Resources for Adulthood (18+)
- The Arc of Massachusetts Legislative Advocacy Training: The Arc provides basic and advanced legislative advocacy trainings throughout the year. The training focuses on understanding the DDS and Masshealth budget and how these budgets support people with I/DD and autism. Participants learn about the budget cycle and critical advocacy time frames, and specifically how to best engage their legislator to be a strong voice for the priorities of our community. The training also breaks down the process of passing legislation – from filing the bill to the Governor’s desk for signature. Individuals can learn about line items, legislation, and policy issues important to their family and how to find support through The Arc and other advocacy organizations. For more information or to schedule a Legislative Advocacy Training – contact Maura Sullivan, Director of Government Affairs at sullivan@arcmass.org
- The Arc of Massachusetts Family Advocacy Training: heffernan@arcmass.org, cabral@arcmass.org
- Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM) was formed in 2004 to address the need for public advocacy on behalf of individuals, families and professionals who have or deal with people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) which also encompasses Asperger’s Syndrome and high-functioning Autism. The organization provides an important arena for mobilizing those of us who deal with ASD in our day-to-day lives as the most eloquent and persuasive spokespeople for our concerns. Our efforts focus not only on the State House but also on towns and city halls that also have responsibility for service delivery and funding. | http://www.afamaction.org/index.html
- American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD): A national non-profit national and international organization. Promotes progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with intellectual disabilities. Online resources and information. | https://aaidd.org
- Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong (MASS): A private, non-profit statewide organization for self-advocates with disabilities. Offers professional and peer information and referral services. | https://ma-advocates.org/
- Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC): The MDDC, a state agency funded by the Federal Administration on Developmental Disabilities, provides resources, information and grants aimed at enhancing the lives of persons with developmental disabilities living with Massachusetts. | https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-developmental-disabilities-council
- Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC): The premiere resource for Down Syndrome information, advocacy, and networking in Massachusetts. | http://mdsc.org
- Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change (MFOFC): A statewide, grassroots coalition of individuals with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses and their families. Provides information and assistance to families; provides leadership training; and has regular regional and statewide meetings for families and individuals living within Massachusetts. | https://mfofc.org/
- AbleData: Provides objective information about assistive technology products available from domestic and international sources. | https://abledata.acl.gov
- The Assistive Technology Exchange in New England is a website and database, made possible by collaboration between the 6 New England states, that permits descriptive listings of assistive technology items to be entered, edited, searched, and removed. The AT Exchange in Massachusetts is designed to facilitate simple, easy transactions between Massachusetts residents who can benefit from assistive technology devices and those who have AT devices that are no longer needed. It is not for vendors or distributors to buy equipment, although vendor participation through donations of equipment or posting equipment for loans is welcomed. | http://www.getatstuff.org
- Easter Seals Massachusetts Assistive Technology Services: Easter Seals provides a wide variety of AT services throughout Massachusetts, in home, school, and workplace settings. Easter Seals Assistive Technology and Training Centers also offer assessments, training opportunities, and product research and demonstration. | http://www.easterseals.com/ma/our-programs/assistive-technology/
- Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) Assistive Technology Program: The Assistive Technology Program (ATP) is part of MRC’s Community Services Program. They have set up a separate site known as MassMatch with resources. Its goal is to improve the ability of individuals with significant disabilities to live independently through the use of assistive technology. Website includes eligibility criteria and instructions for how to apply for AT services and assessments. | https://massmatch.org
- Technology for Autism Now (TAN) improves the lives of children and adults with autism and their families through innovative technology solutions. | https://tech4autismnow.org
- United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) Assistive Technology Resources: UCP’s extensive collection of Assistive Technology resources includes: information about assistive technology in general as well as specific types of AT; resources, answers and tips regarding AT funding and benefits; contact information for centers which provide information, training, and technical assistance to employers and individuals; and much more. | http://ucp.org/resource-guide/assistive-technology/
