November 5, 2020 | Issue #66
How Do We Reconcile The Deep Divide?
At the time of writing, it's nearly 4pm on the day after the election. The score is 253 to 214, with former Vice President Joe Biden in the lead. How do we reconcile the deep divide in our country as we try to advocate for disability supports and funding?

We live, advocate, and empower in the midst of this divide. We have no choice. Our constituents’ present and future depend on us. Keep reading for more of Leo's reflection.
Give to Support Education, Empowerment, and Equity
COVID-19 dramatically impacted how we live our lives, how we work, and how we interact in the community. At The Arc of Massachusetts, while the pandemic forced us to pivot to respond specifically to the new challenges that families and agencies are facing, it reinforced our mission and bolstered our resolve.

Education, empowerment, equity – all cornerstones of The Arc of Massachusetts – took on even greater urgency and importance.

You can be a part of this critical work by giving to The Arc of Massachusetts Annual Fund. Make a gift today and let people with I/DD and autism know that you care about education, empowerment, and equity!
Featured
Thank you, Agency Sponsors!
The Arc of Massachusetts Agency Sponsorship Program is crucial to our work and continued success. By being a sponsor, agencies and schools that provide services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism are making advocacy and The Arc’s programs possible. The Arc of Massachusetts thanks the following members of the Agency Sponsorship Program for recently renewing their support!

CHAMPION
PATRON
FY21 State Budget
We ask for your help at this pivotal time for the disability community. Please take a few minutes to reach out to your legislators using The Arc’s template below. Governor Baker recently submitted his revised FY21 budget. We must act now to advocate for the critical needs of our community and to ensure appropriate funding considering the pandemic’s devastating impact. Act now.
Operation House Call and Healthcare
Operation House Call (OHC) is pleased to announce a pilot program with Harvard Medical School (HMS). Our course began on October 28 with a small group of HMS students participating in a virtual lecture.

Parent instructors Maura Sullivan and Una Basak shared the learning objectives of OHC by highlighting them with personal family stories. Continue reading.
On November 9, a summit on improving healthcare transition for people with I/DD and other neurodevelopmental conditions (NDD) in Massachusetts will take place. The summit is open to providers, payers, and families. The Arc has participated in the summit's planning, and Maura Sullivan, Director of Government Affairs and Operation House Call, will be participating. You can learn more about it and register here.
Webinars
Monday, November 9 @ 12:00PM
On Monday at noon, Leo will be welcoming Fred Misilo, Chair, Trust and Estate Department of Fletcher Tilton and Past President of The Arc US. They will discuss the presidential election and The Arc's accomplishments over the past two years.
Thursday, November 12 @ 11:00AM
Maura Sullivan will be joined by Russell Johnston, Senior Associate Commissioner and State Director of Special Education at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. They will provide an update related to Special Education within the Commonwealth.
Wednesday, November 18 @ 2:00PM
Donna M. White RN, PhD, CNS, LADC I, PRN Associates, will be presenting a session on Caring for Yourself When Everyday is Stressful: How Do You Stay Resilient? Donna’s award-winning background includes speaking to organizations and caregiver groups across the country on Caregiver Burnout and Resilience. This session is limited to 100 attendees and will not be recorded.
Sponsor Spotlight


The work of The Arc of Massachusetts is made possible by generous donations from people like you, friend. None of our advocacy, education, and outreach would be possible without your continued support. Please consider giving today.