Hello!

This week, Executive Director Leo Sarkissian reflects on the awardees at our 2019 Annual Meeting; two time-sensitive calls-to-action to advocate on behalf of the Workforce Initiative and the FY2020 State Budget; the latest from Operation House Call; and more!
Leo's Letter
Recognizing Leaders in Our Community

Last week, we gathered together at our 2019 Annual Meeting to celebrate the dawn of our 65th year! The Arc depends upon collaboration, but to remain vital, we also recognize those that help us build capacity to be there for you, our constituency. At the event, we recognized five individuals and agencies, all of whom are achievers who go the extra mile.

The picture with this blog shows The Arc US President, Fred Misilo, congratulating Janet Rico (with husband Art) as the recipient of the Joseph Andrade Leadership Award.  Learn about all of our awardees.
Government Affairs
Contact your Legislators: Cosponsor the official bill of The Arc’s Workforce Campaign

On Monday, May 13, Representative Denise Garlick and Senator Barry Finegold filed the final version of HD1130, a bill to combat the workforce shortage crisis facing the Commonwealth, entitled "An act relative to meeting the human services workforce demand."

Please contact your state Representative and Senator today to cosponsor HD1130. We currently have 60 cosponsors (10 Senators, 50 Representatives) for the bill.  The deadline for cosponsors to be added is 5PM on May 20. Learn more and contact your legislators today.
Contact your Senators: Support these FY2020 Budget amendments!

Last week, Chair Michael Rodrigues and the Senate Ways and Means Committee released their budget that aligns significantly with the Governor’s budget proposal. While we are grateful for the support for Turning 22, the increase of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education partnership program with Department of Developmental Services (DESE-DDS program) – with $300,000 above the Governor’s budget, and other critical line items, there are still significant shortfalls for the disability community.

We encourage all to contact their Senators to sign onto to the following four amendments if their member has not already done so by Monday, May 20. Learn more about The Arc's supported amendments and contact your Senators today.
Programs of The Arc
Operation House Call: A new academic year at Tufts University School of Medicine

On May 15, Operation House Call kicked off a new academic year at Tufts University School of Medicine. This session featured a wonderful, first time coteacher – and long time friend of The Arc – Samantha Gibbs.

Samantha asked the students questions regarding their medical experiences, both generally and with individuals with disabilities, including “Are you afraid of treating patients with Down syndrome?” and “What inspires you to be a doctor?” Learn more.
Webinars
Agency Spotlight