"Winter is revealing. It shows whose safety is prioritized. It shows whose mobility matters. It shows who is expected to adapt, and who isn’t. If accessibility disappears the moment conditions change, then it was never truly embedded to begin with."

For disabled people, the holiday season often comes with a complicated mix of emotions, joy, love, frustration, and sometimes loneliness all at once. Keisha Greaves of Girls Chronically Rock reflects on what the holidays mean to her, and to so many in the disability community.

On Monday, October 20, join CEO Maura Sullivan for a panel discussion about the importance of employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism. Register: thearcofmass.org/webinars

Without people in place to enforce the law, states could ignore their responsibilities to students with disabilities. This puts millions of students at risk. We need Congress to act now. ACT NOW: action.thearc.org/BPzcfsy (clickable in bio)

The rights of students with disabilities are under serious threat. The Administration has just gutted the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), the Department of Education office responsible for enforcing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

"While accessibility is critical, it’s only the starting point. True inclusion goes beyond installing ramps or providing screen readers, it’s about building workplaces where people with disabilities feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive."

“This is absolutely a violation of federal law.” For @motherjones.com, I reported about how reduction-in-forces in the Office of Special Education Programs will lead to disabled kids' needs not being met, as funding may not be distributed. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...

"Children with disabilities will be left behind, not because they cannot learn, but because the systems that help them succeed are being taken away."

"Reducing autism only to a problem that must be solved, or presenting unproven claims as fact, fails both autistic people and the families who love them."

NEW: Statement from The Arc of Massachusetts CEO Maura Sullivan We must ground decisions related to public health in sound science and evidence, not on rhetoric or opinions lacking the support of research. The correlation between acetaminophen and autism has not been proven.

Important new piece: ‘people with disabilities reported spending 20% of their income (or $1 for every $5 dollars they have) on their disability-related expenses and that for many the costs are considerably higher.’ Tracks my own experience too.

This fall is set to be a busy and pivotal season for advocacy. Join The Arc of Massachusetts' Government Affairs team for a recap of recent state and federal updates, a preview of what's on the horizon, and guidance on how you can make your voice heard. Register: thearcofmass.org/webinars

"Disabled people who are also Black, Brown, queer, trans, immigrant, fat, and poor, have always existed. We’ve led revolutions, shaped art, raised families, built communities. We’ve done it all, even when the world refused to see us."

"Owning It: Our Disabled Childhoods in Our Own Words features 22 true stories from disabled writers. Here the co-editors reflect on how the collection ... https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/98410-depicting-disabled-childhoods-for-young-readers.html

In her latest blog for Northeast Arc, Keisha Greaves explains what intersectionality is, and how understanding it is critical to creating a more inclusive world.

"Disability is more than what you can see. The mental health challenges, the emotional labor, the constant advocacy, it’s a lot." In her latest blog for Northeast Arc, Keisha Greaves writes about the mental health challenges she faces living with a disability and how she copes.

Healthcare isn’t just about seeking treatment; it’s about fighting for the dignity and respect she deserves as a disabled woman, writes Keisha Greaves in her latest blog.

"With the right support, I’m empowered to be the boss of my own life." As a woman with Muscular Dystrophy, Keisha Greaves, depends on the Medicaid-funded Personal Care Attendant program. In this blog entry, learn how the care provided helps Keisha be more independent.

Northeast Arc's partnership with StationMD will help prevent unnecessary emergency room visits for those living in NeArc residential homes. Through Northeast Arc’s support 10 other organizations in Massachusetts will also initially be utilizing StationMD for their residential programs.

"The housing system in this country is not designed for people with disabilities, and the effects of that are devastating." Keisha Greaves explains why disabled people face extra barriers when trying to access housing, and what happens when those barriers go unaddressed.

"The housing system in this country is not designed for people with disabilities, and the effects of that are devastating." Keisha Greaves explains why disabled people face extra barriers when trying to access housing, and what happens when those barriers go unaddressed.

From misconceptions about autism to demeaning language, Jackson Skane discusses the stigma he often faces and shares tips for how we all can combat it.

The Arc US and partners: "We are deeply concerned by growing public rhetoric and policy decisions that challenge these shared principles. Claims that autism is 'preventable' is not suppo... https://thearc.org/blog/joint-statement-on-upholding-scientific-integrity-and-supporting-the-autism-community/

"At its core, accessibility means ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, has equal access to spaces, information, and experiences. It’s about inclusion. It’s about respect. It’s about dignity."

Northeast Arc was honored to welcome @moulton.house.gov to the Center for Linking Lives today to learn about the impact of Medicaid on people with disabilities and their families. @thearcofmass.org

"I'm someone who embraces being autistic and always will. I tell many people when I get to know them that I have Autism because I am not ashamed, and no one should be ashamed of having a disability. Having a disability does not define me, it simply has given me a different way to look at the world."

