The Arc of Massachusetts

01/25/2026

The Arc of Massachusetts stands in 100% support of Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley's urgent push to protect Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for our Haitian neighbors.

With the February 3 deadline fast approaching, Congresswoman Pressley has launched a "discharge petition" to force a vote and extend these vital protections. This is a needed action to protect the workforce for the disability community.

Many TPS holders are the dedicated direct support professionals, home health aides, and caregivers who provide life-sustaining support to individuals with IDD and autism.

Losing these valued community members would devastate families and worsen the critical shortage of caregivers in Massachusetts.

Forcing our neighbors back to a country facing extreme violence and instability is inhumane and indefensible.

We thank Congresswoman Pressley for her leadership in defending the care economy and the rights of our neighbors. It is time for Congress to act.

01/23/2026

In the latest issue of The Resource Roundup, we're sharing important information about the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), including speeding up the DDS eligibility process, the autism waiver program, and the goal of the Office of the Ombudsperson.

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.

01/23/2026

Federal policy changes are already affecting people with disabilities and their families.

The Arc of Massachusetts wants to hear from you.

A few sentences describing specific loss, disruption, or warning you have received is extremely valuable to our work. All responses will be shared anonymously unless you state otherwise.

Please complete this survey and share it within your networks.

SURVEY: thearcofmass.org/tracker

01/21/2026

Join Pathways to Friendship for a monthly virtual book club to explore the important ideas explained in the book Everyday Citizenship: Seven Keys to a Life Well Lived by Simon Duffy and Wendy Perez.

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.

01/20/2026

Join CEO Maura Sullivan and Operation House Call Educator Betsy Johnson for a two part webinar series, Strategic Storytelling for Disability Advocacy, a practical and interactive webinar series for parents and professionals.

Register: thearcofmass.org/webinars

01/19/2026

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day from The Arc of Massachusetts!

Today, we celebrate the legacy of Dr. King, the civil rights leader without whose example the disability rights movement would not have been possible.

01/18/2026

Join The Arc of Massachusetts on Thursday, March 26 for the Progress and Possibility Gala.

Celebrate the strength, unity, and progress of our community at this inspiring evening featuring an elegant cocktail reception, moving stories, and an uplifting program.

Learn more: thearcofmass.org/gala

01/15/2026

We're proud to spotlight Daniel O'Donnell, a self-advocate who recently visited the Massachusetts State House to advocate for the IDD and autism community.

By sharing his voice and lived experience directly with lawmakers, he helped highlight the real-world impact of policies on people with disabilities and their families. Daniel also makes an important contribution by pulling his friends into his work and getting more people involved in advocacy!

During one of his visits, he met with Representative Rob Consalvo and Representative Sean Garballey (pictured) to discuss issues including the state budget, the workforce crisis, and the Blue Envelope bill. We're grateful for his advocacy and passion and we thank him for taking the time to make his voice heard at the State House.

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

01/15/2026

NEW: Governor Maura Healey has announced new changes aimed at relieving the financial and procedural impacts of expired premium tax credits and health insurance prior authorization requirements.

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.

01/12/2026

On Thursday, join The Arc for Part 1 of our budget series: Demystifying the State Budget.

Understand the budget and the process. We'll walk through the timeline, key line items, and show you where advocate intervention makes the biggest difference.

Register: thearcofmass.org/webinars

01/12/2026

"Barbie is launching its first autistic doll in an effort to represent how individuals with autism spectrum disorder experience the world around them, USA TODAY can exclusively reveal."

Barbie's first autistic doll has been developed with sensory-sensitive features in mind. See how.

01/10/2026

"Families of people with disabilities, individuals living independently, and group homes should all consider pet ownership. Not only do pets foster connection through shared interests and commonalities with other animal lovers, but they also help with social, emotional skills and developing empathy and compassion."

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.