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About Us
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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.
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State House Events
Autism Awareness Day is today-April 9, 2012 at 10 am at the Great Hall, State House |
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All Aboard The Arc!
Become a rider or make a pledge toward The Arc's awareness and fundraising event.
Make a difference!You can help The Arc of Massachusetts or a local affiliate.
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Tufts Dental has Openings for Patients | |
Tufts Dental Facility (TDF), which serves individuals with developmental and acquired disabilities, has openings at the Massachusetts Hospital School in Canton. This newly constructed seven chair dental clinic is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and TDF is currently accepting new patients. All qualified individuals are accepted regardless
of their dental insurance situation. TDC is also a Mass Health provider. Call (781) 562-0349 if you would like to schedule an appointment. (Forms must be filled out prior to appointment.) |
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Upcoming Fundraising Events at The Arc | |
The Arc of the South Shore April 14 - Diamond Anniversary - Click here to read more.
The Charles River Center May 15 - Click here to read more. |
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New Cable Show Posted on Youtube | |
The "Disability Effect" hosted by Stephen Benjamin produced its first show last week. Adam Hill, board member at The Arc of Massachusetts joined Leo Sarkissian to kick off the series and included some talk on transition. To see the show please go here.
Steve is the chair of the Bridgewater-Raynham Special Ed PAC. The show will include a variety of topics over the year. |
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Monday, April 9, 2012
- Prevalence of Autism Rises
- This week- House Ways and Means Releases Budget
- Harkin introduces Rebuild America Act- Social Security
- Berkshire Legislative Reception
- Tuft's Dental Facility Accepting New Patients -see side bar
As always you can contact us at advocate@arcmass.org
Regards,
The Staff |
| New CDC Data on Autism Releasd | |
On March 29, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new data on the prevalence of autism showing that one in 88 children has autism or a related disorder, a 23% increase since the last report in 2009 and a 78% increase since the first report in 2007. The Arc spoke out to warn that this could be a "perfect storm," with proposed cuts to Medicaid in Congress threatening services and supports for people with autism.
On the same day, Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) submitted Senate Resolution 413 supporting the designation of April 2012 as National Autism Awareness Month.
A message which you can use with your Federal representative regarding the rise and the importance of Medicaid funding for services is at this link.
This morning, AFAM will host Autism Awareness Day at the State House at 10 a.m.
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House Ways and Means Releases Budget April 11 | |
On Wednesday, April 11, the House Committee on Ways and Means will release its budget document to the full House.
The Arc, ADDDP and other organizations have been working to address service gaps with priorities in Family
 | | Brian Dempsey, Chair, House Ways & Means |
Support, Salary Reserve and Turning 22. In addition to opposing cuts in Family Support and Transportation, we requested funding to address unmet needs.
As noted in an accompanying article, the prevalance in autism has risen. Similarly, students turning 22 annually who are eligible for DDS (Developmental Services) have risen from 440 students in FY'2000 to 730 students in the past two years!
Budget fact sheet here.
Background on line items here. |
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Harkin Introduces Rebuild American Act | |
Senator Harkin (D-IA) introduced S. 2252, the Rebuild America Act of 2012. The bill seeks to improve the employment and economic security of America's middle class. Among its many provisions, the bill proposes to strengthen Social Security through a balanced approach that advances solvency of the Social Security Trust Funds while also addressing cost of living for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income. The bill also proposes to extend the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program through 2015 and to increase the WOTC for workers with disabilities. The Arc supports these two provisions. The bill was referred to the Committee on Finance.
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Berkshires Legislative Breakfast | |
Berkshire County Arc and other Berkshire non-profits hosted the Berkshire Disabilities Legislative Breakfast on April 6. Over 300 people attended and the entire Berkshire Delegation was present along with Commissioner Janet LaBreck of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. Many stories were shared and the delegation proudly wore Caring Force t-shirts that had been presented them. Legislators in attendance included Senator Ben Downing and Representatives Smitty Pignatelli, Paul Mark, Gailanne Cariddi, and Tricia Farley-Bouvier.
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Disability Policy Conference | |
From April 23 through April 25 - six disability organizations will join together for a briefing on federal policy and hill visits in Washington D.C. In Massachusetts, the Institute on Community Inclusion,the Shriver Center (UMass Medical Center), Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council and The Arc of Massachusetts have been coordinating efforts together for several years.
There still is time to take advantage of this opportunity. After two days of intensive training, attendees will visit members of the Congressional delegation. Registration information is here or visit thearc.org.
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