- The UCP Berkshire Assistive Technology Center provides information and hands-on assistance with the setup and use of adaptive equipment. The program also offers computer assessments, hardware and software recommendations, and computer training at home, school, work, or in the computer lab. | http://ucpberkshire.org/programs/assistive-technology-regional-center-2/assistive-technology/
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush. The ADA is one of America’s most comprehensive pieces of civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in the mainstream of American life — to enjoy employment opportunities, to purchase goods and services, and to participate in State and local government programs and services. Modeled after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin – and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 — the ADA is an “equal opportunity” law for people with disabilities. | https://www.ada.gov
- The Arc of the United States: Civil Rights Issues: A comprehensive list of civil rights topics as they apply to the I/DD community at large. | https://www.thearc.org/what-we-do/public-policy/policy-issues/civil-rights
- Center for Public Representation (CPR): CPR is a non-profit public interest law firm providing mental health law and disability law services. It seeks to improve the quality of lives of people with mental illness and other disabilities through the systemic enforcement of their legal rights, while promoting improvements in services for citizens with disabilities. | https://centerforpublicrep.org
- The Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) is the independent state agency responsible for protecting the health and safety of adults with disabilities from abusive acts and omissions of their caregivers. Telephone toll-free 1-800-426-9009 V/TTY 24 hours a day, seven days a week (including holidays) to report suspected instances of abuse. | http://www.mass.gov/dppc/
- Disability Law Center (DLC): A private, non-profit public interest law firm providing free legal assistance and information to people with disabilities throughout Massachusetts. | https://dlc-ma.org/
- Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD): Our mission is to eradicate discrimination in the Commonwealth by investigating and prosecuting Complaints of Discrimination that occur in Employment, Housing, Public Places, Access to Education, Lending, and Credit. We also offer training to help prevent discrimination from occurring. | https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-commission-against-discrimination
- The Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) works to ensure the full and equal participation of all people with disabilities in all aspects of life by working to advance legal rights, maximum opportunities, supportive services, accommodations, and accessibility in a manner that fosters dignity and self-determination. | https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-office-on-disability
- New England ADA & Accessible IT Center: Provides information and guidance on accessible information technology to individuals living in New England. Offers online resources and publications, and a toll-free V/TTY information line staffed by people who can answer your questions about accessible IT. | http://newenglandada.org
- The ADA & Your Employment Rights as an Individual with a Disability: Plain-language fact sheet from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission explains the employment-related rights that the Americans with Disabilities Act provides to people with disabilities. | http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/ada18.html
- Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE): The mission of APSE is to provide advocacy and education, to advance employment and self-sufficiency for all people with disabilities. | http://apse.org
- The Arc@Work develops innovative workforce solutions for the government and private sector by connecting employers with talented employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities and supporting the recruitment, on-boarding, and retention process. | https://www.thearc.org/thearcatwork
- Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is the primary state agency providing funding and supports to Massachusetts residents with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families. Provides case management for eligible consumers. Funds residential, day/work, transportation, and family support programs. In 2014, services expanded to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Prader Willi Syndrome and Smith Magentis Syndrome. Visit the website for more information. | http://www.mass.gov/dds
- HMEA’s Autism Advantage @ Work is a Career Development Initiative to place individuals with an Autism diagnosis for job placement in the information technology industry. HMEA has partnered with Dell EMC to offer employment opportunities. | https://hmea.org/autism-advantage/
- Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI): A Mass.-based research clearinghouse that provides numerous online resources for individuals with disabilities. Hosts the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC), which works to identify, expand and support strategies that are successful in helping individuals with disabilities obtain employment. | http://www.communityinclusion.org
- Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides information on workplace accommodations for various disabilities. | https://askjan.org/
- Living & Working with a Disability: Tax Benefits & Credits: This publication from the IRS presents basic information about existing tax credits and benefits that may be available to qualifying taxpayers with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities, and businesses or other entities wishing to accommodate persons with disabilities. | http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3966.pdf
- Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC): A state agency which provides funding and counseling to help individuals with disabilities attain the skills necessary to secure employment. | http://www.mass.gov/mrc
- One-Stop Career Centers: Managed by the Massachusetts Division of Employment and Training. Local Centers provide referrals, a computer database of job openings, and counseling services for individuals seeking employment. | http://www.detma.org/detoffices.htm
- Q&A on Job Applicants and the Americans with Disabilities Act: Fact sheet from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission addresses common questions about how the ADA protects job applicants with disabilities. Includes information about reasonable accommodation for the application process and tips for discussing disability and accommodation with a potential employer. | http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/jobapplicant.html
- Youth Employment Solutions (YES) Center: The YES! Center is a national Training and Technical Assistance Center that serves as a central source of information, expertise and comprehensive support for the Partnerships in Employment (PIE) state projects. The YES! Center works closely with PIE states to develop customized plans for each state to ensure improved employment outcomes, working toward the goal to improve competitive, integrated employment outcomes for transition-aged youth and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). | https://www.yestoemployment.org
- The Beach Center on Disability: The Beach Center on Disability focuses research, training, and advocacy on promoting abilities of people of all ages who experience disability, in order to assure a self-determined, goal-driven, and self-selected quality of life within communities where everyone lives. | http://www.beachcenter.org
- Charting The LifeCourse: The Charting the LifeCourse framework was originally developed BY families FOR families by the staff and stakeholders of Missouri Family to Family. Missouri Family to Family is housed within Missouri’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Services (UCEDD) at the University of Missouri–Kansas City Institute for Human Development. | http://www.lifecoursetools.com
- DDS Family Support Services Information: DDS is pleased to provide you with the information on the goals and principles of our family support service delivery. | https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-family-support-services-information
- Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) Consumer Empowerment Funds: This grant program helps people with developmental disabilities and their families learn and grow. This grant reimburses up to $250 of your expenses to attend relevant conferences or other events held in Massachusetts. This program empowers people with developmental disabilities and their families to learn and grow. By helping you gain knowledge and advocacy skills, we can move you closer to achieving independence, productivity, and inclusion. | https://www.mass.gov/service-details/council-empowerment-funds-program
- Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC): MDSC provides information, networking opportunities, and advocacy for people with Down syndrome and their families, educators, health care professionals, and the community-at-large. | http://mdsc.org/
- Massachusetts Sibling Support Network (MSSN): The MSSN is committed to supporting siblings of people with disabilities in the following ways: creating welcoming communities for siblings across the lifespan; improving the range and availability of sibling support services; and providing education about sibling-related issues. | http://www.masiblingsupport.org
- Parent to Parent: The Parent-to-Parent Program brings together parents facing similar challenges in raising their children with special needs. We believe that sharing experiences provides strength and support to each other. | http://massfamilyties.org/p2p/p2p.php
- Parents With Special Learning Needs: Information on best practices, supports and services for parents with special learning needs
- United Arc Positive Parenting Resource Center
- The Positive Parenting Resource Center provides services and support families headed by parents with cognitive challenges, intellectual limitations or learning disabilities. | https://theunitedarc.org/positiveparenting
- The New England Coalition for Supporting Parents with Cognitive Challenges publishes the Positive Parenting Quarterly.
