June 22, 2017



Bringing us Together
 
That's what comes to my mind when I think of Joe Andrade. He led on policy and giving, while building bridges with agencies and serving as The Arc of Massachusetts's pro bono financial officer for nearly two decades. Joseph passed away on Saturday at the age of 98. His son Jim wrote, "he lived a good, long life and had no regrets."
 
Survived by his two sons, James and Paul, and three grandsons, Joe has played a significant role in The Arc's history. A financial officer for a Fortune 500 Company, he connected with The Arc of Massachusetts via Minute Man Arc. Past President Ray Nickerson recruited him. Joe and Ray even co-signed the mortgage on the first Minute Man residence. Joe's wife Irene died in 1982 and his daughter Lisa in 1994.
 
Then President Mary Ellen Mayo recognizing Joe Andrade at our Annual Meeting.
I was lucky and blessed that Joe Andrade was an anchor here, when I arrived at my job in late 1991. He oversaw our finances and shared policy history. He set a tone that was reflected on the governing board and among staff. It's a spirit that remains with us today as other volunteers lead effectively in a selfless manner. 
 
Joe's leadership and counsel was exceptional at a time when The Arc needed it most.   
       
Sincerely,
Leo V. Sarkissian
Executive Director    
GIVINGgiving
Time is Running Out!
In recent weeks, The Arc of Massachusetts has been working on meeting a BIG challenge.
 
Three supporters challenged us to raise $200,000 for the Home for the Future Capital Campaign . If we do, they will make a gift of $100,000! We are happy to report we are almost there with nearly $1.5 million raised toward our overall goal of $1.6 million.
  But time is running out!
 
All gifts and pledges received by next Friday, June 30 will count. By making a gift now, you increase the impact of your contribution by 50%!

This is a one-time only opportunity! We need your help to make this gift of $100,000 a reality. 

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRSgovernmentaffairs
Final Steps in the FY'18 Budget Process
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
The House/Senate Conference Committee is attempting to reconcile the differences between their separate budget versions for the FY'18 (July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018) State Budget. The six members of the Conference Committee include Senators Karen Spilka (Ashland), Sal DiDomenico (Everett), Vinny deMacedo (Plymouth), and Representatives Brian Dempsey (Haverhill), Stephen Kulik (Worthington), Todd Smola (Warren). When negotiations are complete, the budget will be returned to each branch for a final vote before sending it to Governor Baker for his signature.
 
The Governor has ten days after receiving the budget to sign it. He may veto some items which the legislature can override at any time.  We would like to thank The Arc chapters, agency sponsors, and The Arc's Government Affairs Committee for advocating with their respective Senators and Representatives.
 
Two major fiscal realities are affecting negotiations: state tax revenues have fallen below expected benchmarks and the possible reduction of Medicaid revenue due to the proposed American Health Care Act. A vote on the Senate version is expected next week. The Arc has advocated strongly that the committee maintain various DDS line items and include adequate payment rates for the adult foster care (AFC) program. Stay tuned.
MassHealth's PCA Program is Going Paperless!
In compliance with the 21 st Century Cures Act, MassHealth's PCA program is beginning to plan for a paperless, electronic visit verification system. The goal is to stream line the administrative process, strengthen the integrity of the program and enhance consumer control, and self-direction. Implementation officially begins in January 2018, but smaller focus groups and pilots will begin sooner.
 
A comprehensive question and answer fact sheet is available here.
 
MassHealth wants your feedback and is hosting listening sessions around the state to share information about the MyTimesheet program. See the schedule here or contact Maura Sullivan at [email protected] for more information.
 
If you would like to send input to MassHealth directly by email, please write to [email protected] .
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
Part-Time Positions Available
The Arc of Massachusetts is currently seeking two coordinators to develop the Advocacy Alliance. The Alliance will work with chapters and others to strengthen advocacy and awareness on the regional level by coaching staff, family members and self-advocates on policy, legislative issues, and systems change. The coordinators will help local groups function effectively, assist with social media, outreach to build local capacity and provide training.  Qualifications include experience with legislators, strong interpersonal skills, among other things. Positions begin in September on a 36-week basis for $25/hr. Learn more here. Please send a cover letter and resume no later than July 15 to [email protected]. Only email applications will be accepted.
Family Leadership Training Opportunity
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is looking for family members of individuals with special health care needs to take part in a five-part Family Leadership Training. Accepted participants will learn about:  
  • Making change through a hands-on community action project with support from a mentor
  • Personal leadership style and how to use it to make a difference
  • Concrete skills such as effective communication, team building and conflict negotiation
All meals, overnight accommodations at the Royal Plaza Best Western Hotel in Marlboro, as well as a stipend will be provided to accepted participants. 
 
For more information and to receive and application, contact: [email protected] . Deadline to apply is August 1, 2017.
 
 
Changes to HCBS Rule
On May 9, 2017, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid released a guidance on the Home and Community Based Settings Rule (HCBS). CMS extended the timeline for the settings to come into compliance with the HCBS rule. This new guidance does NOT change the time frame that states must have their transition plans approved, that remains March 2019. The extension to March 2022 is only for settings that existed in March 2014 to come into compliance with the rule. For more information visit: 
CALENDARcalendar
Screening of "The Wounds We Cannot See"
Presented by Disability Policy Consortium 

Thursday, June 29, 2017
Boston NonProfit Center
89 South Street | Boston
6:00 - 9:00 PM

Please note the movie is captioned and ASL interpreters have been requested for the question and answer session.
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHTsponsorspotlight



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