October 15, 2020 | Issue #63
State Budget On! Ups & Downs, Advocacy Essential In Weeks Ahead

It’s on! Together we face an uphill challenge as the state scrambles to finalize this year’s budget. Our update is relative to Governor Baker’s January FY’2021 House 2 proposal.

The Breaking News: The DDS line item of Day and Employment is short by 13.4% or equal to the estimated loss of services to approximately 1,500 people. Other line items hold steady to the Governor’s January proposal. Continue reading.
The 2020 Census Ends TOMORROW!
There's still time to respond to the Census through tonight until 6am tomorrow, October 16!

Visit 2020Census.gov to respond.
Job Opening: Part-Time Accountant (15-20 Hours)
The Arc of Massachusetts is seeking a Part-Time Accountant (15-20 hours) to join a group of dedicated professionals and volunteers. Responsibility for the financial, accounting, and related information technology resources. Advisory role on human resources.

For serious consideration, kindly submit your resume with a cover letter by October 19.  Please send confidentially to Rutledge@arcmass.org
Featured
The Power of the Disability Vote: Preparing for the 2020 Election
We are now less than a month away from the 2020 Presidential Election.
On Sunday, October 11, The Arc participated in a panel for up-and-coming activists at UMass Amherst. This panel presentation was part of The Boltwood Project. Maura Sullivan and Kathleen Amaral shared personal and professional advocacy experiences, discussed the impact of COVID-19 on our community, and the need for next generation activism. We look forward to continued involvement with this great project.
Widening the Circle/Pathways to Friendship, a partnership between The Arc of Massachusetts and the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), invites you to attend the upcoming seminar on "Friendship Lessons Learned During the Pandemic." This seminar will be held from 10:00AM - 12:00PM on Wednesday, October 21. Learn more here.
Transition and Health Care
Survey: Turning 22 During COVID-19
If your young adult will be Turning 22 between March 2020 and July 2021, we want to hear from you! Complete the survey at the link below and let us know your transition experiences: what is happening, the challenges faced, and the success stories. This information will help us to advocate during these trying times. Learn more.
Survey: Health Care Transition of Persons with I/DD
A collaborative group is working to improve the health care transition of persons with I/DD to improve health access to adult healthcare. We are working with them and hope you can participate in this Massachusetts health care transition survey.  All of us want to better understand what is happening for young adults in terms of their healthcare needs.

If you are a guardian or parent of someone with ID/DD or ASD (or the individuals themselves), please complete this brief survey by Friday, October 16. Any questions may be submitted to nddtransitionsummit@childrens.harvard.edu.
Webinars
The Arc of Massachusetts weekly webinar schedule is changing.

  • Leo's Monday sessions will continue as scheduled.
  • Tuesday, October 20 will be the last of Kerry's Tuesday sessions.
  • Maura will no longer be hosting her Thursday sessions weekly. These will be happening once a month, so stay tuned for these dates.
  • However, Maura will be hosting a special session with Russell Johnston of DESE on Thursday, November 12. Save the date and look for the future registration link.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with the latest scheduling news.
On Tuesday, October 20 at 11:00AM, Rachel Fichtenbaum, EOHHS Mobility Manager at MassMobility, will present options for community transportation during the pandemic!
The Arc of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Sibling Support Network are proud to host a virtual adult sibling panel to share experiences and information and answer universal sibling-related questions. Join them on October 29 to learn from adult siblings of people with disabilities.
Sponsor Spotlight


The work of The Arc of Massachusetts is made possible by generous donations from people like you, friend. None of our advocacy, education, and outreach would be possible without your continued support. Please consider giving today.