Programs

Advocacy and Empowerment

The Arc of Massachusetts plays a leadership role in advocating on both the state and federal levels to obtain services and supports for people of all ages with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This includes ensuring that elected leaders and public officials understand the needs of our constituents, advancing progressive regulations or policies, and working with the judicial system if needed. We encourage families and individuals to advocate for their personal goals.

Education, Trainings, and Webinars

The Arc provides a range of webinars and outreach sessions to assist families in their caregiving role and to educate them about resources that are available. We provide self-advocates, parents, educators, and other professionals the tools they need to assure positive transitions from school to adulthood, so they can be fully included in the community with access to housing, employment, and recreation. Our work with the Massachusetts Alliance for 21st Century Policy, including the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council, involves both education and empowerment.

Operation House Call

Operation House Call (OHC) teaches new medical professionals essential skills to enhance the health care of persons with I/DD. Families, parents, and individual self-advocates serve as educators in a health care field that seldom focuses on more than making a diagnosis. It is a rare and important training opportunity for students at Boston University School of Medicine, Tufts Medical School, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Simmons College School of Health Sciences, and Yale University School of Nursing. Through OHC, students begin to build confidence and interest in working with individuals with I/DD and their families.

SUPPORTbrokers

SUPPORTbrokers assists persons with disabilities achieve their vision. We accomplish this through planning, education, and advocacy. Consumers or families hire a support broker to help them find appropriate services and supports to thrive in their community. Brokers can help consumers find transportation, a place to live, someone to help them with daily living skills, a job counselor, and other linkages. They also can facilitate and create a person-centered plan and help consumers apply for Social Security or health insurance, among other benefits.

Pathways to Friendship (Widening the Circle)

Widening the Circle explores the benefits of relationships between people with and without disabilities and provides information on engaging in and sustaining those relationships. Building friendships can be especially challenging to people who have disabilities, whose relationships are often limited to family, paid staff, and others with disabilities. All people benefit from a diversity of relationships.

Headlines

Walk,Along,The,River,Warm,Spring,DayGovernment AffairsLeo's LettersNewsTurning 22Workforce Initiative
March 15, 2024

Leo’s Letter: Spring into Action with Us – Contact Your Representatives Today

In this week's video message, Executive Director Leo Sarkissian highlights the importance of embracing the coming spring by springing into action with The Arc. 457 people have submitted letters to…
a man and woman standing on a bridgeGovernment AffairsLeo's LettersNewsTurning 22Workforce Initiative
March 8, 2024

Leo’s Letter: Bridges to Brighter Futures for People with IDD

In this week's video message, Executive Director Leo Sarkissian provides an overview of the new "Bridges to Brighter Futures" initiative in Congresswoman Lori Trahan's MA-3 district. The program will provide…
NewsPathways to FriendshipPress Releases
March 7, 2024

RELEASE: The Arc of Massachusetts Is Building Pathways to Friendships and Supporting an Inclusive Community through Local Summits – Metro

DORCHESTER (March 7, 2024) — The Arc of Massachusetts, along with collaboration of the Department of Developmental Services, is inviting the community to join the upcoming Metro Regional Community Inclusion Summit…

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