Northeast Arc

08/01/2025

Welcome to the Breaking Grounds Cafe team, Jessica!

A big thank you to our interns who show up, take notes, ask questions, and make magic happen!
It’s National Intern Day, and we’re feeling extra grateful for the rockstars on our team.

Today, we’re excited to welcome Jessica to the crew!
Stop by and say hello to Jessica and Charlie—and be part of their journey.

08/01/2025

Looking to get out there and have fun? There are options available! Whether you want to play unified sports, take a cooking or exercise class, or meet some new people, join the Northeast Transition Collaborative Network to learn about some options available in our area. Register here: https://ow.ly/Gu2M50WwZvf

07/31/2025

We are so thrilled that Jo Ann Simons will continue sharing her important voice on the Massachusetts Commission on Intellectual Disabilities.

Simons has served regularly on the Commission since first being appointed by then Governor Charlie Baker in 2016.

07/30/2025

Several Northeast Arc employees were recently honored by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services North Shore Area Office. Those honored were:

Myrna Solorio, who received the North Star Citation in recognition of her "unwavering guidance, consistency, and dependability." The award honors those who serve as the "moral compass, steady supporters, or behind-the-scenes anchors, by always showing up, leading by example, and keeping others grounded."

Kristy Aparo, who received the Heart of Service Citation in recognition of her "unwavering dedication, and compassion." The award celebrates those "who show up every day with kindness, respect, and a steady hand."

Kathy Callahan, who received the Spirit of Leadership Citation, for "rising to the occasion and leading with empathy and purpose." The award honorse those "who step forward — especially in times of need — to inspire teams, coordinate complex care, and foster belonging, joy, and dignity for everyone they serve."

Congratulations to everyone!

07/29/2025

The ADA has been critical in providing workers with the accommodations and protections they need to participate in the workforce, but employers have an important role to play in creating workplaces that are not just accessible, but inclusive, writes Northeast Arc's President and CEO, Jo Ann Simons.

The ADA has been critical in providing workers with the accommodations and protections they need to participate in the workforce, but employers have an important role to play in creating workplaces that are not just accessible, but inclusive.

07/29/2025

Join Planned Lifetime Assistance Network - PLAN of MA & RI for two upcoming free webinars exploring what Special Needs Trusts are and how they can help you and your loved ones plan for the future. During these webinars you will learn: the purpose of a Special Needs Trust, types of Special Needs Trusts, trustee responsibilities, trustee consideations, ABLE accounts, and how to establish a trust. Visit the PLAN website now to register: planofma-ri.org/plan-events/

07/28/2025

Northeast Arc is thrilled to be partnering with the CMAA - Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association to provide translated materials for families in the Personal Care Management program. These videos in Khmer will make NeArc's online health information system more accessible for patients and caregivers.

07/25/2025

Thank you to Brendan Crighton for his advocacy around these important pieces of legislation!

07/24/2025

Northeast Arc staff attended the ADA 35 Boston rally to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The event was an important way to celebrate the impact of the ADA, and to advocate for disability rights. Pictured left to right are Nery Santiago, Jo Ann Simons, Annielou Lavin, and Kaitlyn Standley. The Arc of Massachusetts

07/23/2025

Join NextGen Synergy Inc. on Thursday, July 31, for an event focusing on mental health for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities — and the families who support them.

RSVP here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/9ziEH9UiSQOzOcbgF6gsLg #/registration

07/23/2025

The Museum of Science is offering free admission on Saturday, July 26, for this Disability Pride Celebration. Just use the promo code "DISPRIDE25" when buying tickets online. Please note that the code is only valid on July 26.

Join the Museum for a celebration of Disability Pride Month on Saturday, July 26! We will be hosting disability inclusion activist Becky Jackson Curran, Northeastern Bioengineering professor Dr. Mona Minkara, Harvard Medical School Professor of Medicine Dr. Lisa Iezzoni and more to discuss the achievements of the disability community in science. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3IhkX8t

Image Description: Disability Pride Celebration is written in bold font in the middle of a zigzagging disability pride flag rainbow