Hello!

This week, Executive Director Leo Sarkissian reflects on the 2019 Disability Policy Seminar; preliminary information on the House FY2020 Budget; two exciting new webinars on future planning topics including ABLE accounts and housing; a request for workshop proposals for the 2019 Transition Conference; and much more!
Leo's Letter
The Arc of Massachusetts Goes to Washington

Each year The Arc joins with other organizations to host a Disability Policy Seminar ( DPS partners listed here ) during which family members and staff visit D.C. to talk to their Senators, Representatives, and/or their aides on Capitol Hill. Typically, we visit with health or related policy staff in each office and often meet with some of our elected officials. Learn more about our time in DC.
Government Affairs
House Ways and Means Budget Aligns with The Arc’s Ask

The Arc celebrates and thanks the Chair of Ways and Means Aaron Michlewitz for the Ways and Means budget which further invests in the Department of Developmental Services. The budget increases the Family Support and Respite line item on top of the Governor’s proposed budget by $3.5 million. Learn more.

The Arc will be releasing our full analysis later today. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for the latest updates.
Giving
April is Autism Awareness Month!

According to the CDC, 1 in 59 people are now diagnosed with autism, making autism awareness more crucial than ever.

The Arc of Massachusetts believes in so much more than just awareness. We believe in acceptance, understanding, inclusion, self-determination, and equity across all aspects of society.

And we know you do, too.

This Autism Awareness Month, make a donation to The Arc of Massachusetts.
Programs of The Arc

LAST CHANCE: Hear Leo discuss the Workforce Initiative, the FY2020 budget, social inclusion, and more

Leo's last regional session will be taking place on Wednesday, April 17 from 10AM - 12PM at the Bridgewell offices in Peabody.

Don't miss out on this important discussion.

Transition Conference 2019: Call for Workshop Proposals!

The Transition Conference Planning Committee is making strides in planning this year's conference, which will be held on November 16 at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester!

This full day conference will feature the LifeCourse Frameworks and Tools from the Institute for Human Development at the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Co-founder and parent Jane St. John will lead us through the frameworks and tools to use in transition planning. The conference will also welcome families of teens and adults ages 12-26.

This year, we are sending out Requests for Proposals for Workshops. You can find the proposal form, as well as submission instructions, here.

Becker Center: What We're Learning from Older Caregivers, Round 2

Nearly 70 families and agency staff attended the Older Caregiver Forum held at the DDS Southeast Regional Office. Caregivers expressed their concerns and worries for their loved ones' futures. Learn more about our findings.
Webinars
Agency Spotlight