The Arc of Massachusetts

10/28/2025

Today, our Government Affairs team joined hundreds of advocates, organized by the Massachusetts Make Hunger History Coalition at the State House to share stories, experiences, and perspectives on the detrimental effects of the looming cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

In Massachusetts, more than 1 million people, including individuals with disabilities, children, and the elderly, rely on SNAP and could go hungry without these benefits.

We were encouraged by Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell’s announcement that she and 22 other state Attorneys General have filed a federal lawsuit arguing that suspension of SNAP benefits is unlawful.

Please take action today to protect SNAP across the country: https://action.thearc.org/Uw7hIhY

10/28/2025

Join with The Arc of Massachusetts in giving back to the community through The Arc's Food Drive.

Bring nonperishable foods (eg., canned foods, pasta, rice - anything shelf-stable) to The Arc's Waltham office Monday through Friday from 9:00AM - 2:00PM.

10/28/2025

Food is not optional. It is dignity, stability, and survival.

No one should go hungry. Congress must act now to prevent millions from going hungry if SNAP Benefits run out.

Take action to protect SNAP: https://action.thearc.org/Uw7hIhY

10/27/2025

SNAP Benefits are set to expire on November 1. 1 million people in Massachusetts rely on SNAP - including 300,000 people with disabilities.

Join The Arc of Massachusetts in our food drive to help those who need it most. Bring nonperishable, shelf stable food to our Waltham office. Let’s make a difference as a community, for our community and beyond. Maura Sullivan

📍The Arc of Massachusetts - 217 South Street, Waltham, MA 02453

10/27/2025

The Massachusetts Senate has passed legislation that has been a priority for The Arc since we helped pass the special commission on the history of state institutions. We are grateful to Alex Green for his determination in spearheading this effort. Here is CEO Maura Sullivan's statement for the Senate's press release:

"The Arc extends its profound gratitude to Senate President Karen Spilka and Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues for their leadership in gaining passage of this amendment that will restore dignity to former patients and their families and shine a light of transparency on the history of state institutions. We also wish to recognize Senator Michael Barrett for his steadfast support of the disability community. The Arc helped lead the effort to create the Special Commission on the History of State Institutions and this amendment enacts a key recommendation of that commission. Thank you to our champions in the Senate for addressing a painful chapter in our history by providing closure and public accountability."

https://malegislature.gov/PressRoom/Detail?pressReleaseId=270

10/25/2025

On Wednesday, October 22, The Arc of Massachusetts hosted an event to celebrate the incredible growth of our program Operation House Call over the last 15 years.

From expanding to all major medical, nursing, and allied health schools in Massachusetts; to growing our family network to include hundreds of families with all ranges of disabilities and lived experiences; to being signed into law after years of dedicated advocacy; to receiving recognition on a national scale, Operation House Call has been changing the landscape of healthcare for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism - and there is so much more to come!

Thank you to all who joined us, and to all who make the work of this powerful and impactful program possible each and every day. Maura Sullivan

10/24/2025

You're Invited! Join The Arc of Massachusetts and Vinfen's Gateway Arts on October 29 from 5:00 - 7:00PM for an Open House for the Disability Community. Join us in celebrating arts and creativity as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

Visitors will have a chance to see Giant, Gateway Arts' exhibition featuring large-scale painting, drawing, and sculpture by Gateway artists, accompany artists on tours of the new studios, and discover the eclectic offerings in the new Gateway Arts Store. The event celebrates the role of art and creative expression as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

"Gateway Arts is proud to partner with The Arc of Massachusetts to welcome friends old and new," says Greg Liakos, Gateway Arts Director. "The Arc is a true champion for our artists, for disability rights and economic justice. Together we will share how art works to create opportunity and nurture careers for nearly 100 skilled professionals from across Greater Boston."

Vinfen's Gateway Arts is located at 15 Station Street, Brookline, MA 02445, across from the Brookline Village MBTA Green Line Station. Email Nick Kane at kanen@vinfen.org with access questions or requests for accommodations.

10/23/2025

Meet Margot Drewett, a passionate self-advocate working to protect disability services. Margot has met with Senator Robyn Kennedy to discuss key issues, using her lived experiences and storytelling skills. Her willingness to advocate for herself and others is crucial to our success at The Arc of Massachusetts.

Thank you, Margot, for showing how advocacy can make a lasting impact on the disability community!

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

10/23/2025

We are proud to stand with 800+ national, state, local, civil rights, education, and disability advocacy organizations in condemning the mass layoffs at the Department of Education (ED) — jeopardizing decades of progress in protecting students with disabilities.

We urge the Administration and Congress to protect children and immediately restore staffing and support at ED. It's a moral and legal obligation for our nation's children.

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.

10/21/2025

TOMORROW: Creating a Home will build on the previous session by exploring alternative housing models, access to services and technology that support independent living, person-centered planning for housing that meets your needs, circles of support, and other key areas. Led by Catherine Boyle, president of Autism Housing Pathways and former commissioner of the Wi******er Housing Authority, this session will focus on what it takes to create a supportive, living environment that truly is a home.

Can't attend live? Register and a recording will be shared via email in the coming days.

Register: thearcofmass.org/webinars

10/20/2025

We are excited to share that four of our priority bills were recently reported out of the Senate Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities: Universal Changing Tables, Supported Decision-Making (SDM), Healthcare Standards, and Tommy's Law.

Each bill is representative of collaboration and advocacy efforts to ensure that individuals with autism and IDD, their families, and their caregivers have access to dignity, inclusion, and the support that they deserve.

Thank you to the Chair and Committee for their continued support of these bills. And, as always, thank you to our incredible advocates for their tireless work.

As these bills continue to move through the legislative process, please remain engaged and continue to advocate. Your voice matters and we need your help to keep the momentum going.

You can learn more about the bills at thearcofmass.org/bills.

10/20/2025

Happy Diwali from The Arc of Massachusetts! May the festival of lights bring you peace and prosperity.