Facing Adversity
Here at The Arc, we hear about families facing difficult times or adversity more often than we hear about achievements. Recently, we have received calls about problems people are having with adult services, Turning 22, employment, and transportation. Some examples include:
  • My son's graduating school and he's on a wait list for adult services. How will I get to work if I have to stay home to watch him?
  • I'm stuck in a day setting all day because there isn't anyone to help me try out new jobs.
  • I'm working on regional transportation in my town, because there is no way for my daughter to get around.  
We may not even hear from those who face the most significant obstacles, because they may be exhausted from their challenging routine of work and caregiving. Some adversity can be motivating and help us rise to new challenges. But when we need a "safety net" to keep our lives in balance, any change can tip the scales. Adversity then takes away our ability to cope and succeed. A lack of action can be as devastating as a cut in services already received. Read more here. 
 
Sincerely,
Leo V. Sarkissian 
Executive Director
The Arc of Massachusetts is updating our  Advocate mailing list.  While we will keep publishing a printed newsletter for the foreseeable future, we know some people are trying to reduce the amount of paper in their mailbox. So, we are offering you the option of reading it online. If you would prefer the electronic version, we will send you an email letting you know when the latest issue is available on our website.
 
Kindly go to  www.arcmass.org/advocate to let us know your preference.

GIVINGgiving
Walls, Windows, Driveway, and More!
Great progress continues to be made on The Arc of Massachusetts' new headquarters building. In the past few weeks, the windows have been put in, the wallboard put up, and the driveway and parking lot paved. "We've been fortunate that through early January we have not had a harsh winter. This has allowed the construction crew to work steadily outside the building and to complete site work," said Sarkissian. "After spending the past year in temporary quarters, I - and all of the other staff, too - am really looking forward to being back in our own space, having the ability to host meetings, and welcoming friends, supporters, and other visitors."
 
You can help The Arc of Massachusetts reach our goal of raising $1.6 million for the new building by making a gift to the Home for the Future Campaign. Please visit arcmass.org/campaign to learn more. You can also contact Katrin Aback, Director of Development at aback@arcmass.org or 781-891-6270 x6105 to discuss giving opportunities.




WEBINARwebinar
Ask The Broker
Wednesday, January 25, 7:00-8:00 PM, $25
 
Do you have questions about your child turning 18? What areas should you focus on? What should be on your to do list? After a brief presentation there will be time to ask questions as you learn to navigate the adult service systems.

Co-hosted by Kerry Mahoney, Director of Education and Outreach and SUPPORTbrokers and Pat Pakos, SUPPORTbroker of The Arc of Massachusetts.
WHAT'S TRENDINGwhatstrending
MGH Institute Study
MGH Institute is seeking individuals with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and/or spinal cord injuries and their caregivers/parents to participate in usability testing with smartphone application. Individuals must be 12 years or older to participate. Participation includes using the smartphone application and completion of surveys. If needed, a smartphone can be provided for the time of study. Additionally, caregivers/parents of these individuals will be interviewed about the individual's use of the application. All interviews can be conducted at the participants home or at a convenient location of their choice. Compensation includes a $25 gift card that will be given to individuals after every meeting throughout the study. 

For more information, contact Andrea Fairman at afairman@mghihp.edu
or 617-276-3485.
UMASS Medical School Research Study
UMASS Medical School and the E.K. Shriver Center are looking for individuals 17 years or older with an intellectual disability who read english at a 3rd, 4th or 5th grade level.The purpose of the study is to see if making text easier to read helps people understand it better. Those who choose to take part in the study, will be asked to attend one 90-minute study visit (or two shorter visits) to answer questions about themselves and take a reading test. If chosen for the study, participants will read text on four web pages and answer a series of questions based on the reading. Participants will be compensated with a $50 gift card.

For more information, visit:  http://bit.ly/EasyToRead
Scholarship Opportunity
The application for the O'Neill Tabani Enrichment Fund through The National Down Syndrome Society is now available!
 
The mission of the O'Neill Tabani Enrichment Fund is to offer financial assistance to young adults with Down syndrome - 18 and older - who are continuing to enrich their lives by taking classes or enrolling in postsecondary educational programs. Read more and download the application here: http://www.ndss.org/OTEF . 
 
For any questions regarding the O'Neill Tabani Enrichment Fund, please either send an email to otef@ndss.org or call 800-221-4602.
 

CALENDARcalendar
Boston ReelAbilities Film Festival will be held between March 29 and April 6.  This year the Boston Jewish Film Festival is hosting a film with a disability theme on January 12 (TONIGHT) in Somerville at the Davis Square Theatre at 7:00PM. The documentary film is called My Hero Brother and it follows a group of yo ung adults from Israel who have Down syndrome on a trip with their siblings to climb a mountain in the Himalayas. Learn more. 
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHTsponsorspotlight
The Arc of Massachusetts | 781-891-6270 |   arcmass.org
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