The Arc of Massachusetts
@thearcofmass.org
Enhancing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through advocacy of community supports and services. #AchieveWithUs
https://linktr.ee/thearcofmass
https://linktr.ee/thearcofmass
Pinned
Welcome to The Arc of Massachusetts.
Enhancing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, and their families through advocacy for community supports and services that foster social inclusion, self-determination, and equity across all aspects of society.
Enhancing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, and their families through advocacy for community supports and services that foster social inclusion, self-determination, and equity across all aspects of society.
The Arc’s Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Partnerships Nora Bent testified before the state’s Joint Committee on Education about our priority bill “An act strengthening transitional planning and increasing accountability for persons with disabilities and their families” (H.752/S.313).
November 18, 2025 at 9:47 PM
The Arc’s Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Partnerships Nora Bent testified before the state’s Joint Committee on Education about our priority bill “An act strengthening transitional planning and increasing accountability for persons with disabilities and their families” (H.752/S.313).
"The number of teachers using AI to develop individualized education programs, or IEPs, for students with disabilities is surging, but so too are questions about what role the technolog...
https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/11/18/concerns-raised-as-teachers-increasingly-use-ai-to-write-ieps/31742/
https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/11/18/concerns-raised-as-teachers-increasingly-use-ai-to-write-ieps/31742/
Concerns Raised As Teachers Increasingly Use AI To Write IEPs
The number of teachers using AI to develop individualized education programs for students with disabilities is surging, but so too are questions about what role the technology should play.
www.disabilityscoop.com
November 18, 2025 at 8:03 PM
"The number of teachers using AI to develop individualized education programs, or IEPs, for students with disabilities is surging, but so too are questions about what role the technolog...
https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/11/18/concerns-raised-as-teachers-increasingly-use-ai-to-write-ieps/31742/
https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/11/18/concerns-raised-as-teachers-increasingly-use-ai-to-write-ieps/31742/
This year's budget will have real consequences for individuals with disabilities and the critical workforce that supports them.
Federal funding shifts are putting unprecedented pressure on the state and without strong advocacy, essential services could be put at risk. Now is the time to act.
Federal funding shifts are putting unprecedented pressure on the state and without strong advocacy, essential services could be put at risk. Now is the time to act.
November 18, 2025 at 4:48 PM
This year's budget will have real consequences for individuals with disabilities and the critical workforce that supports them.
Federal funding shifts are putting unprecedented pressure on the state and without strong advocacy, essential services could be put at risk. Now is the time to act.
Federal funding shifts are putting unprecedented pressure on the state and without strong advocacy, essential services could be put at risk. Now is the time to act.
Join CEO and parent-caregiver Maura Sullivan as she facilitates honest conversations with three inspiring caregivers.
This panel offers an opportunity to honor caregivers in our community while we gain a deeper appreciation for their extraordinary everyday efforts.
Reg... thearcofmass.org/webinars
This panel offers an opportunity to honor caregivers in our community while we gain a deeper appreciation for their extraordinary everyday efforts.
Reg... thearcofmass.org/webinars
November 17, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Join CEO and parent-caregiver Maura Sullivan as she facilitates honest conversations with three inspiring caregivers.
This panel offers an opportunity to honor caregivers in our community while we gain a deeper appreciation for their extraordinary everyday efforts.
Reg... thearcofmass.org/webinars
This panel offers an opportunity to honor caregivers in our community while we gain a deeper appreciation for their extraordinary everyday efforts.
