STAY CONNECTED:
December 7, 2017
LEO'S LETTER leo
Leo On Tax Reform

In this week's Leo's Letter, I've decided to talk with you all again in a video, instead of writing my usual blog form. This time around, I'm addressing the topic on everyone's minds right now: the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Press play on the video below to hear what The Arc of Massachusetts has to say about this reform bill.

Leo's Letter 12/7/17 - Leo On Tax Reform
Leo's Letter 12/7/17 - Leo On Tax Reform


Sincerely,
Leo V. Sarkissian
Executive Director  
FEATURED Featured
Operation House Call In The Boston Globe!
The Arc's OHC program was highlighted in the Boston Globe on Saturday, December 2. The Arc is proud of the work we do to enhance healthcare for individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Students are fortunate to experience the value of meeting our co-teachers in the classroom as part of their lecture, as well as experiencing a two hour home visit with families in our community. Check the article out here.
For People Like Linda, Turning 22 Marks A New Beginning
Before Linda turned 22 last spring, she had found the perfect mix of adult services, including employment support, volunteer opportunities, and recreation. But due to a lack of funding for people turning 22, she was only offered day habilitation. Linda and her family were heartbroken that she would miss out on services that would have helped her reach her functional level.
 
The Arc of Massachusetts and our partners in the Supporting Families Campaign made seeking an increase in Turning 22 funding a priority for the state's Fiscal Year 2018 budget. Despite nearly 1,000 students moving from schools to adult services annually, the budget was based on an outdated formula from the 1990s! This meant only a few hundred of the young men and women who turn 22 every year were able to receive support. We asked Governor Charlie Baker to adjust the inadequate funding formula. He and the legislature responded affirmatively and approved a $14 million increase.

The Arc of Massachusetts can't do this important work without you. Only with your commitment and generosity will people with intellectual and developmental disabilities get the services and supports that they need and deserve. 

You make all the difference!

WEBINARS & WORKSHOPS Workshops
Transition to Adult Services Webinar
What Educators and School Administrators Need to Know
Wednesday, January 10, 2018 | 2:30 - 4:00 PM
Presented by Pat Pakos and Kerry Mahoney, The Arc of Massachusetts
Registration fee: $40 |  PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE

The transition of students leaving their schools can be difficult for themselves and their families. Educators and School Administrators can be helpful in making this transition seamless.  Participants will learn:  What are the basics to know about this transition?  What are the available services?  How are they organized?  What can Educators and School Administrators do to help? Register today!
WHAT'S TRENDING Whatstrending
The Arc Testifies In Support Of H1967
The Arc testified before the Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities Committee in support of H1967, an act relative to cueing and supervision in the Personal Care Attendant program. This bill, filed by Representative Jim O'Day and Senator Joan Lovely, would require MassHealth's PCA program to include prompting and cueing as covered services to help an individual with activities of daily living. Many persons with autism or I/DD can physically accomplish a task, but not without visual or verbal prompts or gestures. Read the full text of Director of Government Affairs Maura Sullivan's testimony here.
Sensory Friendly Shopping at Target in Framingham 
Sunday, December 10, 2017 | 7:00 - 10:00 AM
 
Join the Asperger/Autism Network for their first sensory-friendly holiday shopping hours in partnership with Target in Framingham. From 7:00 - 10:00AM, T arget  
will turn off music, dim some lights, turn off TVs, minimize flashing electronics, and create a quiet corner where guests can take a break. Feel free to share this link with your family, friends with sensory-friendly needs, and others who may be interested. Please note: This will take place only at the Target in Framingham.
Massachusetts Family Expectations Survey
The Massachusetts Partnership for Transition to Employment ( MTPE ) is working to improve employment outcomes for youth and young adults in our state, and one essential part of this work is better supporting families. Your input on this survey will tell us how we can better support families. There are no right or wrong answers; we just want to hear your perspective.
 
Your participation in the research is voluntary. All of the information collected in the survey will be anonymous. The survey will take about 10-15 minutes.  Please click here to complete this survey.
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT sponsorspotlight
The Arc of Massachusetts | 781-891-6270 | thearcofmass.org