Family Town Hall on Camera Policies in Group Homes
Tuesday, September 15 | 12:00 – 1:30PM and 7:00 – 8:30PM

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is currently developing policies regarding the use of cameras in the common areas of group homes. To ensure these policies reflect the needs and perspectives of those they affect most, DDS and The Arc of Massachusetts are collaborating to host a virtual Town Hall specifically for families.

This session is an opportunity for you to share your feedback, voice your concerns, and ask questions directly to DDS leadership. Your input is vital to this process.

To reach a wide audience, we are hosting two identical Zoom sessions:

• Tuesday, September 15, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
• Tuesday, September 15, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

We hope you will join us for this important conversation.

Preparing for Transition: Parents Share Unique Journeys
Wednesday, September 16 | 12:00PM

Transitioning to adulthood is a common stage of life, yet the path is different for each of us. When the journey includes navigating disability services, programming options and government benefits for your child, it can feel overwhelming.

As the primary caregiver, parents know their children’s strengths, interests, and needs better than anyone; and they play a vital role in building a bridge to a meaningful future for them. Join us for a conversation with parents about preparing for their child’s transition to adult services.

REV UP the Disability Vote: Your Vote, Your Voice in the 2026 Election
Thursday, September 17 | 12:00PM

Join The Arc of Massachusetts Government Affairs Team and Brianna Zimmerman, Voting Rights Advocate at the Disability Law Center (DLC) and REV UP MA, for this informative webinar to help prepare you for the 2026 Statewide Election happening this November.

Topics we will cover include:

• The rights of Massachusetts voters with disabilities and who can vote;
• How to register to vote;
• How to vote and accommodations available to voters with disabilities; and
• What we are voting for in November’s General Election, including an explanation of the ballot questions

We will also allow time to answer your questions. This will be a practical, informative opportunity to know your voting rights and some of the issues that will be covered in the November state election!

After I’m Gone: Taking a Walk through the Future Planning Guide
Thursday, September 17 | 5:00PM

This session will summarize the entire Future Planning Guide planning tool and delve deeper into one of the sections. It will include time for questions. It should be a helpful session whether using one of the tools we have online or other tools, or thinking about planning. With Leo Sarkissian.

Visit https://thearcofmass.org/future/planning/guide/ to learn more about the Future Planning Guide, including purchasing the full guide or downloading a sample.

DDS Self-Direction Budgets: Understanding the Process and Your Rights
Tuesday, September 22 @ 1:30PM

What do the Real Lives Law and DDS regulations say about self-direction budgets?

What can you do if you disagree with your budget amount?

Join this informative webinar for a discussion about the budget planning process and your right to appeal budget decisions. Panelists will share what they have learned from the law and regulations, as well as their professional experience and lived experience.

Panelists:

• Anne Fracht, Self-Advocacy Associate, Harvard Law School Project on Disability (HPOD)
• Liz Fahey, Director of Transition Services, Integrated Center for Child Development (ICCD) Partners
• Richard Glassman, Legal Disability Policy Analyst, Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC)
• Eliza L.M. Presson, Kotin, Crabtree & Strong, LLP

After I’m Gone: Establishing a Semi-Independent Living Situation
with Mike Ripp: Question and Answer Clinic
Tuesday, September 29 | 12:00PM

In July, Brian Clark of Lifeworks and Mike Ripp presented on semi-independent living. Mike shared the steps involved in the successful transition of his daughter.

In this 30-minute session, Mike will answer questions from participants. If you can’t make the session, but have questions to share in advance, please use the “Contact Us” form with your question, located at the end of this page: https://thearcofmass.org/future/. We will record the session.

New Blue Envelope Law:
What it Means for Drivers, Passengers, and Police
Wednesday, September 30 | 12:00PM

Learn about the Blue Envelope Program, the new law, and the impact it has on drivers, passengers, and law enforcement. We will share how this law, like so many that impact the disability community, started from self-advocates speaking up, joining voices, and being heard.

Panelists will share their perspectives on what the law means for them personally as well as the far-reaching impact on safety and increased awareness. Panelists include Marie Zullo and Massachusetts State Police Trooper Derek Henneberry.

After I’m Gone: Health and Advanced Care Planning
with Janet Rico and Leo Sarkissian
Tuesday, October 13 | 12:00PM

This session will cover:

• What is advanced care planning?
• Educating healthcare professionals so they “know” your loved one
• Serious medical illness.

“Having the conversation” regarding preferences and determining the best health care proxy will also be discussed.

Janet Rico, a nurse practitioner, holds a doctorate in Law and Public Policy, with several decades experience in various clinical settings including palliative care. For much of her career, she trained graduate level nurses at Simmons University, and as the assistant dean of graduate nursing programs at Northeastern University. She served on and chaired the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. Janet is the former Chair of The Arc of Massachusetts Board of Directors and has participated in several state level health task forces.

Autism Support Centers: Building Community Across Massachusetts
Thursday, October 15 @ 12:00PM

Autism Support Centers provide a wide range of resources, programs, and support for autistic individuals and their families across Massachusetts.

Join Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM) to learn more about what Autism Support Centers offer, how families can access services and connect with their local center, and the opportunities available to get involved in advocacy and community engagement.

We’ll also explore how these local resources can help families connect with broader efforts to advance meaningful change for the autism community.