Hello!

This week, Executive Director Leo Sarkissian appeared on WBZ's 4 Your Community segment to discuss Operation House Call and the 2019 Gala; meet our third 2019 Gala honoree; sign up for Leo's Spring 2019 Regional Sessions; and more!
In the Media
On Saturday, February 23, Executive Director Leo Sarkissian stopped by WBZ for an interview with Anaridis Rodriguez as part of their ongoing 4 Your Community series. During the sit down interview, Leo discusses the latest happenings in our unique Operation House Call program, and offered a sneak preview of the upcoming Leading by Example Gala.
2019 Gala: Leading by Example
Meet our Community Outreach Champion: Angelina White

Angelina White is a daredevil. A competitive racer, she has so far taken part in over a dozen 5K road races with one of her best friends, Jess, and she displays all of her medals proudly in her home. She has raced in both 90-degree weather and freezing cold weather, and she has traveled all across the state to quench her need for speed. When asked why she likes racing so much, she proudly proclaims that she “loves to go fast,” and that she “always beats Jess by 2 seconds.” Learn more.

In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing the stories of the four champions we will be honoring at our Leading by Example gala on March 27. Tickets available now.
Government Affairs
Help us maintain the Governor‘s budget proposal and address the necessary gaps!


We are grateful for the support for Turning 22, the DESE program and other critical line items. However, in order to meet the Day and Employment needs of 895 new graduates the DDS line item 5920-2025 will need a 6.7 million dollar increase over the proposed funding. The Arc is also advocating for increases in the DDS line items for Family Support (line item 5920-3000 for 3.4 million), Adults with Autism (line item 5920-3020 for 5.8 million), and Transportation (line item 5911-2000 for 1.4 million).

Stay tuned for another advocacy push for the Workforce and thank you for taking time to affect change for people with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities.



The 41st Annual Legislative Reception, Building a Stronger Future: Valuing Our Workforce , is now less than one week away. Registration closes this Monday, March 4 . Don't miss out on attending this important day of legislative advocacy. Register today!
Upcoming Calendar
Spring 2019 Regional Sessions
Pressing Issues Facing Individuals with I/DD

Please join Leo Sarkissian, Executive Director of The Arc of Massachusetts, for a conversation about pressing issues facing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the family members and human service agencies who assist them.

Leo will discuss the Workforce Shortage Crisis and The Arc’s new initiative to find a solution; the FY 2020 state budget; and how to increase social inclusion. Learn what you can do to be an effective advocate, so you can have an impact on the lives of people with disabilities statewide.
Session 1: Monday, March 18
10AM – 12PM
Hampton Inn
600 Memorial Drive, Chicopee

Session 2: Tuesday, March 19
10AM – 12PM
Homewood Suites
1 Washington Square, Worcester
Session 3: Wednesday, April 3
10AM – 12PM
The Arc of Greater Plymouth
52 Armstrong Road, Plymouth

Session 4: Wednesday, April 17
10AM – 12PM
Bridgewell
10 Dearborn Road, Peabody
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.
Ask the Broker!
March 14, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Plymouth Pubic Library, 132 South St, Plymouth
 Co-hosted by Kerry Mahoney, Kim Kates, and Dianne Huggon

Join us for this free session and learn about planning for a good life for your loved ones!
Learn more about SUPPORTbrokers . RSVP to Mahoney@arcmass.org      
Southeast Region: How to Best Support Older Caregivers
Tuesday, April 5 | 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Department of Developmental Services, Southeast Regional Office
151 Campanelli Drive, Suite B, Middleborough, MA 02346
Register online or call 781 891-6270 x109
Agency Spotlight