|
About Us
| |
The mission of The Arc of Massachusetts is to enhance the lives of individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. We accomplish this through advocacy of supports and services based in the community.
|
Donate to The Arc
|
Your charitable gifts allow The Arc of Massachusetts to continue advocating for crucial supports and services for people with intellectual disabilities. You can support our mission by making a donation here!
|
The Arc Shares its Best Wishes for You in the coming year!
|
|
Emergency webinars via AutismNow.org
Autism Now will present two webinars in regard to emergencies. One of them includes presenters from Massachusetts including Bill Cannatta, coordinator of the ALEC program (First responders training program on autism.) Being Prepared in an Emergency: Fire and Life Safety Tips for People with Autism and their Families: January 3, 2012 from 2:00 to 3:00 PM EST Speakers: Lisa Braxton(National Fire Protection Association) and Bill Cannata Go here for theschedule and registration. An emergency can occur with little or no warning and can be stress inducing. It is important for people with autism and their families to be prepared as much as possible ahead of time for emergencies. In this webinar, our presenters will provide information on fire and life safety tips, safety drills, and building relationships with emergency responders. Space is limited. Hosted by The Arc, Autism Now includes a variety of resources including past (archived) and upcoming webinars.
One recent highlight on the site is:"Navigating College: A Handbook on Self-Advocacy Written for Autistic Students from Autistic Adults."
The book was written by the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network and funded by the Autism Now Center. |
|
|
|
|
Thursday, December 29, 2011
- 2011 Message from Leo Sarkissian
- MassHealth Proposal- Public Feedback Period for Medicare-Medicaid Demonstration Program
- Save The Date: March 7, 2012
- Autism Now Emergency Webinar (side bar)
As always you can contact us with comments or questions at advocate@arcmass.org.
Regards,
-The Staff
|
|
Message from Leo Sarkissian
|
As 2011 comes to an end, there is much to reflect on. I'd like to thank many of you who have supported the activities of The Arc of Massachusetts. Thank you for all you do as donors, activists, colleagues and friends. How to describe 2011 in terms of advancing community opportunities for persons with disabilities? Like our neighbors in this economy, we had to fight against setbacks. We have seen good friends pass away including Lou Nisenbaum, Allen Crocker, Hal Demone among others. But their spirit and the empowerment of change agents and friends can be a source of encouragement. We can be hopeful for 2012 especially if we keep our eyes on the real human needs our friends face and the strategies to support them. We can make this the "year of empowerment" and educate those in our circle about the solve-able challenges we face. The history of disabilities' empowerment and services may reflect bumps in the road but it also reflects great and varied accomplishments. In Massachusetts, The Arc has been proud to play a key role in many of them. Read more to see a slice of Massachusetts stories. |
|
Public Comment Period for MassHealth Plan
|
As you have read our Medicaid program (called MassHealth in our state) is submitting a proposal to the federal government that will affect how disability services are delivered. This proposal is for a group termed "dual eligibles," will combine Medicare and Medicaid to contain costs and improve health care quality through a new demonstration program. MassHealth projects an initial savings of 1.5% to 2% even though rates have yet to be established to provide to the private entities that will manage enrollees' health and disability services. A person with a disability may qualify for Medicare or Medicaid or both insurance programs. MassHealth vision is to accomplish three major outcomes with this program: 1. Provide care coordination for all participants 2. Address spiraling health care costs 3. Expand opportunities for long term supports and services to persons with disabilities Although The Arc disagrees about certain aspects of the MassHealth duals proposal, we appreciate the vision behind the proposal. MassHealth planners have met with stakeholders over the course of developing this proposal. In addition, Secretary Bigby is committed to open communication and collaboration over the course of the demonstration's development. Our differences should not be construed to mean we oppose the entire demonstration. The opportunity for public feedback will end on January 10 at 5p.m. There is a public hearing scheduled on January 4 at the Transportation building in Boston too beginning at 10 a.m. To read more about the proposal and/or take action on The Arc's or other concerns, go to our action center where you can send your public feedback by email. |
| Save The Date: March, 7, 2012 | |
|
Save The Date:
The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council
and The Arc of Massachusetts
34th Annual Legislative Reception
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
|
|
|
The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council and The Arc of Massachusetts will hold their 34th Annual Legislative Reception at the State House in Boston on Wednesday, March 7, 2012. Registration and the program will take place from 10:30 to noon, followed by visits to legislators. Emceed by Brian Leary.
Invited guests will include Governor Deval Patrick, Lt. Governor Timothy Murray, State Senators and Representatives, State Cabinet Secretaries, Commissioners, agency staff, people with disabilities, family members, disability advocates and supporters.
|
|
|
Mark your calendar:
March 7, 2012
Details about the event will be sent in January, 2012
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