Reg... thearcofmass.org/webinars
Alice Wong, the activist, MacArthur Genius Award recipient, and author known for the Disability Visibility Project, has sadly passed away at the age of 51. May her memory be a blessing and the legacy...
https://www.npr.org/2025/11/15/nx-s1-5609903/disability-rights-activist-author-alice-wong-dies-51
https://www.npr.org/2025/11/15/nx-s1-5609903/disability-rights-activist-author-alice-wong-dies-51
Disability rights activist and author Alice Wong dies at 51
The MacArthur "Genius" Award-winner was best known as the founder of the Disability Visibility Project, which highlights disabled people and disability culture through storytelling projects, social media and other channels.
www.npr.org
November 16, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Alice Wong, the activist, MacArthur Genius Award recipient, and author known for the Disability Visibility Project, has sadly passed away at the age of 51. May her memory be a blessing and the legacy...
https://www.npr.org/2025/11/15/nx-s1-5609903/disability-rights-activist-author-alice-wong-dies-51
https://www.npr.org/2025/11/15/nx-s1-5609903/disability-rights-activist-author-alice-wong-dies-51
"A deal to end the nation's longest-ever government shutdown is reversing plans to gut the federal special education office and providing funds for other disability p...
https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/11/14/as-government-reopens-ed-department-brings-back-fired-special-education-staffers/31738/
https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/11/14/as-government-reopens-ed-department-brings-back-fired-special-education-staffers/31738/
As Government Reopens, Ed Department Brings Back Fired Special Education Staffers
A deal to end the nation's longest-ever government shutdown is reversing plans to gut the federal special education office and providing funds for other disability programs — at least temporarily.
www.disabilityscoop.com
November 15, 2025 at 8:54 PM
"A deal to end the nation's longest-ever government shutdown is reversing plans to gut the federal special education office and providing funds for other disability p...
https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/11/14/as-government-reopens-ed-department-brings-back-fired-special-education-staffers/31738/
https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/11/14/as-government-reopens-ed-department-brings-back-fired-special-education-staffers/31738/
Join The Arc of Massachusetts and Seven Hills for an interactive session to learn the best ways to advocate for the benefits and services that make a difference in your family's lives.
Tuesday, November 18 | 6:00 - 7:30PM
81 Hope Ave, Worcester, MA
RSVP: https://bit.ly/advo-rsvp
Tuesday, November 18 | 6:00 - 7:30PM
81 Hope Ave, Worcester, MA
RSVP: https://bit.ly/advo-rsvp
November 15, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Join The Arc of Massachusetts and Seven Hills for an interactive session to learn the best ways to advocate for the benefits and services that make a difference in your family's lives.
Tuesday, November 18 | 6:00 - 7:30PM
81 Hope Ave, Worcester, MA
RSVP: https://bit.ly/advo-rsvp
Tuesday, November 18 | 6:00 - 7:30PM
81 Hope Ave, Worcester, MA
RSVP: https://bit.ly/advo-rsvp
Today, The Arc delivered the first round of food donations from our ongoing food drive to a local pantry, supporting individuals and families in need.
A heartfelt thank you to our staff and community members who have donated so far! You are making a real difference in the lives of others.
A heartfelt thank you to our staff and community members who have donated so far! You are making a real difference in the lives of others.
November 11, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Today, The Arc delivered the first round of food donations from our ongoing food drive to a local pantry, supporting individuals and families in need.
A heartfelt thank you to our staff and community members who have donated so far! You are making a real difference in the lives of others.
A heartfelt thank you to our staff and community members who have donated so far! You are making a real difference in the lives of others.
Preparations are underway for the FY27 State Budget.
We must come together as a community to ensure critical funding is preserved.
- Ensuring no cuts to Chapter 257 rates to fund the workforce
- Protecting Medicaid-funded LTSS
- Ensuring people with IDD + autism do not lose eligibility to services
We must come together as a community to ensure critical funding is preserved.
- Ensuring no cuts to Chapter 257 rates to fund the workforce
- Protecting Medicaid-funded LTSS
- Ensuring people with IDD + autism do not lose eligibility to services
November 10, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Preparations are underway for the FY27 State Budget.
We must come together as a community to ensure critical funding is preserved.
- Ensuring no cuts to Chapter 257 rates to fund the workforce
- Protecting Medicaid-funded LTSS
- Ensuring people with IDD + autism do not lose eligibility to services
We must come together as a community to ensure critical funding is preserved.
- Ensuring no cuts to Chapter 257 rates to fund the workforce
- Protecting Medicaid-funded LTSS
- Ensuring people with IDD + autism do not lose eligibility to services
BREAKING: Despite asking an appeals court to overturn a court order for SNAP benefits to be reinstated, the administration now states it will pay full SNAP benefits f...
