Building a Foundation for Housing Success
Presented in September 2025.
The first in The Arc’s housing series, Lauren Gallant from the Department of Developmental Services presents everything you need to know about affordable housing along with tips about finding resources and moving up the waitlist. Knowing your options and how to access housing resources are important tools for planning for the future.

Creating a Home
Presented in October 2025.
The second in The Arc’s housing series, this webinar explores housing models, access to services to support independent living, and person-centered planning for housing. Led by Catherine Boyle of Autism Housing Pathways, this webinar focuses on what it takes to create a supportive, living environment that truly is a home.

Innovative Housing for People with Disabilities
Presented in December 2025.
The third webinar in The Arc’s housing series, this session features a panel discussion with three organizations (including two nonprofits founded by parents) that offer innovative housing for people with varying support needs. 

What You Should Know about DDS Adult Waivers
Presented in May 2025
Co-presented by the Director of Medicaid Waivers at DDS, this webinar explores the role of waivers to get home services, as well as clinical assessments, waiver eligibility, and the difference between them.

Special Needs Trusts Now
Presented in June 2025.
Presented by CEO of The Arc of Bristol County, which offers special needs trusts for families, this webinar reviews the latest future-planning tools to maximize an individual’s benefits and provide financial security. The webinar explores trusts, trustees, and ABLE accounts, as well as how they can be used to protect your loved one’s future.

MassHealth 101: The Basics
Presented in January 2025.
The first in a two-part series on MassHealth, this webinar focuses on the basics you need to know about MassHealth including, eligibility, redetermination, appeals, and how to best communicate with the agency.

MassHealth 201: PCA and AFC
Presented in February 2025.
The second in a two-part series on MassHealth, this webinar focuses on the Personal Care Attendant (PCA) and Adult Foster Care (AFC) programs, including eligibility, tips for keeping your hours, and the appeal process. Co-presenters were trained as Certified Application Counselors and have extensive experience assisting families with MassHealth and other areas.

What MassAbility Can Offer You
Presented in November 2024.
This webinar is on MassAbility (formerly known as the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission) programs, information on how to apply for services, as well as details about community engagement activities and supports with the agency. 

Creating an Effective Individual Support Plan (ISP)
Presented in October 2024.
This webinar focuses on the importance of the ISP in receiving adequate services from DDS, as well as tips for creating vision and goals with the supports required to achieve them. Learn about making the most out of this foundational, often misunderstood document.

Know Your Rights: The DDS Appeals Process
Presented in September 2025.
Understanding your appeal rights enables more effective advocacy when disagreeing with a DDS decision. Led by an experienced attorney, this webinar reviews rights, process, timelines, and best practices for making an appeal.

Needs Assessments: The Foundation for Identifying Appropriate Services
Presented in March 2025.
Understanding the DDS Assessment Process is important as all services and supports are based on need. This webinar covers the two main assessment tools used to identify level of need: The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment Profile (MASSCAP) and the Supports Intensity Adult Scale (SIS-A).