- The National Research Center for Parents with Disabilities
- The National Research Center for Parents with Disabilities is a collaborative research and advocacy project that aims to support parents with disabilities. We are housed at the Lurie Institute for Disability Policy at Brandeis University and collaborate with other institutions, including Northeastern University and Dartmouth University. We combine research expertise and first-hand experience to create a comprehensive resource for a variety of stakeholders, including parents, family members, clinicians, policymakers and disabled parents. | http://heller.brandeis.edu/parents-with-disabilities/
- United Arc Positive Parenting Resource Center
- Resource Guides: Places to go to find programs and services for people with disabilities and their families
- New England Index: This website has thousands of listings of programs, services, and professionals serving people with disabilities living in Massachusetts. It features guided searches, Google search appliance capabilities, and field-level searching. The web site’s appearance can be significantly yet easily changed based upon a visitor’s preference. | https://disabilityinfo.org/
- MassOptions: MassOptions connects elders, individuals with disabilities and their caregivers with agencies and organizations that can best meet their needs. | https://www.massoptions.org
- Religion and Spirituality:
- Disabilities and Faith: http://www.disabilitiesandfaith.org
- The Arc of the United States on Spirituality: https://www.thearc.org/who-we-are/position-statements/life-in-the-community/spirituality
- Rewarding Work: Rewarding Work Resources, Inc., a 501(c) (3) nonprofit corporation, developed the Rewarding Work website which gives older people and individuals with disabilities the choice of hiring staff directly and allows them control of the process of hiring personal assistants. The site also provides private agencies a resource to assist in recruitment of direct support professionals and other staff. | https://www.rewardingwork.org
- The Sibling Leadership Network: The Sibling Leadership Network is a national organization that provides siblings of individuals with disabilities the information, support, and tools to advocate with their brothers and sisters and to promote the issues important to them and their entire families. | http://www.siblingleadership.org
- The Sibling Support Project: Founded in 1990, the Sibling Support Project is the first national program dedicated to the life-long and ever-changing concerns of millions of brothers and sisters of people with special health, developmental, and mental health concerns. | https://www.siblingsupport.org
- ABLE Accounts:
- In 2017, Governor Charlie Baker launched the Massachusetts ABLE Act savings program. The ABLE Act allows persons with disabilities to save money without losing benefits such as Medicaid (MassHealth in our state) and SSI. Here are some key points to remember about the savings program:
- Eligibility requires that the onset of the disability occur prior to age 26 years
- The maximum to be saved is $14,000 a year in tax-deductible contributions
- There is a $100,000 cap in order to preserve SSI eligibility
- There can only be one ABLE account for an individual
- Money must be spent for qualified expenses
- Medicaid payback kicks in for any remaining dollars in the ABLE account upon the death of the beneficiary
- The program gives a person with disabilities the opportunity to build investments for the long term. Anyone can donate to the account. Until ABLE, individuals faced a $2,000 cap for resources, which meant any private funding would have to come through a special needs trust account. This requires legal assistance, which is a barrier for some people. ABLE does not eliminate the value of or need for a special needs trust for those who use them now. You can save toward a car, equipment, housing expenses or other needs.
- Qualified expenses include any expenses related to the eligible individual’s disability, including: education, housing, transportation, employment training and support, assistive technology and personal support services, health, prevention and wellness, financial management and administrative services, legal fees, expenses for oversight and monitoring, funeral and burial expenses.
- To learn more about ABLE accounts, please visit http://Fidelity.com/Attainable
- In 2017, Governor Charlie Baker launched the Massachusetts ABLE Act savings program. The ABLE Act allows persons with disabilities to save money without losing benefits such as Medicaid (MassHealth in our state) and SSI. Here are some key points to remember about the savings program:
- The Arc’s Center for Future Planning: The Arc’s Center for Future Planning has a wealth of resources to help your family with future planning. | https://futureplanning.thearc.org/
- Choosing a Lawyer to Help Plan for the Future: http://thearcofmass.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/CFP_FindLawyer.pdf
- Legal Planning For Special Families in Massachusetts: A Family Guide to SSI, Guardianship and Estate Planning, by Barbara Jackins:
- Legal Planning for Special Needs is a must have resource for parents of children with disabilities and the professionals and advocates who assist them. In an easy-to-read, conversational style, the author covers the essential elements of SSI, guardianship, and estate planning when there is a child with a disability in the family. This book, which updates an earlier edition, covers the 2009 changes in the Massachusetts guardianship laws. | https://www.disabilitiesbookspress.com/product/legal-planning-for-special-needs-in-masschusetts/
- Letter of Intent: The Letter of Intent is a document that you create that passes vital information about a person with a disability to future caregivers. It defines the person’s routines, preferences, contacts and vision for the future. It is not a legal document but is often kept with other important legal papers such as a will or special needs trust.