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/government-shutdown-trump-snap-benefits_n_690e516de4b0d142901f27dc?origin=home-whats-happening-unit
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/government-shutdown-trump-snap-benefits_n_690e516de4b0d142901f27dc?origin=home-whats-happening-unit
Trump Admin Says It Will Pay Full SNAP Benefits For November Despite Fighting Court Order
New guidance to states tells them the funds will be made available on Friday even as the administration appeals a court order.
www.huffpost.com
November 7, 2025 at 8:52 PM
BREAKING: Despite asking an appeals court to overturn a court order for SNAP benefits to be reinstated, the administration now states it will pay full SNAP benefits f...
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/government-shutdown-trump-snap-benefits_n_690e516de4b0d142901f27dc?origin=home-whats-happening-unit
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/government-shutdown-trump-snap-benefits_n_690e516de4b0d142901f27dc?origin=home-whats-happening-unit
NEW from CEO Maura Sullivan: "Especially in this moment, when the rights and worth of people with IDD are constantly under threat, this bill ensures our laws reflect who we truly are: a Commonwealth that believes in the potential and inherent dignity of all."
thearcofmass.org/post/this-vi...
thearcofmass.org/post/this-vi...
Maura's Message: This Victory Belongs to All of Us: The Powerful and Personal Impacts of Passing the Archaic Language Bill - The Arc of Massachusetts
Through advocacy, programs that promote inclusion, and engaging the community, The Arc creates tangible changes in the community and in the lives of people with disabilities.
thearcofmass.org
November 6, 2025 at 10:36 PM
NEW from CEO Maura Sullivan: "Especially in this moment, when the rights and worth of people with IDD are constantly under threat, this bill ensures our laws reflect who we truly are: a Commonwealth that believes in the potential and inherent dignity of all."
thearcofmass.org/post/this-vi...
thearcofmass.org/post/this-vi...
For far too long, outdated and harmful words about people with disabilities have remained in our laws.
The Massachusetts House, by a unanimous vote, has boldly taken action to remove such archaic and offensive language from state law.
thearcofmass.org/post/stateme...
The Massachusetts House, by a unanimous vote, has boldly taken action to remove such archaic and offensive language from state law.
thearcofmass.org/post/stateme...
Statement from CEO Maura Sullivan on Unanimous House Passage of Archaic Language Bill - The Arc of Massachusetts
Through advocacy, programs that promote inclusion, and engaging the community, The Arc creates tangible changes in the community and in the lives of people with disabilities.
thearcofmass.org
November 6, 2025 at 3:42 PM
For far too long, outdated and harmful words about people with disabilities have remained in our laws.
The Massachusetts House, by a unanimous vote, has boldly taken action to remove such archaic and offensive language from state law.
thearcofmass.org/post/stateme...
The Massachusetts House, by a unanimous vote, has boldly taken action to remove such archaic and offensive language from state law.
thearcofmass.org/post/stateme...
TOMORROW: Join The Arc for a webinar on how the ongoing government shutdown is disrupting SNAP. We'll share up-to-date information, state resources, and advocacy tools.
Can't attend live? Register and a recording will be shared with you.
Register: thearcofmass.org/webinars
Can't attend live? Register and a recording will be shared with you.
Register: thearcofmass.org/webinars
November 5, 2025 at 2:00 PM
TOMORROW: Join The Arc for a webinar on how the ongoing government shutdown is disrupting SNAP. We'll share up-to-date information, state resources, and advocacy tools.
Can't attend live? Register and a recording will be shared with you.
Register: thearcofmass.org/webinars
Can't attend live? Register and a recording will be shared with you.
Register: thearcofmass.org/webinars
We're pleased to see today's court ruling requiring USDA to use its contingency funds to cover at least partial SNAP benefits for November.
However, there are still numerous questions about when benefits will be released. We are still bracing for a gap in benefits for SNAP recipients in November.
