Behind The Scenes of The Arc’s Advocacy
Monday, September 15 @ 12:00PM

Join CEO Maura Sullivan and Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Partnerships Nora Bent for a conversation about all of the important work that goes on behind the scenes at The Arc of Massachusetts. Learn what makes advocacy happen and how your advocacy makes ours possible.

Know Your Rights: The DDS Appeals Process
Tuesday, September 16 @ 1:30PM

Join MA21 for this important meeting and learn about appealing decisions and actions by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Experienced Attorney Anne Grenier of Fletcher Tilton PC will discuss rights, process, timelines, and best practices for making an appeal. Whether the decision you want to change involves adult eligibility, priority status, the Individual Support Plan (ISP), and/or the Plan of Care, understanding your appeal rights will make you a more effective advocate for yourself or a loved one with a disability.

The Arc’s Housing Series:
Building a Foundation for Housing Success + Creating a Home

Start the school year strong by learning about housing options for people with disabilities. Attend The Arc’s special, two-part series on housing. Whether your loved one is a teenager or decades into adulthood, knowing your options and how to access housing resources are important tools for creating a good life and planning for the future.

Building a Foundation for Housing Success
Wednesday, September 24 @ 12:00PM

The first in The Arc’s housing series: Building a Foundation for Housing Success will cover the basics, including different types of housing models, various DDS housing supports, funding resources, as well as public housing eligibility and waitlist tips. DDS housing guru Laura Gallant will share her knowledge and practical experience as she brings clarity to the complex world of housing for people with disabilities.

Creating a Home
Wednesday, October 22 @ 12:00PM

The second in The Arc’s housing series: Creating a Home will build on the previous session by exploring alternative housing models, access to services and technology that support independent living, person-centered planning for housing that meets your needs, circles of support, and other key areas. Led by Catherine Boyle, president of Autism Housing Pathways and former commissioner of the Winchester Housing Authority, this session will focus on what it takes to create a supportive, living environment that truly is a home.

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.

Recreation and Connection
Tuesday, October 7 @ 7:00PM

• • Mark and Jack: From Fans to Friends
  • Chris and Tyler: Cheers to Friendship
  • Jordan and Laura: Actors and Friends

Friends from the Start
Tuesday, December 2 @ 7:00PM

• • Jonathan and Joy: Friends Reconnected
  • Austin and Alex: Charting a Course to Friendship
  • Third friendship pairing to be confirmed!

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!