Hello!

This week, Executive Director Leo Sarkissian reflects on the lasting significance of social inclusion; meet our second 2019 Gala honoree; register for the 2019 Legislative Reception; and more!
Leo's Letter
Social Inclusion: More Than Just A Passing Phase

In this week's Leo's Letter, Executive Director Leo Sarkissian reflects on some of the latest headlines featuring stories of the profound impact of social inclusion, and offers some thoughts on why this vital subject remains just as important as ever.
2019 Gala: Leading by Example
Meet our Empowerment Champion: Anne Fracht

Anne Fracht has spent her professional life advocating for increasing the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. She describes herself as a very passionate person who is dedicated to the cause of teaching people how to advocate for themselves. She likes to see positive change made in the world for individuals with disabilities, so that they can be more in charge and make decisions that will help them live a full life in the community. 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.
Programs of The Arc
Busy week for Operation House Call

OHC held two classes on Tuesday, February 19, reaching over 60 Medical and Nursing students at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) and UMass Medical School (UMMS) Graduate School of Nursing.

At BUSM, students were instructed by three very special guests, including OHC parent instructor, Una Basak. Dr. Brian Skotko, the Director of the Down Syndrome Clinic at MGH who also has a sister with Down Syndrome, presented with Kaitlyn Krauskopf, who has a sister with Down Syndrome and autism. Champions for people with disabilities like Dr. Skotko not only provide expert care, but are also wonderful models for young medical students! Learn more.
Government Affairs
We're now less than two weeks away from the 41st Annual Legislative Reception at the Massachusetts State House, hosted by The Arc of Massachusetts and Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC)! The theme of this important day of legislative advocacy will be Building a Stronger Future: Valuing Our Workforce .

Will you be joining us in the Great Hall on March 6? Register today!
Upcoming Calendar
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.
Outside The Arc
Thursday, March 14 | 6:00 - 8:00PM
1250 West Chestnut St, Brockton

Workshop participants will gain knowledge about the experience of siblings growing up with a brother or sister with a disability; learn strategies for supporting siblings across the life span and in future planning; review current trends in sibling research; and engage in an interactive panel discussion with local adult siblings. Adult sibling meetup to follow. Presented by the Massachusetts Sibling Support Network, Brockton Area Arc, and Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change.
New State-produced Video Series on Child Development and Culture

"1, 2, 3 Grow!" is filmed in eight different languages and cultures and includes a parent story and discussion about strengths and barriers specific to each culture.
Agency Spotlight