Are you the parent or primary caregiver of someone living with any of the following conditions? Or have you ever been identified with any of the following: Learning disability, Physical disability, Autism spectrum, Pervasive developmental disorder or Asperger syndrome, Intellectual disability, and social, emotional, or behavioral challenges?

 In this Issue

Two weeks ago, the Senate finished its version of the 2014 fiscal year budget, thus the House and Senate will meet this month in conference committee to reconcile differences to send a final budget to the Governor. Both the Senate and House versions of the budget reflect positive developments for our constituents. You can see the update we sent out here.

You now have an opportunity to contact your senator and representative to advocate for our budget priorities, with the Senate and House Ways and Means budget committee conferees. In the coming days, please directly appeal to your senator and representative to request that they raise our priorities in writing to the budget conference committee members who will finalize the Fiscal Year 2014 budget. Please act now by email by going here. 

What is the Massachusetts One Care Demonstration?

It is the new name of the Medicare Medicaid or Duals Demonstration project. This is an update on that project. Read the entire update here.

As July approaches, MassHealth will begin a public awareness effort on One Care. Massachusetts citizens with disabilities (ages 21-64 years) who have both Medicare and Medicaid will have some decisions to face if they decide to proceed voluntarily with the program. Enrollment in the program will begin on October 1, 2013.  

One more health plan has dropped out of being an Integrated Care Organization in the program. This leaves one ICO in Berkshire County unless other changes take place.

Read our full update here under "Health Policy Updates" where you can also connect to an updated power point on One Care.

Massachusetts department of conservation and recreation is hosting Accessible Recreation Fair, Saturday, June 8th 10AM-3PM AT ARTESANI PARK IN BRIGHTON. This will be a fun filled day for individuals, families and friends of people with disabilities. Activities will include a cycling fair with an assortment of accessible cycles available for use; adaptive recreational activities, including hiking, letterboxing, face painting, interpretive programs; a D.J.;  Go here for more information.

The Arc and numerous advocacy organizations have launched a new campaign called "Stop Hurting Kids"

 with the goal of getting federal legislation passed to ensure that all students are safe in school. The campaign includes a website where people can sign up for email alerts and action items. The website has a link to a video that features first-person accounts from children and families of the physical and emotional harm suffered after being restrained and secluded in school. There is information on the website about H.R. 1893, Keeping all Students Safe Act. And finally, there are tips about how to use social media to support the campaign to keep all students safe in school.