However, there are still numerous questions about when benefits will be released. We are still bracing for a gap in benefits for SNAP recipients in November.
October 31, 2025 at 10:24 PM
We're pleased to see today's court ruling requiring USDA to use its contingency funds to cover at least partial SNAP benefits for November.
However, there are still numerous questions about when benefits will be released. We are still bracing for a gap in benefits for SNAP recipients in November.
However, there are still numerous questions about when benefits will be released. We are still bracing for a gap in benefits for SNAP recipients in November.
The Arc of Massachusetts invites you to a webinar on how the ongoing government shutdown is disrupting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and what that means for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism.
October 30, 2025 at 9:48 PM
The Arc of Massachusetts invites you to a webinar on how the ongoing government shutdown is disrupting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and what that means for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism.
LAST CALL: Share your experiences with services, supports, and advocacy in The Arc's Fall 2025 Survey.
We will be closing the survey this weekend, so this is the last chance to have your feedback heard!
thearcofmass.org/survey
We will be closing the survey this weekend, so this is the last chance to have your feedback heard!
thearcofmass.org/survey
October 29, 2025 at 1:00 PM
LAST CALL: Share your experiences with services, supports, and advocacy in The Arc's Fall 2025 Survey.
We will be closing the survey this weekend, so this is the last chance to have your feedback heard!
thearcofmass.org/survey
We will be closing the survey this weekend, so this is the last chance to have your feedback heard!
thearcofmass.org/survey
Today, our Government Affairs team joined hundreds of advocates, organized by the Massachusetts Make Hunger History Coalition at the State House to share stories, experiences, and perspectives on the detrimental effects of the looming cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
October 28, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Today, our Government Affairs team joined hundreds of advocates, organized by the Massachusetts Make Hunger History Coalition at the State House to share stories, experiences, and perspectives on the detrimental effects of the looming cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Join with The Arc of Massachusetts in giving back to the community through The Arc's Food Drive.
Bring nonperishable foods (eg., canned foods, pasta, rice - anything shelf-stable) to The Arc's Waltham office Monday through Friday from 9:00AM - 2:00PM.
Bring nonperishable foods (eg., canned foods, pasta, rice - anything shelf-stable) to The Arc's Waltham office Monday through Friday from 9:00AM - 2:00PM.
October 28, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Join with The Arc of Massachusetts in giving back to the community through The Arc's Food Drive.
Bring nonperishable foods (eg., canned foods, pasta, rice - anything shelf-stable) to The Arc's Waltham office Monday through Friday from 9:00AM - 2:00PM.
Bring nonperishable foods (eg., canned foods, pasta, rice - anything shelf-stable) to The Arc's Waltham office Monday through Friday from 9:00AM - 2:00PM.
Food is not optional. It is dignity, stability, and survival.
No one should go hungry. Congress must act now to prevent millions from going hungry if SNAP Benefits run out.
Take action to protect SNAP: https://action.thearc.org/Uw7hIhY
No one should go hungry. Congress must act now to prevent millions from going hungry if SNAP Benefits run out.
Take action to protect SNAP: https://action.thearc.org/Uw7hIhY
October 28, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Food is not optional. It is dignity, stability, and survival.
No one should go hungry. Congress must act now to prevent millions from going hungry if SNAP Benefits run out.
Take action to protect SNAP: https://action.thearc.org/Uw7hIhY
No one should go hungry. Congress must act now to prevent millions from going hungry if SNAP Benefits run out.
Take action to protect SNAP: https://action.thearc.org/Uw7hIhY
SNAP Benefits are set to expire on November 1. 1 million people in Massachusetts rely on SNAP - including 300,000 people with disabilities.
Join The Arc of Massachusetts in our food drive to help those who need it most.
Join The Arc of Massachusetts in our food drive to help those who need it most.
October 27, 2025 at 8:50 PM
SNAP Benefits are set to expire on November 1. 1 million people in Massachusetts rely on SNAP - including 300,000 people with disabilities.
Join The Arc of Massachusetts in our food drive to help those who need it most.
