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The Arc of Massachusetts

@thearcofmass.org
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Enhancing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through advocacy of community supports and services. #AchieveWithUs linktr.ee/thearcofmass

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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 04/08/2026
- Tuesday, September 15, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM - Tuesday, September 15, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Register for these sessions at thearcofmass.org/webinars
thearcofmass.org
The Arc of Massachusetts Webinars - The Arc of Massachusetts
Through advocacy, programs that promote inclusion, and engaging the community, The Arc creates tangible changes in the community and in the lives of people with disabilities.
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 04/08/2026
a virtual Town Hall specifically for families. This session is an opportunity for you to share your feedback, voice your concerns, and ask questions directly to DDS leadership. Your input is vital to this process. To reach a wide audience, we are hosting two identical Zoom sessions:
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 04/08/2026
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is currently developing policies regarding the use of cameras in group homes. To ensure these policies reflect the needs and perspectives of those they affect most, DDS and The Arc of Massachusetts are collaborating to host
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is currently developing policies regarding the use of cameras in group homes. To ensure these policies reflect the needs and perspectives of those they affect most, DDS and The Arc of Massachusetts are collaborating to host a virtual Town Hall specifically for families.
This session is an opportunity for you to share your feedback, voice your concerns, and ask questions directly to DDS leadership. Your input is vital to this process.
To reach a wide audience, we are hosting two identical Zoom sessions:
- Tuesday, September 15, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
- Tuesday, September 15, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Register for these sessions at https://thearcofmass.org/webinars
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 01/08/2026
TWO WEEKS LEFT: Early bird pricing for The Arc's 2026 Transition Conference ends on August 15. Until August 15, general admission (without CEUs) is $95. After August 15, prices will increase to $125. Don't miss out on early bird pricing. Secure your spot today at thearcofmass.org/conference
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 31/07/2026
We are still SO grateful for the nearly 600 of you who mobilized in just 24 hours for these amendments, but sadly, very few amendments were accepted at all. We'll be back with more in the morning on what comes next. Stay tuned.
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 31/07/2026
NEW: Nora Bent is just leaving the State House now, and unfortunately, we have to share the disappointing news that neither the Healthcare Standards nor Tommy's Law amendments to the Primary Care bill were accepted.
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 30/07/2026
NEW: Nora Bent speaks with Representative Christine Barber about The Arc's Healthcare Standards priority. Take action NOW for this amendment and Tommy's Law: thearcofmass.quorum.us/campaign/167...
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 30/07/2026
NEW: CEO Maura Sullivan speaks with Representative Sean Garballey about The Arc's Healthcare Standards priority. Take action NOW for this amendment and Tommy's Law: thearcofmass.quorum.us/campaign/167...
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 30/07/2026
thearcofmass.quorum.us/campaign/167...
thearcofmass.quorum.us
URGENT: We Have Less than One Day to Take Action for Healthcare Standards and Tommy's Law. Contact Your Representative Today!
The Massachusetts House will debate a primary care bill, and this may be our last opportunity for this legislative session to advance two of The Arc’s priorities. We are asking that you urge your Repr...
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 30/07/2026
✅ The Government Affairs team is visiting every single Representative's office today Stay tuned - we'll be back with more info soon!
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 30/07/2026
NEW: Nora Bent is back at the State House this morning for another full day of advocacy - and here's what you need to know. ✅ Exciting news on vital protections secured in the PROTECT Act ✅ A reminder: only a few hours left to take action here: thearcofmass.quorum.us/campaign/167...
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 29/07/2026
Contact your Representative NOW and SHARE: thearcofmass.quorum.us/campaign/167...
thearcofmass.quorum.us
URGENT: We Have Less than One Day to Take Action for Healthcare Standards and Tommy's Law. Contact Your Representative Today!
The Massachusetts House will debate a primary care bill, and this may be our last opportunity for this legislative session to advance two of The Arc’s priorities. We are asking that you urge your Repr...
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 29/07/2026
BREAKING: Nora Bent is back from the State House with an URGENT call to action. We have LESS THAN 24 HOURS to take action for Healthcare Standards and Tommy's Law. This may be our last opportunity for this legislative session to advance these priorities.
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 29/07/2026
Hear from Nora Bent and Emilia Niyangoda (and catch a glimpse of Charlie Fiske in action) in our first in a series of on the ground check-ins - and stay tuned! Take action on our two current priority bill action alerts before the end of the formal session here: thearcofmass.org/action
thearcofmass.org
