June 4, 2020 | Issue #44

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. And we continue to proactively plan for the challenges ahead. Since the start of the pandemic, more people who have loved ones with I/DD and autism have sought information and guidance from The Arc than ever before. Thousands have participated in our four weekly webinars and our COVID-19 online resource center has received a record number of hits. The need for advocacy has never more important. More than 6,500 advocates responded to our request to contact Governor Charlie Baker to provide an allocation for community providers and 1,100 constituents sent their feedback on the state’s Crisis of Care Standards. 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, I ask you to please consider giving to The Arc today. Your support is more important than ever.

HELP

The Arc released the following statement on the need for swift and substantial action in our society and from our nation’s leaders to dismantle racism, end discrimination, and to honor, protect, and enforce the civil and human rights of all people. “We all must step up and speak out, including our nation’s leaders, to uphold the rights of communities of color to be free from over policing, police brutality, misconduct, harassment, and racism. To be silent is to be complicit,” said Peter Berns, CEO, The Arc.

COVID-19 Updates

Spring 2020 Advocate is now online In April, The Arc of Massachusetts made the decision to delay the publication of the Spring 2020 issue of our quarterly print newsletter  Advocate . We are now pleased to share with you a digital-only, shorter edition of Advocate, with editorials from The Arc team about COVID-19.

Despite the Memorial Day Holiday, the past week was a busy one at The Arc. But this week’s update starts with discussion of the homicide of George Floyd. Keep reading.

The Arc has been advocating for DDS guidance on family visitation for group homes. We are sharing our suggestions and looking for your feedback on this document.

Nearly 2,000 registrants have signed up for our webinars over the past several weeks. As we enter a new phase in the COVID-19 crisis, The Arc is revamping our weekly webinars.

The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly reminded all of us of the need to have our business in order! This webinar will go through the steps involved in developing a future plan. Learn more and register here.

Outside The Arc

REquipment DME Reuse: Survey on Assistive Technology Reuse REquipment DME Reuse is conducting a survey of the Reuse of Assistive Technology (AT) among users and providers. If you or your loved one use AT, please take this survey. If you provide AT or are a professional working with AT users, please take this survey.

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.

Make a gift today.

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