legal documents that give people authority\, the government benefits that carry much of the weight\, and the team of family members\, friends\, and professionals who will one day carry the plan forward. You’ll leave with concrete next steps and ideas on how to identify and prepare your successors\, including how to set a review cadence that keeps the plan current as your family changes. \nRoots planted today are what let the plan keep growing tomorrow. The families who do this well start long before they need to. \nRegister for this webinar here.
URL:https://thearcofmass.org/event/webinar-after-im-gone-factors-to-consider-in-future-planning/
CATEGORIES:After I'm Gone,Webinars
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