There are many resources available for advocacy. Please follow the links below to some of the resources we have identified.
The Arc of MassachusettsThe mission of The Arc of Massachusetts is to enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Through advocacy and collaboration with others, The Arc of Massachusetts has helped to establish and maintain significant legislation and funding on both the state and federal levels. Be sure to check out their advocacy resources.
The Arc of the United StatesThe Arc is the world’s largest community based organization of and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It provides an array of services and support for families and individuals and includes over 140,000 members affiliated through more than 730 state and local chapters across the nation. Their Federal Legislative Action Center allows you to find your government representatives for more effective advocating.
The Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP)ADDP consists of over 100 community organizations from across Massachusetts that provide services and supports to individuals with disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, other developmental disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries. The purpose of the ADDP is to promote and ensure the political and financial health of its member organizations. ADDP maintains a great list of Massachusetts resources.
Mass 2-1-1Need help & don't know where to turn? Every day, someone somewhere in Massachusetts needs to find essential community services, an after school program, a food bank, or where to secure care for an aging parent. Many face these challenges, but don't always know where to turn for help. The solution is to dial 2-1-1. With the support of social service organizations that provide health and human services throughout Massachusetts and in collaboration with Massachusetts Association of Information and Referral Specialists (MAIRS) the United Way introduces this statewide Information & Referral System.
Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE)This major self-advocacy organization, founded in 1990, has been working hard for the full inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in the community throughout the 50 states and the world for 20 years. Their website includes a useful list of self advocacy resources.