The Arc of Massachusetts

12/10/2025

The latest issue of The Arc's Advocate magazine is now available to read online.

Highlights include:
- A special spotlight on Operation House Call
- Advocacy forecast
- After I'm Gone preview
- And more!

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.

12/08/2025

"A Dec. 5 email obtained by USA TODAY shows the agency ordered a significant portion of staffers in the Office for Civil Rights to come back later this month. In the 'return to duty' directive, officials acknowledged they're facing a sizable caseload of civil rights complaints."

The federal Education Department is asking hundreds of staffers in the Office for Civil Rights to temporarily return to help clear a backlog of cases.

12/08/2025

The Department of Education (ED) is a government agency that oversees federal education policy and administers funding for programs and individuals. The ED has undergone numerous concerning changes throughout current administration. We've updated our fact sheet with the latest.

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.

12/07/2025

Sam Kanji and his mom Ilyse Levine-Kanji are powerful advocates for the Blue Envelope Bill — an initiative designed to promote better interactions between individuals with autism and law enforcement.

Their persistence is a reminder that sharing your lived experiences is key to driving meaningful change. Through their commitment, they've shown how advocacy can help shape policy and make Massachusetts a safer and more inclusive place for everyone.

Do you know a stellar advocate who should be included in a future spotlight series? Please contact Emilia at eniyangoda@arcmass.org!

12/06/2025

"The oversight is gone, the expertise has been dissolved, and basically, the referee has left the field. The goals of the federal administration are to continue to fragment and dissolve these important programs and laws." - CEO Maura Sullivan

”Basically, the referee has left the field,“ said Maura Sullivan, CEO of The Arc of Massachusetts, a nonprofit advocating for people with autism and intellectual disabilities.

12/04/2025

Have you ever wondered what type of support your legislator's offices can provide?

Join The Arc of Massachusetts Government Affairs team for an upcoming webinar on constituent services, featuring staff from Senator Ed Markey's office and from state Senator Sal DiDomenico's office.

We will also share real-time updates on key policy challenges impacting access to necessary supports for our community.

Register: thearcofmass.org/webinars

12/03/2025

Join us for an exciting webinar and discover new approaches to housing for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism. This webinar explores forward-looking, real-life examples of new housing options.

Please note: Innovative housing for people with high medical and/or clinical needs will be the focus of a webinar offered in the New Year, so stay tuned.

Register: thearcofmass.org/webinars

12/03/2025

What does it really take for neurodivergent people to live fuller, more independent, more connected lives? It's not one program. It's not one skill, it's a circle: strength, purpose, and community reinforcing one another.

Join The Arc of Massachusetts for a powerful, practical conversation with three organizations working at the front lines of supporting neurodivergent adolescents, teenagers, and adults.

Register: thearcofmass.org/webinars

12/03/2025

Giving Tuesday isn't over yet and your gift right now can push this day from good to extraordinary.

If you haven't had a chance to give yet, there's still time.

If you've already given, thank you! Consider sharing our campaign with a friend. It can 2x or 3x your impact.

thearcofmass.org/donate

12/02/2025

The Arc of Massachusetts has been working tirelessly to protect disability rights at every level.

When you join our Massachusetts community, you become part of a nationwide movement.

A movement that sent nearly 700,000 letters to Congress this year.

Join the movement: thearcofmass.org/donate

12/02/2025

A Special Message from CEO Maura Sullivan

"The work we are doing is foundational to the infrastructure of our service system. We must do the advocacy, we must safeguard Medicaid, and we have to uplift our workforce. Our policy priorities will strengthen our community here in Massachusetts. Please support us in any way that you can."

Make your gift to The Arc of Massachusetts at thearcofmass.org/donate

12/02/2025

Healthcare inequities remain an all too common experience in the lives of people with disabilities.

But with the support and participation of families like yours, The Arc's Operation House Call is changing that.

Help shape the future of medicine with your gift: thearcofmass.org/donate