The Arc of Massachusetts

@thearcofmass.org

340 Followers 258 Following

Enhancing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through advocacy of community supports and services. #AchieveWithUs https://linktr.ee/thearcofmass

On top of the Trump Administration’s reckless dismantling of the Department of Education, the Department of Justice has issued a legal memo that attacks the core right of disabled people to live independently in their communities. It claims that long-standing federal laws (the ADA and Section 504) never actually guaranteed disabled people the right to receive services in the community instead of institutions. It tries to hollow out Olmstead v. L.C. – the landmark Supreme Court ruling securing community living rights – just days before its 27th anniversary. It declares decades of federal disability regulations “unlawful,” signaling that the government plans to roll them back. This gives states a green light to defund community services and push people with severe mental illness or disabilities back into institutions. This memo changes how the federal government enforces the law – meaning the DOJ will stop fighting for integration. However, the ADA itself has not changed and federal courts are still bound by Supreme Court precedent. We know that our leaders in Massachusetts will stand with us. For nearly 75 years, The Arc has fought against the isolation and institutionalization of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We fought for the ADA, we fought for Olmstead, and we will fight to protect them today.
Today, the Trump administration dismantled the foundations of educational equity. By stripping the Department of Education of its authority over the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and the Office for Civil Rights, they have gutted the critical oversight that protects students with disabilities. This is not a reorganization; it is an abandonment of the laws and expertise designed to ensure every child has access to an equal education. The Arc will continue to work with our national partners to fight for the educational rights of students with disabilities. Here in Massachusetts, we must strengthen special education services and compliance with Individualized Education Plans as we navigate changes to the systems of oversight and appeal.
Flyer for Responding to Adults with Autism: A Mobile Crisis Training Symposium
ACT NOW 📣 Ask your State Senator to cosponsor The Arc of Massachusetts’ FY27 Senate budget amendments supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism. As the Senate debates the state budget, advocacy is more important than ever — especially amid looming federal funding cuts. These amendments help protect critical services and strengthen support for our community. Your voice makes a difference. Contact your Senator today and urge them to support The Arc’s amendment priorities. Questions? Contact nbent@arcmass.org
TAKE ACTION Ask Your Senator to Cosponsor The Arc's FY27 Senate Budget Amendments Amendment #710: DESE/DDS Residential Placement Prevention Program (Filed by Sen. Kennedy) Amendment #816: Operation House Call (Filed by Sen. Lewis) Amendment #442: Workforce Training Funds for Complex, Challenging Behaviors (Filed by Sen. Keenan) Amendment #499: Adult Foster Care (Filed by Sen. Jehlen) There are also two policy amendments that we are supporting: Amendment #504: Tommy’s Bill (filed by Sen. O’Connor) Amendment #646: Alternative and Augmentative Communication Professional Development (filed by Sen. O’Connor) thearcofmass.org/action
Wow! In less than 24 hours, over 550 of you have taken action to support Amendment #6 to the PROTECT Act. Let's keep it up! Contact your Senator and spread the word.
Four photos of self-advocates with disabilities, parents, and medical students with HAPPY TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY! across the middle
Today, the House Ways and Means Committee unveiled its FY27 budget proposal, following the Governor's version which was released in January. Our team is currently conducting a thorough analysis of the proposal to determine the impact on our community. Our initial assessment is that while the proposal includes vital investments, gaps remain that will demand powerful advocacy. As the House prepares for debate, your voice will be critical. Stand by for our full briefing and amendment priorities - we are ready for the work ahead. Make sure you are signed up for our action alerts to stay engaged with upcoming advocacy opportunities! thearcofmass.org/action
ICYMI: CEO Maura Sullivan's new editorial for MassLive discusses how HBO Max's #ThePitt shines a light on "how far our actual medical system is from the 'gold standard' portrayed on screen" when it comes to care and accommodations for people with autism. Read more from Maura on advancing healthcare standards, Supported Decision-Making, and more: https://www.masslive.com/opinion/2026/04/what-the-pitt-gets-right-and-where-massachusetts-health-care-falls-short-maura-sullivan.html
ACT NOW: Please take action and reach out to your Representative about two critical bills! The Nicky's Law Expansion bill and the Blue Envelope bill have both passed the Senate and are currently in the House Ways and Means Committee. We need to keep up the momentum and get these bills to the floor of the House for a vote! Both bills are common sense, cost-effective, and ready to go. Use this action alert to contact your Representative today. https://thearcofmass.quorum.us/campaign/159833/
dozens of disability advocates gather in a conference room, sitting around a board style table. Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) stands at the head of the room.
dozens of disability rights advocates pose for a photo in a hotel ballroom. some are seated, some are standing. a blue curtain behind them. they are all representing Massachusetts at the 2026 Disability Policy Seminar.
a crowd of hundreds of disability rights advocates seated at tables in a hotel ballroom, listening to remarks from video screens at the front of the room
a crowd of hundreds of disability rights advocates seated at tables in a hotel ballroom, listening to remarks from video screens at the front of the room
two women stand in front of a step-and-repeat poster that is orange and yellow and reads Disability Rights Are Human Rights in an all-over repeat pattern
Yesterday’s court decision temporarily allowing Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians to continue provides critical relief to thousands of families in Massachusetts and prevents a catastrophic hit to the disability workforce, which already faces serious challenges. Haitian TPS holders make up a significant portion of the direct support professional (DSP) workforce that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism rely on every day to live safely in their homes and communities. Preventing the sudden loss of these workers helps avert immediate disruptions in services, program closures, and harm to individuals who depend on this care.