December 24, 2020 | Issue #73
Reaffirming Our Connections During The Holidays
In college, I was exposed to the work of John Powell who championed social connection. This pandemic has changed our holidays, but we can still make connections with phone and video in ways we couldn’t during past decades.

The isolation of the pandemic can also remind us that we have much work to do for our family members or friends with disabilities. We all need to have personal connection and relationships where we are affirmed.

Our loved ones with disabilities need the same opportunity for communication as we all do. As Powell once noted, “Open communication is the only street that leads us into the real world.

Hoping the best for you and yours during this holiday season!
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Stand by The Arc of Massachusetts
The Arc of Massachusetts quickly mobilized to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and autism and their families navigate the COVID-19 crisis. As we proactively plan for the challenges ahead, it’s clear that the need for advocacy for our constituents and education that can be counted on has never more important.

With you, The Arc of Massachusetts is continuing to have an outsized impact. We don’t know what the future holds, but as long as you stand by The Arc, we will continue fighting for people with I/DD.

If you are able, please consider giving to The Arc today. Your support is more important than ever.
COVID-19
The Arc US: Shut Out Again: COVID-19 Relief Package Again Excludes Needs of People With Disabilities, Families, Service Providers
After months of hardship and danger from the COVID-19 pandemic, and relentless advocacy by The Arc and advocates across the country, last night Congress passed a COVID-19 relief package without critical funding for people with disabilities to access the services and supports necessary for a life in the community.

As COVID-19 continues to spread nationwide, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are struggling to access the services they need to continue to live in the community, and their families struggle with balancing work and caregiving responsibilities. Congress should have allocated desperately needed funds to support home and community-based services but they fell short. They also failed to provide funding for personal protective equipment (PPE) and resources for the workforce that has supported people with disabilities tirelessly throughout this pandemic. Continue reading.
Webinars
Monday, December 28 @ 12:00PM

On Monday, December 28, join Executive Director Leo Sarkissian for a special holiday themed session of his weekly Leo Live webinar. Register.
Monday, January 4 @ 12:00PM

On Monday, January 4, Executive Director Leo Sarkissian will once again be joined by Nicole Jorwic, Senior Director of Public Policy at The Arc of the United States, for a session on federal policy updates. Register.
Tuesday, January 5 @ 2:00PM
Autism Housing Pathways has updated and expanded its companion website, www.18section8.org, to provide an overview of the full range of affordable and subsidized housing options in Massachusetts. Step by step directions for completing many applications are provided, as is a spreadsheet to help track applications and keep them up to date. There is also a PowerPoint on site to help transition and family support professionals learn how to support families through the housing application process. This work was made possible by the generous support of a grant from CHNA 15. Register.
Friday, January 8 @ 2:00PM
Part of The Arc's ongoing Caregiving Around the Clock series to provide resources for caregivers, in coordination with the Department of Developmental Services. Join The Arc's Maura Sullivan, a certified Yogi, as she demonstrates basic positions, stretches, and meditation techniques to incorporate into your daily routine. Register.


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.