Dear Friends and Advocates,
This past quarter at The Arc of Massachusetts has been a whirlwind of activity, but more importantly, it has been a period of profound connection.
As you read this issue of Advocate, you’ll see the incredible breadth of our collective work – from our recent trip to Washington, D.C., to record-breaking advocacy events on Beacon Hill, and the steady, vital work of Operation House Call, Pathways to Friendship, and Education and Outreach.
As CEO of The Arc, it is a privilege to carry our shared voice into leadership spaces. Whether meeting with lawmakers at the State House or speaking at state and national conferences, my goal is to strengthen policies for individuals living with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as well as ensuring that the lived experience of our families remains the primary guide for decision-makers.
Lately, much of our focus has been on protecting the lifelines that our families rely on. I am grateful to be tapped by the legislature and MassHealth to join working groups addressing the proposed cuts and sustainability of Adult Family/Foster Care (AFC) and Personal Care Attendant (PCA) services. Recognizing this environment of tightening budgets and scrutiny, we must ensure that the administration and legislature understand that these programs are vital. They allow people with disabilities to be safe and well in their homes and included in their communities.
Advocacy often requires us to be vulnerable. Recently, at the Profound Autism Summit – which Governor Maura Healey attended – I shared my own family’s journey regarding the transition to residential placement. I spoke openly about the strain and the lessons I learned. What I hope resonated is that this decision is not a failure, but a bridge to a more sustainable and present family life.
We are also using every platform possible to drive systemic change. In a recent editorial for MassLive, I used the backdrop of the HBO Max series The Pitt to highlight the “gold standard” of medical care we are still fighting for – specifically, the urgent need to pass Supported Decision-Making and Healthcare Standards, two of The Arc’s long-time priorities.
Whether speaking about the critical need to engage in advocacy at the National Conference on Adults with Down Syndrome or at the Perkins School for the Blind, these opportunities are tools to educate our community and keep our legislative and program priorities front and center.
None of this work happens in isolation. It was a joy to join Jim Brett on the Inside the Corner Office podcast to discuss the resilience of this community, and an even greater joy to welcome hundreds of you to our Progress and Possibility Gala. Honoring our three Partners in Progress reminded me that the true strength of The Arc comes from the advocates who work side-by-side with us every day.
As we close in on the final stretch of our legislative session, we are determined to protect the workforce, MassHealth programs, and expand budget funding for lifeline services. We are leaning into the power of this community to pass priority bills that will bring meaningful progress for people with autism and IDD. And as we look ahead to our October 2026 Transition Journeys Conference, our focus remains on how we can best empower you.
Thank you for the trust you place in The Arc. There is much work ahead, but as this issue of Advocate demonstrates, we are moving forward together.
With gratitude,
Maura Sullivan, MPA
Chief Executive Officer
