Powerful stories from families underlined the need for supports such as employment, early intervention (EI), family support and respite, housing.   Leo Sarkissian provided an overview of key disability budget line items and responded to questions while EI consortium advocate, Mary Ann Mulligan gave the audience an overview of the evolution of EI and its impact.

Legislators heard about the importance of the safety net and most

Rep. James Murphy

were able to stay to share their personal support and that of the South Shore/Metro Brockton delegation.  Attending were Representatives Lou Kafka, Geoff Diehl, Mike Brady, James Murphy, Bruce Ayers, Michele DuBois, Walter Timilty and an aide to Garrett Bradley.   Also attending was Congressman Bill Keating's district director, Michael Jackman.

Providing you with state of the art information, resources, current trends and best practice strategies.  The webinar series will feature a wide variety of topics and practices in the area of intellectual and developmental disabilities- ones below are coming up:

Jan 27, 2015   7:00 pm             Navigating Adult Services               

Christine Shane, Ph. D.,  Chair, Behavioral Sciences, Fitchburg State College and Chair, DDS (Dept. of Developmental Services) Statewide Advisory Council.

Feb 10, 2015   7:00 pm                       Able Act            

John Nadworny, financial planner and Frederick Misilo, attorney. Both presenters have extensive experience in special needs planning and supports. John has served on the Governor's Commission for Intellectual Disabilities and Fred is a former Deputy Commissioner at the DDS.

 Mar 11, 2015   10:30 am   Growing Older: Taking Care of Ourselves and                                              Our Children          

Evelyn Hausslein, M. Ed., professional and personal experience. She was the Founding Director of both the Federation's Early Intervention Training Center and SUPPORTbrokers at The Arc Mass.