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This week, Executive Director Leo Sarkissian reflects on what independence and self-advocacy mean for individuals with disabilities in honor of the 4th of July; the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of Massachusetts awards Operation House Call with a major grant; an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people with I/DD; and more!
Leo's Letter
Making All Voices Heard This Independence Day

Next week, we’ll be celebrating Independence Day for people with disabilities. Some years ago, Dr. Adolf Ratzka, a German academic who became disabled after contracting polio, shared the thesis “that differences in the attitudinal and material conditions determine disabled peoples’ life opportunities, how dependent or independent we can become.” We know that this is true even if no human being is totally independent of others.

Featured
Friend, You Can Be the Difference

Sunday, June 30 is an important day for The Arc of Massachusetts: it is the end of our 2018-19 fiscal year. This year is particularly significant as we prepare for the new year and start off on a strong footing.

You can make a big difference today by making a gift to The Arc of Massachusetts. Only with your commitment and generosity will people with intellectual and developmental disabilities get the services and supports that they need and deserve.

Help us remain at the forefront of the struggle to build better lives for all members of the community. Your dedication makes all the difference. Please consider making a gift today to the annual fund. 

Can people with disabilities count on you?
Operation House Call
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation awards $25,000 grant to Operation House Call

“We are very grateful to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation for this grant to partially fund OHC and excited to have their support for this important work,” said Maura Sullivan, the program’s director. “This grant will have a big impact on our ability to offer the experience to more students and to recruit additional host families.”

Maura Sullivan discusses Operation House Call on LOMAH podcast

Maura shares the impact Operation House Call is having on medical students and nurses who are educated via the curriculum's five components, in addition to information on pending legislation that could have a very positive impact on the medical care the disability community is receiving. She also provides a few tips and tricks to make your next medical visit run smoothly.

2019 Transition Conference
Sponsorship opportunities now available for the 2019 Transition Conference

This conference is expected to draw over 300 attendees, including family members and professionals, and will provide resources for transition aged youth ranging in age from 12 to 26. Sponsorships start at $650, and include benefits such as social media and print media acknowledgments; color ads in the program book; exhibitor tables at the event; presentation opportunities; and much more.

Government Affairs
The Arc testifies in support of Supported Decision Making bill

On Tuesday, June 25, The Arc testified in support of H172/S64, "An Act relative to supported decision-making agreements for certain adults with disabilities." Members of the community from Nonotuck Resource Associates and the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council shared testimony, along with The Arc's Maura Sullivan, and her son, Tyler, and various other family members and professionals.

Agency Spotlight