The Arc of Massachusetts
The Arc of Massachusetts
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 29/07/2026
NEW: It's all hands on deck for the Government Affairs team at the State House this week! It's the end of the formal session on July 31... but what does that mean? How does that shape our work, this week and beyond?
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 26/07/2026
NEW: CEO Maura Sullivan reflects on the 36th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - including how far we have come, the progress we have made, and how much further we have to go - and why we need you to stand alongside us more than ever.
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 11/07/2026
"This acknowledgment of my work, doing my best to tell the awesome story the writers on The Pitt gave Becca to tell, also seems like an acknowledgment of me and that it's OK to be autistic, di... www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-fea…
hollywoodreporter.com
Tal Anderson on Her First Emmy Nomination: “It’s OK to be Autistic, Disabled and Different”
The 'Pitt' star received a nod for best guest actress for her portrayal of Becca King in the HBO drama.
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 02/07/2026
We are excited to welcome Leela Uppaluri to our Operation House Call (OHC) team for the summer. Leela will be working with our family engagement team on the OHC Sibling Network, a place for sibli... thearcofmass.org/post/introducing-o…
thearcofmass.org
Introducing Our New Operation House Call Intern: Welcome Leela Uppaluri - The Arc of Massachusetts
Through advocacy, programs that promote inclusion, and engaging the community, The Arc creates tangible changes in the community and in the lives of people with disabilities.
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 01/07/2026
On June 30, 2026, the Conference Committee released their final version of the FY27 State Budget – and it included all of The Arc of Massachusetts' budget priorities across th... thearcofmass.org/post/the-arc-of-ma…
thearcofmass.org
The Arc of Massachusetts Analysis: Conference Committee and Final FY27 State Budget Wrap-Up - The Arc of Massachusetts
Through advocacy, programs that promote inclusion, and engaging the community, The Arc creates tangible changes in the community and in the lives of people with disabilities.
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 26/06/2026
On Thursday, June 25, The Arc of Massachusetts announced the appointment of Monica Garlick as the organization's first director of external affairs. In this role, Garlick will oversee the organizat... thearcofmass.org/post/the-arc-of-ma…
thearcofmass.org
The Arc of Massachusetts Appoints a New Director of External Affairs - The Arc of Massachusetts
Through advocacy, programs that promote inclusion, and engaging the community, The Arc creates tangible changes in the community and in the lives of people with disabilities.
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 23/06/2026
Last week brought 2 devastating updates from Washington, but we are already fighting back. Keep reading to learn what you can expect from The Arc as we navigate this.. thearcofmass.org/post/how-the-arc-i…
thearcofmass.org
How The Arc Is Responding to Recent Changes to the Department of Education, DOJ Olmstead Opinion - The Arc of Massachusetts
Through advocacy, programs that promote inclusion, and engaging the community, The Arc creates tangible changes in the community and in the lives of people with disabilities.
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 21/06/2026
Happy Father's Day to all of the incredible dads in The Arc of Massachusetts community!
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 19/06/2026
Read more from The Arc US here: thearc.org/blog/doj-opi...
thearc.org
DOJ Olmstead Opinion Threatens Community Living Rights
DOJ’s Olmstead opinion could weaken enforcement of disability rights under the ADA, Section 504, and the integration mandate. Here’s what it means.
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 19/06/2026
For nearly 75 years, The Arc has fought against the isolation and institutionalization of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We fought for the ADA, we fought for Olmstead, and we will fight to protect them today.
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 19/06/2026
This memo changes how the federal government enforces the law – meaning the DOJ will stop fighting for integration. However, the ADA itself has not changed and federal courts are still bound by Supreme Court precedent. We know that our leaders in Massachusetts will stand with us.
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 19/06/2026
It declares decades of federal disability regulations “unlawful,” signaling that the government plans to roll them back. This gives states a green light to defund community services and push people with severe mental illness or disabilities back into institutions.
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 19/06/2026
It tries to hollow out Olmstead v. L.C. – the landmark Supreme Court ruling securing community living rights – just days before its 27th anniversary.
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 19/06/2026
It claims that long-standing federal laws (the ADA and Section 504) never actually guaranteed disabled people the right to receive services in the community instead of institutions.
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 19/06/2026
On top of the Trump Administration’s reckless dismantling of the Department of Education, the Department of Justice has issued a legal memo that attacks the core right of disabled people to live independently in their communities.
On top of the Trump Administration’s reckless dismantling of the Department of Education, the Department of Justice has issued a legal memo that attacks the core right of disabled people to live independently in their communities.

