June 8, 2017




John F. Kennedy would have been 100 years old this year. Our 35th President casts a long shadow for baby boomers like me. His administration is known as "Camelot" for the positive impact it had upon our country.  He was the first President who initiated legislative disability policy through bills to "Combat Mental Health", "Combat Intellectual Disability" and further "Maternal and Child Health." 
 
Two of the bills were signed in 1963, the year of his assassination.  But what a legacy he left us, one that was furthered by his younger brother Ted.  Policy is built in steps over time and progress depends upon community acceptance and recognition. On the federal level, we then saw the passage of bills on employment, education, and Social Security expansion. But the broadening of the Medicaid program's reimbursement to states in the early 1970s has fueled much of the community progress over the past two decades. Since the 1980s it has allowed for community supports and services to be subsidized.   
 
The forward movement of policy has included Republican stalwarts like John Chafee, Bob Dole, Jim Jeffords, and Bob Packwood who joined with counterparts Tom Harkins, Max Cleland, Tony Coehlo, and others to advance progressive disability policies.  All of these leaders however needed us- their constituents, citizens and advocacy groups to succeed. Success required persistence and loud voices. 
 
During the JFK Centennial, it's good to step back and see how far we have come as a country and as a state to support people in their communities.  We can't forget that it took leadership and advocacy as we face an uncertain future. Let's ensure a legacy that is certain for the years to come!
 
At bill signing as JFK passes pen to his sister, Eunice Shriver, John Fettinger, Don Guild and Dr. Gunnar Dybwad from The Arc watch on.
      
Sincerely,
Leo V. Sarkissian
Executive Director    
GIVINGgiving
"Great Joy"
We are always delighted when supporters of The Arc include notes along with their gifts. Recently, one such donor wrote:
 
"I am so pleased to be able to support the Home for the Future Campaign. The Arc has done so much to help people with disabilities, including my son and our family, that it gives me great joy to give back. Good luck with the rest of the campaign!"
 
You can share in the joy, too. The Arc of Massachusetts has just a few more weeks to reach our goal of raising $200,000 to receive an additional $100,000 gift for the new headquarters building. Every gift we receive between now and end of June will count.
 
You still have time to make a difference! Give today and make sure we meet the challenge. Please visit arcmass.org/campaign to learn more about the building and the campaign. You can also contact Katrin Aback, Director of Development at [email protected] or 781-891-6270 x105 to discuss giving and naming opportunities.
WEBINARSwebinar
               
This webinar will focus on the use of Person Centered Planning in creating seamless transitions to adult services for students ages 14-22. Participants will look back at the historical perspectives of student planning, learn why a person centered approach makes sense and view methods of person centered planning. This workshop will provide examples of student outcomes and highlight best practices.
 
 
Presented By:
 
 
Pat Pakos, MS
Kerry Mahoney, The Arc of MA
  Financial assistance is available. Contact Kerry  [email protected] 
Did you miss a webinar ?

 It is not too late! You can view the recorded webinar using The Arc's on demand feature.  To view click here and select "view session recordings."
WHAT'S TRENDINGwhatstrending
Learning about Self Directed Support Options
Statewide Information Forums for individuals and families in collaboration with the Department of Developmental Services
 
The Arc of Opportunity- June 15, 2017 from 6:00 to 8:00PM
161 Boulder Drive, Fitchburg
Contact Peter VanVoorhis at 978-343-6662 for more information
 
Greater Plymouth Arc-  June 15, 2017 from 6:00 to 8:00PM
52 Armstrong Road, Plymouth
Contact Cari Robbins to register or for more information at 508-732-9292 ext 124
 
EMArc, June 19, 2017 from 6:30 to 8:30PM
Lucius Beebe Memorial Library, Lower Level, 345 Main Street, Wakefield from 6:30 to 8:30PM
Contact Judy Santa Maria to register or for more information at 781-587-2314
 
Charles River Center and South Norfolk Arc, June 20, 2017 from 6:00 to 8:00PM
Charles River Center, 59 East Militia Heights Drive, Needham
For more information call Ellen Kilicarslan at 781-972-1048 or Dan Sullivan at 781-762-4001.
Self-Directed Services: Taking Control of Your Future



Facilitated by: Betsy Eaton-Irwin, Metro Region 
Self Directed Supports Manager 
 
Parent Guest Speakers: Rich Robison and Karla Murphy  
 
Individuals and families formulate a vision and realize that vision by customizing their own individualized supports. This presentation will provide an overview of Self-Directed services as well as traditional service options.  Stories and experiences illustrating the Self-Directed approach will be shared by Rich Robison, whose son participates in Agency with Choice services through the Charles River Center of Needham, and Karla Murphy, whose son is enrolled in the Participant-Directed Program. Betsy Irwin, DDS Metro Region Self-Directed Supports Manager will also present information and answer questions. Please come and hear about the innovative ways in which people have taken control of their services and determined the direction of their own lives. 
 
For more information about the presentation call Ellen Kilicarslan at 781-972-1048 or Dan Sullivan at 781-762-4001.
 
June 20 at 6:00 pm
Charles River Center
59 East Militia Heights Drive | Needham   
27th Annual Legislative Breakfast
Presented by The Arc- Center of Hope Foundation, Inc., The Central Mass Providers, and The South Valley Citizens Advisory Board 

Commissioner Elin Howe and Justin Bernard, a member of The Arc's Steering Committee on Policy and Advocacy and Center of Hope

Honoring DDS Commissioner Elin Howe

Tuesday, June 13, 2017
8:30 am Registration with complimentary continental breakfast
9:00 am Program 

College of the Holy Cross, Worcester | Hogan Campus Center
 
RSVP to Pauline at 508-764-4085 or [email protected]

Transition Guides Are Available!
A new 2017  "Transition Guide to Postsecondary Education and Employment for Students and Youth with Disabilities"  was recently published by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (50 pages). The guide addresses transition planning, services and requirements, as authorized by IDEA and the Rehabilitation Act; education and employment options for students after high school; and supported decision-making.
Transition and Health Care Planning from the 
Pacer Center
Learn more about Health Transition Planning and the Individualized Education Program:  http://www.pacer.org/transition/learning-center/health/planning-and-iep.asp

Outside the Box College Accommodations-
 UMASS Medical Center
Most schools are used to providing typical accommodations such as: note takers, extra time for assignments, and assistive technology for students of many different disabilities. Yet, the challenges of having a mental health condition are unique. This tip sheet will help you to think "outside-the-box"...
http://bit.ly/2r5UWQV
 

CALENDARcalendar
Self-Direction Informational Forum

Tuesday, June 20, 2017 | 6-8 PM
Charles River Center
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHTsponsorspotlight



The Arc of Massachusetts | 781-891-6270 |   arcmass.org
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