The Arc of Massachusetts

07/22/2025

NEW: On July 4, the President enacted a sweeping law that will deliver devastating cuts and fundamental changes to critical programs relied upon by millions of Americans, with particularly adverse consequences for the disability community. The Arc of Massachusetts is here to help make sense of this law, to answer questions, to support our community, and to keep up the advocacy.

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.

07/21/2025

This Thursday, July 24, the State Senate will be voting on two of our priority bills: the blue envelope bill and archaic language bill!

The blue envelope bill aims to facilitate understanding and communication between law enforcement and individuals with autism. It would allow drivers or vehicle passengers who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to voluntarily request a blue envelope that contains important information to assist in the event of a traffic stop. Parents and guardians could also request a blue envelope.

The archaic language bill would replace offensive phrases and words such as “the r-word,” “handicap,” etc. in Massachusetts General Laws with more appropriate language, such as “person with an intellectual or developmental disability.” These derogatory words alienate people with disabilities and are used to insult and discriminate.

We'll have many more thanks to share in the coming days, but for now want to thank sponsors Senator Jo Comerford and Senator Pat Jehlen for their leadership. You can tune into the livestream to watch the vote on Thursday here: https://malegislature.gov/

07/21/2025

THIS WEDNESDAY: March with The Arc at ADA35 Boston!

Over 100 of you have already registered to join us on July 23. There's still time.

March with us in support of disability rights and all the ADA stands for.

Register: thearcofmass.org/ada35

07/19/2025

“The Trump administration is moving forward with sweeping plans to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, a move advocates say will disproportionately affect students with disabilities.”

The Trump administration is moving forward with sweeping plans to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, a move advocates say will disproportionately affect students with disabilities.

07/16/2025

IN ONE WEEK: March with The Arc at ADA35 Boston!

Wednesday, July 23 | 12:00PM
Flag Raising - March and Roll - Rally

Meet us at Boston City Hall Plaza at 11:30AM for a chance to receive a limited edition rally bandana while supplies last!

Join us, because disability rights are worth marching for.

REGISTER: thearcofmass.org/ada35

07/16/2025

This week, our Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Partnerships Nora Bent attended The Arc of the United States' National Conference of Executives (NCE) Summer Leadership Institute. Along with leaders from several chapters of The Arc in Massachusetts, this was a great opportunity to learn from partners and leaders in other states and to come together and share best practices in this very difficult moment.

Nora also presented at the conference alongside colleagues from the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council: Gyasi Burks-Abbott, Jennifer Bertrand, and Kaitlin Stober about the Paul W. Spooner Generational Leadership Summit and the importance of training and supporting the next generation of leaders.

You can learn more about the summit here: https://www.paulspoonergenerationalleadership.org/

07/15/2025

"The nation's pediatricians are getting new guidelines for how to go about evaluating children who present with global developmental delay or intellectual disability."

Learn about The Arc's health equity program Operation House Call: thearcofmass.org/ohc

https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/07/14/pediatricians-get-updated-guidance-on-diagnosing-developmental-disabilities/31535/

The nation's pediatricians are getting new guidelines for how to go about evaluating children who present with global developmental delay or intellectual disability.

07/11/2025

BREAKING (full release via mass.gov): Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) Secretary Kate Walsh Steps Down; Governor Healey Appoints Dr. Kiame Mahaniah as New EOHHS Secretary

“The Arc of Massachusetts extends our profound gratitude to Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. Her visionary leadership for the Commonwealth and for people with disabilities has been deeply appreciated, leaving lasting impact. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with Dr. Kiame Mahaniah as he steps into this vital role. In this time of significant change and pressing challenges, Massachusetts is truly fortunate to have such an experienced and thoughtful leader take the reins.” - CEO Maura Sullivan

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.

07/10/2025

NEW in the Boston Globe: “How does the state, given the current environment at the federal level, prioritize this? How do we move forward? It’s not just about missing school. It’s the mental health issue from isolation, the health issues that can pop up, the family and caregiver burnout.” - Nora Bent, Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Partnerships

The Democrats said it was beyond time for Congress to make good on its 1975 funding pledge.

07/09/2025

Given the unpredictable federal situation, what services are you most worried about you or your family losing access to? We need to hear from you.

Your stories make our advocacy possible.

Take The Arc's Community Check-In Survey: thearcofmass.org/tracker

07/09/2025

In two weeks on July 23 at noon, join us for - because disability rights are worth fighting for..

Join us on City Hall Plaza to march and roll to the Boston Common in honor of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

https://www.boston.gov/calendar/ada-35-boston

07/08/2025

BREAKING: The Senate Blue Envelope bill has moved out of the Transportation Committee and is now before the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

Thanks to the many people who testified and continue to advocate in support of this bill. We will keep pushing to make this bill law this session! Thank you to the Committee and the sponsors for their ongoing support.

You can learn more at thearcofmass.org/bills