The Fall 2024 issue of our print newsletter Advocate is now available to read online.
Highlights of the issue include:
- The 2024 Gala, Celebrating the Legacy of Leo Sarkissian
- Leo’s letters to the community on the occasion of his retirement
- Results from The Arc’s community priority-setting survey
- Recent activities from Operation House Call and Pathways to Friendship
- Updates on self-direction
- And much more
Our community faces many challenges, but you can make a difference today
We know many people in our community are feeling uncertainty and concern about changes in Washington and what they may mean for Medicaid, Social Security, and other critical supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism.
The Arc of Massachusetts remains steadfast in our commitment to advocate for policies and funding that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. But we cannot do it alone.
Your voice, your involvement, and, yes, your donations make an impact. Together, we can be a powerful force to demonstrate that our community deserves not only compassion, but respect, rights, and resources.
Together, we can overcome the many challenges our community faces. You are part of the solution.
By Leo Sarkissian
Leading The Arc of Massachusetts for more than three decades has been an honor and a privilege. I consider myself a lucky man.
The Arc’s origins are remarkable. Founded by parents in the 1950s, during the post-WWII baby boom, the organization emerged as families welcomed children with intellectual and developmental disabilities — including, though less recognized at the time and not at the numbers we see today, autism. Today, families, individuals with disabilities, and the many community members who support us through their time, money, and expertise like you continue to carry forward that legacy. You are the heirs of that movement.
Operation House Call Year in Review: A Year of Incredible Growth and Impact
By Ashley Waring
2024 was a very busy year for Operation House Call (OHC). Our health equity program has grown, involving more dedicated host families, more self-advocate co teachers, and more engaged medical students. The OHC program tagline has often been Families Teaching Doctors. 2024 could therefore be summarized as Even More Families Teaching Even More Doctors, Nurses, and Other Medical Professionals.
Community Survey Results Inform 2025-2026 Legislative Session Agenda and Current Advocacy
By Nora Bent
As the 193rd legislative session (2023-2024) concluded, The Arc of Massachusetts conducted a community survey to prepare for the 194th legislative session (2025-2026). This survey was broadly shared among individuals and diverse stakeholder groups and was completed by over 550 respondents. These results pro vide critical feedback to ensure that The Arc’s advocacy is focused on the disability community’s top priorities.
We are excited to share the results of the survey, as well as our priority setting process and an update on our current advocacy.
Massachusetts DSPs Honored and Celebrated in Cape Cod Conference
By Katie Driscoll
The Massachusetts Direct Support Professional (DSP) Conference held in Falmouth in October was a powerful two-day event that honored and celebrated the essential work of DSPs across the Commonwealth. Organized by Pathways to Friendship facilitator Phoebe Goodman, along with Jack Yates and a team from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and various provider organizations, the conference brought together over 200 attendees to recognize the critical role DSPs play in supporting individuals with disabilities.
