The Power of Constituent Services and State & Federal Updates
Tuesday, December 9 @ 12:00PM

Have you ever wondered what type of support your legislator’s offices can provide? Join The Arc of Massachusetts Government Affairs team for an upcoming webinar on constituent services on December 9 at noon.

This session will focus on equipping self-advocates, families, and professionals with the essential knowledge and tools to effectively utilize constituent services provided by congressional and state legislative offices. The discussion will provide an overview of what constituent services entail, including how these offices can intervene with state agencies like the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) or federal agencies like Social Security and Medicaid.

We will also share real-time updates on key policy challenges impacting access to necessary supports for the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) community.

Strong For A Purpose:
Building Independence, Confidence, and Connection for Neurodivergent People
Monday, December 15 @ 12:00PM

What does it really take for neurodivergent people to live fuller, more independent, more connected lives? It’s not one program. It’s not one skill, it’s a circle: strength, purpose, and community reinforcing one another.

Join The Arc of Massachusetts for a powerful, practical conversation with three organizations working at the front lines of supporting neurodivergent adolescents, teenagers, and adults.

The Arc’s Housing Series:
Innovative Housing for People with Disabilities
Wednesday, December 17 @ 12:00PM

Join us for an exciting webinar and discover new approaches to housing for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism. The third in The Arc’s Housing Series, this webinar explores forward-looking, real-life examples of new housing options.

Anne-Marie Bajwa, President and CEO of the Charles River Center; Marynell Henry, Executive Director of SAIL Home; and Dotty Foley, Co-Founder of Branching Tree will share their experiences and different housing models for supporting people across a range of abilities and needs while promoting independence, inclusion, and community connection.

Please note: Innovative housing for persons with high medical and/or clinical needs will be the focus of a webinar offered in the New Year. Exact date to be determined, so stay tuned!

Strategic Storytelling for Disability Advocacy
Monday, January 12 | Monday, January 26 @ 12:00PM

Are you looking to use your lived experience to push for change in the disability community? Join us for “Strategic Storytelling for Disability Advocacy,” a practical and interactive webinar series for parents and professionals on Monday, January 12 and Monday, January 25.

In Part One, we’ll work on building a solid foundation for your story. We’ll dig into story mapping, where you’ll learn how to lay out the shape and structure of your story in a way that helps you move from experience to action. We’ll cover ethical storytelling, which means being honest without crossing lines around privacy and consent. We’ll also talk about cultural humility and how power, privilege, and where you’re coming from matter in advocacy stories.

Part Two is about action. You’ll practice turning lived experience into stories that drive audiences to do something, whether that means changing minds, policies, or outcomes. We’ll cover how to pare your story down to its essential core, so you’re ready for everything from a two-minute testimony to a compelling op-ed. And we’ll push beyond just the words, exploring how your voice, tone, and presence help you truly connect with listeners.

Across both sessions, you’ll get practical tips to grab your audience, explain what needs to change, make your ask clear, and communicate with confidence and respect. Whether you are speaking up for your child, your community, or your profession, you will leave with skills you can use right away and a story that is ready for action.

We hope you will register and join us to build your voice for change.

Three Evenings of Friendship: Video Screening Series

Friendships matter, bringing joy and comfort during good times and bad! These short, friendship stories each tell the story of a pair of friends–one with and one without a disability. They highlight the simple beauty and possibility of friendship. Join Pathways to Friendship over three Tuesday evenings to watch these uplifting videos and virtually meet the friends after each screening.

Friendship Has No Age Limits
Tuesday, February 3 @ 7:00PM

• • Warren and Velvet: Like Peanut Butter and Jelly
  • Seth and Evan: A Friendship Match Made in Heaven
  • Third friendship pairing to be confirmed!