Join The Arc of Massachusetts in our food drive to help those who need it most.
The Massachusetts Senate has passed legislation that has been a priority for The Arc since we helped pass the special commission on the history of state institutions. We are grateful to Alex Green for his determination in spearheading this effort. Here is CEO Maura Sullivan's statement:
October 27, 2025 at 6:17 PM
The Massachusetts Senate has passed legislation that has been a priority for The Arc since we helped pass the special commission on the history of state institutions. We are grateful to Alex Green for his determination in spearheading this effort. Here is CEO Maura Sullivan's statement:
Reposted by The Arc of Massachusetts
Anyway, putting in a plug for @thearcofmass.org, ADDP, and The Provider's Council, three organizations that advocate for better pay for direct care workers. Check them out if you are looking for ways to get involved in advocacy
thearcofmass.org/advocacy/
providers.org
www.addp.org
thearcofmass.org/advocacy/
providers.org
www.addp.org
Massachusetts Advocacy Resource Center - The Arc
The Arc tracks each step in the budget process and offers helpful comments on sections that pertain to issues affecting individuals with IDD.
thearcofmass.org
October 27, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Anyway, putting in a plug for @thearcofmass.org, ADDP, and The Provider's Council, three organizations that advocate for better pay for direct care workers. Check them out if you are looking for ways to get involved in advocacy
thearcofmass.org/advocacy/
providers.org
www.addp.org
thearcofmass.org/advocacy/
providers.org
www.addp.org
Reposted by The Arc of Massachusetts
If you're disabled and live in Massachusetts and have been affected by federal government cuts or the shutdown, the @thearcofmass.org wants your story! Please share this widely. The stories collected here will be really powerful in lobbying Massachusetts legislators to fill service gaps.
Disability Impact Tracker: Community Check-In Survey - The Arc of Massachusetts
Through advocacy, programs that promote inclusion, and engaging the community, The Arc creates tangible changes in the community and in the lives of people with disabilities.
thearcofmass.org
October 27, 2025 at 5:48 PM
If you're disabled and live in Massachusetts and have been affected by federal government cuts or the shutdown, the @thearcofmass.org wants your story! Please share this widely. The stories collected here will be really powerful in lobbying Massachusetts legislators to fill service gaps.
We are proud to stand with 800+ national, state, local, civil rights, educati...
https://thearcofmass.org/post/the-arc-of-massachusetts-stands-with-800-organizations-in-condemning-mass-layoffs-at-department-of-education-urging-administration-and-congress-to-act-to-protect-children-with-disabilities/
https://thearcofmass.org/post/the-arc-of-massachusetts-stands-with-800-organizations-in-condemning-mass-layoffs-at-department-of-education-urging-administration-and-congress-to-act-to-protect-children-with-disabilities/
The Arc of Massachusetts Stands with 800+ Organizations in Condemning Mass Layoffs at Department of Education, Urging Administration and Congress to Act to Protect Children with Disabilities - The Arc of Massachusetts
Through advocacy, programs that promote inclusion, and engaging the community, The Arc creates tangible changes in the community and in the lives of people with disabilities.
thearcofmass.org
October 23, 2025 at 4:46 PM
We are proud to stand with 800+ national, state, local, civil rights, educati...
https://thearcofmass.org/post/the-arc-of-massachusetts-stands-with-800-organizations-in-condemning-mass-layoffs-at-department-of-education-urging-administration-and-congress-to-act-to-protect-children-with-disabilities/
https://thearcofmass.org/post/the-arc-of-massachusetts-stands-with-800-organizations-in-condemning-mass-layoffs-at-department-of-education-urging-administration-and-congress-to-act-to-protect-children-with-disabilities/
TOMORROW: Creating a Home will build on the previous session by exploring alternative housing models, access to services and technology that support independent living, person-centered planning for housing that meets your needs, circles of support, and other key areas.
October 21, 2025 at 4:06 PM
TOMORROW: Creating a Home will build on the previous session by exploring alternative housing models, access to services and technology that support independent living, person-centered planning for housing that meets your needs, circles of support, and other key areas.