It claims that long-standing federal laws (the ADA and Section 504) never actually guaranteed disabled people the right to receive services in the community instead of institutions.

It tries to hollow out Olmstead v. L.C. – the landmark Supreme Court ruling securing community living rights – just days before its 27th anniversary.

It declares decades of federal disability regulations “unlawful,” signaling that the government plans to roll them back. This gives states a green light to defund community services and push people with severe mental illness or disabilities back into institutions.

This memo changes how the federal government enforces the law – meaning the DOJ will stop fighting for integration. However, the ADA itself has not changed and federal courts are still bound by Supreme Court precedent. We know that our leaders in Massachusetts will stand with us.

For nearly 75 years, The Arc has fought against the isolation and institutionalization of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We fought for the ADA, we fought for Olmstead, and we will fight to protect them today.
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 16/06/2026
Read more from The Arc US: thearc.org/blog/moving-...
thearc.org
Moving Special Education Out of the Department of Education Risks Students’ Rights | The Arc
The Arc warns that moving special education and civil rights offices out of the Department of Education could weaken protections for students with disabilities.
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 16/06/2026
to fight for the educational rights of students with disabilities. Here in Massachusetts, we must strengthen special education services and compliance with Individualized Education Plans as we navigate changes to the systems of oversight and appeal.
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 16/06/2026
they have gutted the critical oversight that protects students with disabilities. This is not a reorganization; it is an abandonment of the laws and expertise designed to ensure every child has access to an equal education. The Arc will continue to work with our national partners
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 16/06/2026
Today, the Trump administration dismantled the foundations of educational equity. By stripping the Department of Education of its authority over the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and the Office for Civil Rights,
Today, the Trump administration dismantled the foundations of educational equity.

By stripping the Department of Education of its authority over the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and the Office for Civil Rights, they have gutted the critical oversight that protects students with disabilities.

This is not a reorganization; it is an abandonment of the laws and expertise designed to ensure every child has access to an equal education.

The Arc will continue to work with our national partners to fight for the educational rights of students with disabilities.

