Hello!

This week, Executive Director Leo Sarkissian gives an update on The Arc of Massachusetts FY 2020 Budget Ask proceedings; Board President Deborah Norton featured in The Boston Globe ; Operation House Call's largest class ever; and more!
Leo's Letter
The Road Ahead For The State Budget

In this week's Leo's Letter, Executive Director Leo Sarkissian offers some thoughts on the road ahead for the State Budget, including our soon to be released Budget Ask. Learn more about how you can join us on the journey. Learn more.

PS. Be sure to submit your thoughts on DSP Rate Regulations to EOHHS before 5pm tomorrow.
In the Media
Board President Deborah Norton Featured in The Boston Globe

On Monday, February 4, The Arc of Massachusetts Board President Deborah Norton was spotlighted in The Boston Globe ‘s Metro section. The profile discusses Deborah’s lifelong commitment to ensuring adequate rights and resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities – including her own, Sam. Learn more.

Programs of The Arc
The Arc of Massachusetts is hiring!

Seeking a coordinator for the Advocacy Alliance. Qualifications include personal experience with legislators, strong interpersonal skills, and competent, active use of social media platforms.Position is immediately available until the end of June with start up again in September of 2019. See more here.
Operation House Call Launches an Interprofessional Pilot

On Wednesday January 30, Operation House Call (OHC) piloted a new program with Tufts Medical School and Simmons University. 170 Medical students, Graduate Nursing students, Physical Therapy and Nutrition students took part in OHC lectures taught by Maura Sullivan, Director of OHC, and Julie Heffernan, Parent Instructor.

OHC has matched each TUSM medical student with two Simmons Graduate Nursing students and assigned these groups to go together to visit homes of our OHC host families. We are excited to bring together future doctors and nurses to hear directly from families about how to enhance care for their loved ones with autism or Down syndrome or other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Continue reading.
Government Affairs
Registration now open for the 41st Annual Legislative Reception!

This year's theme is Building A Stronger Future: Valuing Our Workforce . This is an ideal opportunity for persons with disabilities, family members, advocates, state agency heads and their staff, and legislators to interact and catch up on legislative priorities and other important issues. Honorees are Senator Mike Moore and Representative Patricia Haddad. Register today.
Show Us What You Love About Your Direct Support Professional!

Do you or your loved one benefit from the support of a Direct Support Professional (DSP)? Are you willing to share your stories with The Arc of Massachusetts? Through February 14, we are hosting a contest, seeking submissions of 1-3 minute videos exploring the value of DSPs. If your video is selected, you will receive a $50 gift card as a prize. Winning videos will be posted on The Arc of Massachusetts website and social media and used as part of our Workforce Initiative. Learn more at arcmass.org/dsplove .
Training Center
Supported Decision-Making in Health Care Settings
Tuesday, March 12 | 12:00PM
Presenters: Michael Kendrick and Anna Krieger

Using supported decision-making in a health care setting potentially raises its own array of complex ethical, legal and support issues. The options that arise in a health care setting can often be challenging to understand, assess, and resolve. This webinar will cover supported decision-making in health care contexts including potential benefits and challenges of using the model in health care settings, legal issues related to health care proxies and other instruments, concerns raised by medical professionals and how to effectively facilitate and strengthen supported decision-making in health care settings.
Credentials to Careers
Tuesday, March 19 | 12:00PM
Presenters: Jeff Gentry, Rosa Ordaz, and Jan Hollenbeck

According to the U.S. Office on Disability Employment Policy in December 2018 only 20.7% of Americans with disabilities were engaged in the workforce. If we are going to equip 70% of Americans with disabilities to join their nondisabled fellow citizens in the workforce, we need to utilize a wide array of employment strategies for transition age youth and adults. Please join Jeff Gentry and Rosa Ordaz from 70/30 Partners and Dr. Jan Hollenbeck from Medford Public Schools as we explore the array of entry-level employment, credential training and employer driven workforce development strategies that can equip you or your loved one with disabilities to enter the workforce.
Friday, March 8 | 12:30 - 2:30PM
Lexington Community Center, Room 242
39 Marrett Road, Lexington

Participants will discuss the important benefits of friendships between people with and without disabilities. A variety of approaches/strategies will be shared that staff/family members can use that connect people in deep and meaningful ways. A light lunch will be provided. Presented by Jim Ross, Region Coordinator of Widening the Circle Sponsored by the Dana Home Foundation of Lexington and The Arc of Massachusetts.
Agency Spotlight