Hello!

This week, celebrate Massachusetts moms and caregivers in honor of Mother's Day; the Senate Ways and Means Budget has been released; an upcoming legislative hearing; and more!
Featured
This Mother's Day, make a gift in honor of the everyday heroes

Have you been following our ongoing Mother's Day coverage? All week, we have shared stories of inspirational mothers - the leaders in our community who make up the largest group of caregivers for individuals with I/DD.

Head on over to arcmass.org/mom to read and watch their inspiring stories, and while you're there, make a gift in honor of the moms in your life who go above and beyond.
Government Affairs
The Arc of Massachusetts shares Senate Ways and Means Budget and Analysis

Chair Michael Rodrigues and the Senate Ways and Means Committee released their budget with the theme “boldly move forward.” The budget blueprint highlights $2.1 billion in disability services in its executive summary. The investment in the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) tracks significantly with the Governor’s proposal in areas of housing, employment, transportation, and adult omnibus services.

The Arc thanks Chair Rodrigues and committee members for their strong support. Read The Arc's full analysis.
The Arc testifies on behalf of oral health bill

On Tuesday, May 7, Policy Officer Ellen Taverna testified before the Joint Committee on Public Health at the hearing in support of S.1215/H.1916, An act to improve oral health for all Massachusetts residents.

The disability community faces enormous barriers to adequate and timely dental care. This bill takes steps toward overcoming these access barriers and will require training of licensed dental therapists on serving people with autism and I/DD. Thanks to Health Care For All for organizing the panel. Read Ellen's full testimony here.
Accessory Dwelling Units hearing scheduled for May 14

A hearing has been scheduled for S820/H1250, An act relative to accessory dwelling units, on Tuesday, May 14 at 10:00AM in the Gardner Auditorium at the Massachusetts State House. The bill passed through the Housing Committee last session but got stuck in Senate Rules; however, some of the language of the bill made an appearance in the Housing Omnibus bill (that was being negotiated up until the last minute of the formal session, but alas, also didn't pass).

To refile the bill this session, we engaged two new committed bill sponsors to lead the way - Representative Christine Barber and Senator Bruce Tarr.

This bill is a priority for The Arc of Massachusetts, Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts, and of course Autism Housing Pathways. If you need any help writing testimony or if you need help preparing oral testimony, please reach out to Maura at sullivan@arcmass.org.
Programs of The Arc
6-Week Transition Support Group (Western MA)
May 14, 21, 28 - June 4, 11, 18 | 10:00AM - 12:00PM
South Hadley Public Library, Trustees Room, 2 Canal Street, South Hadley

The Arc of Massachusetts is pleased to offer a 6-week transition support group for family members of people with intellectual and development disabilities. Parents with youth aged 14 to 26 years will find this most helpful. The group will include information about available supports and services; a dialogue of needs and solutions; opportunities for problem solving and planning; and relevant legislative or funding issues.

The group will provide family members a place to share and learn in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Attendance is limited, so don’t miss this wonderful opportunity. Light refreshments will be served. Please let us know if childcare is needed.

To register or for questions or more information, please contact Robbie Rubet at rrubet@arcmass.org or 413-535-9958.
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