The Arc of Massachusetts

03/18/2026

ACT FAST: We have 26 tickets available at a special price of $126. Come celebrate the 2026 Gala and our Partners in Progress!

Deal ends Friday, March 20 at 11:59PM. No refunds available. Offer cannot be retroactively applied to tickets already purchased.

Use code FLASHSALE26 when buying an Individual Ticket to unlock this deal!

https://secure.qgiv.com/event/progressandpossibility/

03/17/2026

Today, on , The Arc of Massachusetts and AFAM were excited to be at the State House alongside staff and self-advocates from Nashoba Learning Group and The Guild for Human Services.

Together, we connected with legislators and delivered candy and invitations to our upcoming Autism Advocacy Day this April. We're grateful for these voices and partnerships and we look forward to continuing this important work together!

Thank you to Representative Sean Garballey's office for taking the time to speak with this group about advocacy, and thank you to BORO SugarShack and the students who packed candy bags for legislators!

Please join us on April 8th for our 21st Autism Advocacy Day. Register here: thearcofmass.org/autismday

03/17/2026

The Arc of Massachusetts today announced the appointment of Audrey Falk as the organization's first chief operating officer. In this role, Falk will oversee the organization's operational priorities and strengthen relationships with the statewide network of The Arc's chapters.

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.

03/15/2026

Right now, Congress is considering several bills that could change how people register and vote.

These decisions will affect millions of eligible voters with disabilities.

Congress should make sure voting laws protect access for people with disabilities, not limit them.

ACT NOW to tell Congress to protect voting rights for people with disabilities: https://act.thearc.org/campaign/158054/

03/14/2026

Operation House Call recently wrapped up the academic year at Boston University School of Medicine. We are so grateful that OHC is a foundational piece of medical students' learning there, incorporated during their third-year pediatric rotation. Boston University is the original home of OHC. This year, we taught over 150 students in the classroom and over 40 host families continued their learning in home visits.

Meanwhile, 27 first-year medical students at UMass Chan Medical School had their OHC class earlier this month and will head into the community to meet with their home visit hosts soon. Our unique curriculum is driven by the power of learning directly from families and individuals. OHC will have a lasting impact on these students and their future clinical practice.

03/14/2026

This webinar will clarify why transition planning with your child's school is essential, what areas – education, employment, and independent living – should be addressed and when, and what it looks like in the IEP form.

You'll learn how to keep your student's vision, strengths, and needs at the center of the IEP process while understanding the roles students and families play in advocating for effective services and supports.

Register: thearcofmass.org/webinars

03/13/2026

Join The Arc and AFAM for a webinar designed to help you feel confident and prepared for Autism Advocacy Day.

We'll review this year's key legislative priorities impacting the autism community, walk through what to expect, and share practical tips for meeting with your legislators and telling your story. Whether you're new to advocacy or a seasoned advocate, this webinar will help you make the most of Autism Advocacy Day on April 8.

Register: thearcofmass.org/webinars

03/13/2026

This webinar will explore how assistive technology (AT) can support people in reaching their personal goals through self-direction.

Participants will learn how AT can increase independence, support daily decision-making, and how to request an evaluation and use self-direction funding to obtain recommended tools. Real-life examples will show how AT helps individuals gain more choice, control, and independence in their everyday lives.

Register: ma21alliance.org

03/12/2026

𝟰𝟴𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀: 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿

Did you miss the Legislative Reception? Want to rewatch any of the most inspiring moments? The full replay of the event is now available to watch on demand.

View event recap, photos, and more at thearcofmass.org/legrec

03/12/2026

On Wednesday, March 11, the Brockton area Citizen Advisory Board (CAB) held their annual legislative breakfast at Bridgewater State University. Over 200 families professionals and lawmakers filled the room.

The Arc's CEO Maura Sullivan was the keynote speaker for the event, focusing on the workforce shortage and the current state and federal impacts on our community. Maura spoke directly to caregivers in the audience, acknowledging their steady strength and their need for hope and for help.

Maura also addressed the lawmakers in the room, asking them to recognize the “perfect storm” happening for people with autism and IDD and to prioritize the workforce rates in the budget and to protect home and community base services through MassHealth and DDS.

Our community is resilient, but people with disabilities in the Commonwealth deserve policies that reflect their value in society - even in times of tightening budgets!

Pictured (L-R): DDS Brockton Area Director Justin Howes; The Arc CEO Maura Sullivan; parent Karen Claudio; Representative Rita Mendes; Representative Dennis Gallagher; and DDS Commissioner Sarah Peterson.

03/11/2026

03/11/2026

For the second year in a row, a record turnout of over 600 advocates gathered at the Massachusetts State House on Tuesday, March 10 to celebrate the 48th Annual Legislative Reception, filling both the Great Hall and the additional overflow space in the Grand Staircase.

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.