Here in Massachusetts, we must strengthen special education services and compliance with Individualized Education Plans as we navigate changes to the systems of oversight and appeal.
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 16/06/2026
We have a full slate of webinars this month at The Arc, covering topics including legislative advocacy, succession planning, autism policy, and Turning 22. Can't make it live? Register and you'll receive a recording. Register: thearcofmass.org/webinars
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 13/06/2026
On June 1, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released their "interim final rule," detailing Medicaid work requirements. Check out our new fact sheet for the full breakdown. thearcofmass.org/post/fact-sheet-up…
thearcofmass.org
Fact Sheet: Update on Federal Medicaid Work Requirements - The Arc of Massachusetts
Through advocacy, programs that promote inclusion, and engaging the community, The Arc creates tangible changes in the community and in the lives of people with disabilities.
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 11/06/2026
On Tuesday, June 9, The Arc of Massachusetts hosted a first of its kind, statewide Mobile Crisis Training Symposium. thearcofmass.org/post/the-arc-of-ma…
thearcofmass.org
The Arc of Massachusetts Hosts First of Its Kind, Statewide Mobile Crisis Training Symposium - The Arc of Massachusetts
Through advocacy, programs that promote inclusion, and engaging the community, The Arc creates tangible changes in the community and in the lives of people with disabilities.
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 04/06/2026
NEW: On June 1, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued their interim final rule regarding how states are to implement Medicaid work requirements. thearcofmass.org/post/the-arc-of-ma…
thearcofmass.org
The Arc of Massachusetts Statement on Medicaid Work Requirements Included in New Interim Final Rule - The Arc of Massachusetts
Through advocacy, programs that promote inclusion, and engaging the community, The Arc creates tangible changes in the community and in the lives of people with disabilities.
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 24/05/2026
Voting is a fundamental right. However, new federal proposals and ongoing changes to voting policies are raising concerns about whether voting will remain truly accessi... thearcofmass.org/post/fact-sheet-un…
thearcofmass.org
Fact Sheet: Understanding Voting Rights and Current Threats to Access for the Disability Community - The Arc of Massachusetts
Through advocacy, programs that promote inclusion, and engaging the community, The Arc creates tangible changes in the community and in the lives of people with disabilities.
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 23/05/2026
"The loss of these trusted caregivers 'would likely result in service disruptions and a reduced ability for individuals with IDD and autism to live safely and with dignity in community-based programs,' The Arc of Massach... www.bostonglobe.com/2026/05/19/metr…
bostonglobe.com
Patient care will face ‘crisis’ if Trump ends TPS for Haiti, new report from Mass. lawmakers says - The Boston Globe
Haitian health care workers provide crucial services in Massachusetts, especially to older adults and people with disabilities.
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 22/05/2026
NEW: The results from Senate Budget week are here. Here's a quick summary of what you need to know. Read more: thearcofmass.org/post/fy27-state-bu…
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 22/05/2026
ICYMI: This week, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed The Arc's priority Blue Envelope bill! Learn more: thearcofmass.org/post/massachusetts…
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 15/05/2026
"4 of the 5 episodes released so far include use of the R-word in casual dialogue. It gets lobbed as an easy insult that turns disability into something worth mocking. Those lines could have been rewritten in seconds. The h... www.teenvogue.com/story/euphoria-se…
teenvogue.com
Euphoria Season 3 Is Normalizing the R-Word Again. Young People Deserve Better.
When a slur becomes casual, exclusion can also slowly become casual.
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 14/05/2026
along with an expert clinical training that will be provided by Amego Inc. and the NEEDS Center so that lived experience will be an equal focus. The event is already sold out but will be recorded.
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 14/05/2026
including those with autism and co-occurring conditions, not benefiting from mobile crisis response services due to the complexity that is so often part of picture. We have worked directly with MassHealth to put this together, and are looking forward to bringing a panel focused on lived experiences
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 14/05/2026
The Arc of Massachusetts is proud to hold a Mobile Crisis Training Symposium focused on adults with autism. This idea came directly from our Government Affairs Committee, who shared their own experiences about adults with profound autism,
Flyer for Responding to Adults with Autism: A Mobile Crisis Training Symposium
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 14/05/2026
Advocates fought for decades to eliminate this harmful word from society. Now, real progress is being lost. We're resharing CEO Maura Sullivan's call for dignity, which includes a refresher on the Archaic Language bill. thearcofmass.org/post/stateme...
thearcofmass.org
Statement from CEO Maura Sullivan: The Arc’s Call to Action for Dignity - The Arc of Massachusetts
Through advocacy, programs that promote inclusion, and engaging the community, The Arc creates tangible changes in the community and in the lives of people with disabilities.
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 14/05/2026
Whether in HBO's Euphoria (one of the channel's most watched series of all time), or the highly viral Roast of Kevin Hart on Netflix, the r-word is being used with devastating frequency in media recently, reaching millions of viewers around the world every time it is uttered.
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 13/05/2026
ACT NOW: Nearly 500 of you have taken action so far. Let's keep it going! Ask your Senator to cosponsor The Arc's FY27 Senate budget amendments. TAKE ACTION: thearcofmass.quorum.us/campaign/162...
ACT NOW 📣

Ask your State Senator to cosponsor The Arc of Massachusetts’ FY27 Senate budget amendments supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism.

As the Senate debates the state budget, advocacy is more important than ever — especially amid looming federal funding cuts. These amendments help protect critical services and strengthen support for our community.

Your voice makes a difference. Contact your Senator today and urge them to support The Arc’s amendment priorities.

Questions? Contact nbent@arcmass.org
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 11/05/2026
ACT NOW: The next phase of state budget advocacy is here and we need you to take action again. Contact your Senator and ask them to cosponsor The Arc's FY27 Senate budget amendments: thearcofmass.quorum.us/campaign/162...
TAKE ACTION

Ask Your Senator to Cosponsor The Arc's FY27 Senate Budget Amendments

Amendment #710: DESE/DDS Residential Placement Prevention Program (Filed by Sen. Kennedy)
Amendment #816: Operation House Call (Filed by Sen. Lewis)
Amendment #442: Workforce Training Funds for Complex, Challenging Behaviors (Filed by Sen. Keenan)
Amendment #499: Adult Foster Care (Filed by Sen. Jehlen)

There are also two policy amendments that we are supporting:

Amendment #504: Tommy’s Bill (filed by Sen. O’Connor)
Amendment #646: Alternative and Augmentative Communication Professional Development (filed by Sen. O’Connor)

thearcofmass.org/action
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The Arc of Massachusetts @thearcofmass.org · 09/05/2026
On Tuesday, May 5, Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) Secretary Dr. Kiame Mahaniah announced the appointm... thearcofmass.org/post/executive-off…
thearcofmass.org
Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) Announces Appointment of Allison Bovell-Ammon as Acting Undersecretary for Human Services - The Arc of Massachusetts
Through advocacy, programs that promote inclusion, and engaging the community, The Arc creates tangible changes in the community and in the lives of people with disabilities.
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