- The Arc of United States Center for Future Planning (also available in Spanish) | https://futureplanning.thearc.org/pages/learn/where-to-start/expressing-wishes-for-the-future
- Northeast Arc Footprints for the Future – A Personal Planning Guide | https://ne-arc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/footprints_for_the_future.pdf
- Special Needs Financial Planning | http://info.specialneedsplanning.com/blog-1/bid/226415/A-Sample-Letter-of-Intent-for-Caregivers
- http://thearcofmass.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/CFP-Letters-of-Intent.pdf
- Special Needs Alliance (SNA): The Special Needs Alliance (SNA) is a national organization comprised of attorneys dedicated to the practice of disability and public benefits law. Individuals with disabilities, their families and their advisors rely on the SNA to connect them with nearby attorneys who focus their practices in the disability law arena. | https://www.specialneedsalliance.org/
- The Special Needs Planning Guide: How to Prepare for Every Stage of Your Child’s Life, by John W. Nadworny, CFP®, CHFC and Cynthia R. Haddad, CFP®:
- Help protect and improve the future lives of entire families with this essential financial planning guide, ideal for parents of a child with a disability and service providers who support them. Developed by two financial planning experts who also have family members with special needs, this one-of-a-kind book is an absolute must-have as parents and other caregivers plan for the lasting financial independence of their families.Transforming the financial planning presentations they’ve given to families across the country into a thorough, easy-to-read resource, the well-known authors give parents a chronological guide broken down into four critical life stages, so readers can turn right to the section that applies to them. For each stage from birth to adulthood, parents will get comprehensive advice and strategies on how to address:
- Financial factors – including mortgages and other expenses, insurance policies, investments, and savings
- Legal factors – such as conducting estate planning, weighing guardianship with less restrictive alternatives, and creating a Special Needs Trust to ensure a child’s future
- Government factors – identifying and supplementing government benefits, such as residential services, supported employment, and respite care
- Family and support factors – such as the family’s values, the parents’ careers, sibling considerations, and contributions of extended family members
- Emotional factors – such as dealing with both positive and negative feelings, staying connected with others, and using strong emotions to fuel advocacy
- Included are all the tools families need to create an effective action plan for their finances: planning checklists and forms, a helpful glossary of financial terms, “planning pointers” that help readers remember key points, and extended case studies dramatizing other families’ evolving challenges and solutions. Plus, the CD-ROM in the back of the book contains a helpful Financial Planning Timeline and a printable Letter of Intent that lets parents communicate key information, concerns, and desires to future caretakers.
- A book parents will use for the rest of their lives – and a necessary addition to the reference library of every service provider – The Special Needs Planning Guide will awaken families’ awareness about financial planning, give them what they need to get it done, and help them turn their dreams for their future into reality. To Order call 1-800-638-3775 (M-F, 8am -5pm), or buy online at Brookes Publishing.
- Help protect and improve the future lives of entire families with this essential financial planning guide, ideal for parents of a child with a disability and service providers who support them. Developed by two financial planning experts who also have family members with special needs, this one-of-a-kind book is an absolute must-have as parents and other caregivers plan for the lasting financial independence of their families.Transforming the financial planning presentations they’ve given to families across the country into a thorough, easy-to-read resource, the well-known authors give parents a chronological guide broken down into four critical life stages, so readers can turn right to the section that applies to them. For each stage from birth to adulthood, parents will get comprehensive advice and strategies on how to address:
- MassHealth (Massachusetts’ Medicaid Program):
- MassHealth Homepage: In Massachusetts, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are combined into one program called MassHealth. MassHealth members may be able to get doctors visits, prescription drugs, hospital stays, and many other important services. | https://www.mass.gov/topics/masshealth
- MassHealth Eligibility: http://thearcofmass.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/MassHealth-Eligibility-FINAL.pdf
- MassHealth Services: Find information and links for MassHealth members. | https://www.mass.gov/masshealth-service
- MassHealth Guide (March 2018):
- MassHealth Changes (Through June 2018):
- 1. MassHealth Innovations Narrative
- 2. MassHealth Enrollment Flyer (ENG/SP)
- 3. MassHealth Payment and Care Delivery Innovation
- 4. A short summary of frequently asked questions
Prepared by The Arc of Massachusetts, with assistance from The Arc of Greater Haverhill-Newburyport - 5. MassHealth’s FAQs on Continuity of Care
- MassHealth Coverage Types: Learn about MassHealth coverage types for individuals and families including people with disabilities. | https://www.mass.gov/service-details/masshealth-coverage-types-for-individuals-and-families-including-people-with
- Massachusetts Health Connector: The Massachusetts Health Connector offers health and dental coverage from the state’s leading insurers — and provides tools that make it easier to find out what cost savings you and your family may be eligible for. | http://caringhealth.org/navigators.html
- Medicare:
- Dual eligibility: Some people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles.” If you have Medicare and full Medicaid coverage, most of your health care costs are likely covered.