Today marks the start of Autism Acceptance Month! While you commonly see "awareness" used this month, at Northeast Arc we choose to focus on acceptance, and would encourage you to do the same. 1/2

"For me, speaking about my disability is not about shame, it’s about ownership. I have Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy, and I say that with confidence. It’s part of who I am, part of my story, and part of why I do the work I do."

"We're not just permitting offensive speech ― we're potentially undermining the foundation of respect upon which disability rights depend." - Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc US https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-r-word-is-back-ano_l_67d9b1d3e4b0bbd8c3b5ca94

Advocacy in action, thank you!!

In conversations about disability, the term ableism comes up frequently. But what does it mean? How does it show up in everyday life, and why does language play such a significant role in it? Keisha Greaves explains what ableism is, why it's harmful, and how to fight it: ne-arc.org/2025/03/05/u...

Our Call-to-Action: #MALegRec25 #mapoli 1. EVERYONE must be an advocate. We represent over 250,000 people in MA. Activate your passion. Respond to and share every action alert. Sign up to learn more: thearcofmass.org/action

Allies can make a huge difference in the fight for equality and accessibility, especially when they use their privilege to support others. Keisha Greaves shares 5 tips for effective allyship in her latest blog: ne-arc.org/2025/02/19/h...

"A secretary of HHS should be committed to science, not discredited conspiracy theories. Our son — along with all the country’s sons and daughters — deserves leadership based on facts, not fear." Northeast Arc board member T.J. Winick in @cwbeacon.bsky.social

Any cuts to Medicaid would have serious consequences. People with disabilities will lose the care they count on. Tell your members of Congress: no cuts to Medicaid. Take action now: https://action.thearc.org/MPAZgOs #HandsOffOurMedicaid #ProtectMedicaid

Thank you to everyone who has taken action! Together, we have sent over 11,000 messages to Congress this week! 💪🫶#ProtectMedicaid #HandsOffOurMedicaid

For people with disabilities, it can feel intimidating to speak up for yourself, especially when the systems in place aren’t designed with your needs in mind. Keisha Greaves shares her tips for getting started in self-advocacy in her latest blog for Northeast Arc: bit.ly/4hWJADN

Take Action today! Any cuts to Medicaid would have serious consequences—people with disabilities will lose the care they count on. Tell your members of Congress: no cuts to Medicaid. Take action now: bit.ly/3EBAVZ4 #HandsOffOurMedicaid #ProtectMedicaid

We are appreciative of Congressman McGovern's continued unwavering support for our causes and his concern for our community. We look forward to continuing our advocacy work together.

Last week, Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Partnerships Nora Bent, along with The Arc of Opportunity's David Kline and Maia Wentrup, met with Congressman Jim McGovern. Discussions included Medicaid funding, the human services workforce crisis, affordable housing, and DEI.

We are thrilled to share the first entry in a new blog series featuring the incredible Keisha Greaves, an adaptive fashion consultant and a self-advocate. In this new series, Keisha will share her story, as well as her perspective on key issues for the disability community.

"More prominent awareness of the accomplishments of Black leaders, who are often also disabled, can help drive and inform systems change for the current and future generations of disabled people around the world." #BlackHistoryMonth https://wid.org/why-black-disabled-history-matters/

Join Northeast Arc in February and March for trainings on online safety and digital citizenship. There are both Zoom and in-person options. Visit linktr.ee/northeastarc to sign up now. The trainings are funded by AT&T in connection with @thearcus.bsky.social Bridging the Digital Divide project.

Get involved! Join @thearcus.bsky.social for a webinar on January 29 to learn how you can help to protect Medicaid. They will share tools, resources, and strategies to make your advocacy more powerful. Register using the QR code or this link: bit.ly/41JJF9c

We are so excited about our new partnership with Amazing Pizza in Salem! This program will provide valuable job training and employment for people with disabilities or autism. Read about some of the participants in the Salem News.

NEW FACT SHEET: Understanding Medicaid and Proposed Changes Medicaid is a vital program that provides health coverage to millions of low-income individuals, families, seniors, and people with disabilities. This... https://thearcofmass.org/post/fact-sheet-understanding-medicaid-and-proposed-changes/

Learn the history of the r-word, and why we must all fight to end its usage.

"Starting this month, individuals with disabilities can accrue more money than ever before in a special type of account that allows people to save without jeopardizing access to government benefits." https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/01/09/irs-raises-able-account-deposit-limit/31239/

Join Northeast Arc in February and March for trainings on online safety and digital citizenship. There are both Zoom and in-person options. Visit linktr.ee/northeastarc to sign up now. The trainings are funded by AT&T in connection with @thearcus.bsky.social Bridging the Digital Divide project.