- An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism (ARICA):
- ARICA FAQs: ARICA (An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism) is a law passed in 2010, requiring private health insurers in Massachusetts to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder. The legislation affects only certain types of health care policies, so coverage under ARICA depends on the type of policy you have. | https://massairc.org/information-about-the-massachusetts-insurance-law/arica-faq/
- Finding Providers (Clinics By Specialty)
- Massachusetts General Hospital – The Lurie Center for Autism: The Lurie Center is a multidisciplinary program designed to evaluate and treat children, adolescents and adults with a wide variety of conditions including autism and autism spectrum disorder, Asperger syndrome and developmental delays. It is the clinical arm of the Lurie Center for Autism, which also has research, advocacy and training programs. | https://www.massgeneral.org/children/services/treatmentprograms.aspx?id=1614
- Tufts Medical Center – Floating Hospital for Children: Floating Hospital for Children is the full-service pediatric hospital of Tufts Medical Center, an internationally respected academic medical center. We are proud to be the principal pediatric teaching and research institution for Tufts University School of Medicine. A major academic medical institution with innovative programs in clinical care, research, education and health care delivery, Floating Hospital offers a full range of inpatient and outpatient services in every area of pediatric specialization for infants through adolescence. | https://www.floatinghospital.org
- Massachusetts General Hospital – Down Syndrome Program: The Mass General Hospital Down Syndrome Program integrates state-of-the-art resources with compassionate, comprehensive care through a multi-disciplinary approach. National experts from Massachusetts General Hospital, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary are ready to help your family member with any medical issue that may occur. | https://www.massgeneral.org/children/services/treatmentprograms.aspx?id=1701
- Advocates Guide 2017: A Primer on Federal Affordable Housing & Community Development Programs: Advocates’ Guide 2017: A Primer on Federal Affordable Housing & Community Development Programs is this year’s edition of NLIHC’s comprehensive manual on virtually every affordable housing program and policy. The Guide, written by NLIHC staff and other leading experts in the field, contains synopses of housing and community development programs, laws, and regulations, as well as tools that could be used to communicate effectively with legislative and executive branches of government and to mobilize advocacy campaigns. The Advocates’ Guide is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in or concerned about affordable housing and community development. You can download a PDF version of the Advocates’ Guide or you can purchase a print copy. Members receive a discounted price.
- Architectural Access Board (AAB): A regulatory agency within the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety. Develops and enforces regulations designed to make public buildings accessible to, functional for, and safe for use by persons with disabilities. | http://www.state.ma.us/aab/
- Autism Housing in Massachusetts: http://mahousingthinktank.org/ For more information contact: Catherine Boyle, President, Autism Housing Pathways | AHPhousing@comcast.net | ccampboyle@gmail.com
- Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA): non-profit umbrella organization for affordable housing and community development activities throughout Massachusetts. Offers lots of online information and resources regarding housing development and programs available to Massachusetts residents. Provides information about searching for rental housing in Massachusetts for people who have one or more disabilities. Most of the information is also helpful to people who are low-income. | http://www.chapa.org/
- Easter Seals Easy Access Housing for Easier Living Program: Offers homeowners with helpful educational brochures, an expert panel with additional resources, and easy-to-implement tips for making an accessible home a reality. | www.easterseals.com
- Home Modification Loan Program: The Home Modification Loan Program provides no- and low-interest loans to modify the homes of adults and children with disabilities, and elders. | http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/consumer/disability-services/housing-disability/home-mod-loan/
- Housing Assistance in Massachusetts: The website explains the various programs available and provides links to apply for Section 8 vouchers. | http://www.mass.gov/hed/economic/eohed/dhcd/how-to-obtain-housing-assistance.html
- Mass. Accessible Housing Registry: A free searchable database that helps people with disabilities find rental housing in Massachusetts, primarily accessible and barrier-free housing. | http://www.massaccesshousingregistry.org/
- MassHousing: The state affordable housing bank, which lends money at rates below the conventional market to support rental and home ownership opportunities for low-and moderate-income residents of the Commonwealth. MassHousing offers low-or zero-interest loans to help homeowners fix failed septic systems, remove lead paint, and make home improvements. | www.masshousing.com/
- Massachusetts HUD: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Massachusetts information | http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/states/massachusetts
- Technical Assistance Collaborative: A national disability rights and advocacy organization. Provides an easy-to-use informational booklet on Section 8 Housing vouchers. | http://www.tacinc.org/
- USDA Loans and Grants: The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers loans and grants to elder homeowners in current or former rural towns. These include Plymouth and Cape Cod, most North Shore towns above Danvers, and most communities west and south of Acton. For repairs of health or safety hazards such as failed roofs, heating or septic systems, USDA also offers grants of up to $7,500 for those over 62, and loans that charge just 1 percent annual interest to all others. | https://www.rd.usda.gov/ma
- New England INDEX: A free information and referral service for people with disabilities and the coordinator of the Massachusetts Network of Information Providers (MNIP). | http://www.disabilityinfo.org/
- Federal Services:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability (SSDI): Social Security pays disability benefits to people who can’t work because they have a medical condition that’s expected to last at least one year or result in death. Find out if you qualify and how Social Security can help you. | https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/
- Department of Developmental Services (DDS):
- DDS Eligibility Fact Sheet: http://thearcofmass.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/DDS-Eligibility-Final.pdf
- DDS Family Support: DDS provides funding for family support programs and services that provide information, assistance, and an array of supportive services to families with children & adults with disabilities who are living at home. | https://www.mass.gov/dds-family-support
- DDS Family Support Services Information: https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-family-support-services-information
- DDS Family Support Frequently Asked Questions:
- There are seven Autism Support Centers throughout the state that provide an array of information and referral services, resources, and supports to children and young adults with autism spectrum disorders. | https://www.mass.gov/service-details/dds-autism-support-centers
- DDS Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver: The DDS HCBS Waivers are a federal state partnership for individuals to receive services in their home instead of an institution. | https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-home-and-community-based-services-hcbs-waiver
- DDS Housing: Information for DDS staff, service providers and housing developers for building new housing and renovating existing housing for individuals served by DDS. | https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-housing
- Department of Mental Health (DMH):
- Services For Adults Over 19: Information about services for Adults (19+) offered by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) and instructions on how to apply for them. | https://www.mass.gov/department-of-mental-health-adult-services-ages-19
- Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA):
- Formerly known as the Department of Public Welfare, this is the state agency responsible for administering public assistance programs for needy citizens of Massachusetts. Programs DTA oversees include:
- Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)
- Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC)
- Food Stamp Benefits
- Emergency Assistance (EA)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dta/
- Formerly known as the Department of Public Welfare, this is the state agency responsible for administering public assistance programs for needy citizens of Massachusetts. Programs DTA oversees include:
- MassHealth (Massachusetts’ Medicaid Program):
- MassHealth Homepage: In Massachusetts, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are combined into one program called MassHealth. MassHealth members may be able to get doctors visits, prescription drugs, hospital stays, and many other important services. | https://www.mass.gov/topics/masshealth
- MassHealth Eligibility: http://thearcofmass.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/MassHealth-Eligibility-FINAL.pdf
- MassHealth Guide (March 2018):
- Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Program:https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2016/07/wm/pca-consumer-handbook.pdf
- Adult Family/Foster Care is a state-funded program that transforms lives. Its services allow seniors and persons with disabilities who need assistance with personal care tasks to remain in a home and in the community with a qualified and approved caregiver. | https://massafc.org
- Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB):
- Eligibility for MCB Services: Learn about the eligibility requirements to access services offered by MCB. | https://www.mass.gov/eligibility-for-mcb-services
- Benefits For Individuals Who Are Legally Blind: Once you are registered with MCB, you are eligible for several benefits. | https://www.mass.gov/benefits-for-individuals-who-are-legally-blind
- MCB’s Support Services include Assistive Technology (AT), Orientation and Mobility (O&M), and Vision Rehabilitation Therapy. | https://www.mass.gov/mcb-support-services
- Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH):
- MCDHH provides accessible communication, education, and advocacy to consumers and private and public entities so that programs, services, and opportunities throughout Massachusetts are fully accessible to persons who are deaf and hard of hearing. | https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-commission-for-the-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing
- Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC):
- MRC helps individuals with disabilities to live and work independently. MRC is responsible for Vocational Rehabilitation, Community Living and eligibility determination for the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) federal benefits programs. | https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-rehabilitation-commission
- Easter Seals Project ACTION (Accessible Community Transportation In Our Nation): Funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, Easter Seals Project ACTION promotes cooperation between the transportation industry and the disability community to increase mobility for people with disabilities under the ADA and beyond. In an effort to make the ADA work for everyone, every day, Easter Seals offers training, technical assistance, and numerous resources, including a National Accessible Travelers Database, seniors and youth transportation resources, and rural and rail transportation resources. | http://www.projectaction.org/
- Finding Transportation in Massachusetts: Transportation services are available across Massachusetts for seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, commuters, and others. Resources are available to help finding a ride, and learn how to get involved in improving transportation options in your town or region.http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/commissions-and-initiatives/hst/for-consumers.html2018 Update on Transportation Resources in Metro Boston Region by Julie Heffernan, Advocacy Alliance Coordinator
- Mass. Bay Transit Authority (MBTA): The state’s largest public transportation provider, serving seventy-eight communities in eastern Massachusetts including Boston. For a listing of the state’s other regional transit authorities with accompanying links and contact information, click here. | http://www.mbta.com/
- Riding the T – Accessible Services: Information on services available for people with disabilities | http://www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/accessible_services/
- Specialized Driver’s Education Programs: Offering services for students with special needs or students with disabilities. Services provided statewide. | http://www.massrmv.com/rmv/driversed/specialized.htm
- MBTA Travel Training teaches seniors and persons with disabilities to safely use public transportation.
- Facebook:
- The Arc of Massachusetts Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thearcofmass/
- Connecting Real Lives Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ConnectingRealLives/
- Nicky’s Law Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284125382009278/
- Operation House Call (OHC) Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/451119258361547/
- Supporting Families Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1478235615834109/
- Twitter:
- The Arc of Massachusetts Official Twitter: http://twitter.com/thearcofmass
- Leo Sarkissian, Executive Director: https://twitter.com/Leo5632
- Maura Sullivan, Director of Government Affairs: https://twitter.com/MauraAtTheArcMA
- Kerry Mahoney, Director of Outreach and Education: https://twitter.com/KerryAtTheArcMA
- Instagram:
- The Arc of Massachusetts Official Instagram: http://instagram.com/thearcofmass
- LinkedIn:
- The Arc of Massachusetts Official LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/2458740
- YouTube:
- The Arc of Massachusetts Official YouTube Channel: http://youtube.com/ArcofMass
