There are many ways to make a difference at Lifeworks. Whether you give, advocate, partner, work, or volunteer, your involvement helps build a more inclusive world.
At Lifeworks, advocacy is at the heart of our mission
At Lifeworks, advocacy is at the heart of our mission. We believe that every person with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, deserves equal access, opportunity, and respect in their communities. Our advocacy efforts focus on promoting inclusion, protecting rights, and advancing public policies that support individuals and families. On this page, you’ll find resources, tools, and updates to help you learn more, get involved, and join us in shaping a more equitable future for all.
Healthcare & Advocacy: A Message from Our President
In this message, Dan Burke, President and CEO of Lifeworks, shares an important update on current advocacy efforts, government changes, and available supports for individuals with disabilities and their families. He discusses the impact of recent federal and state developments on programs such as Social Security, MassHealth, Medicaid, and SNAP benefits, while emphasizing the importance of staying informed and connected.
Dan encourages viewers to open and respond to government communications, utilize reliable resources from Lifeworks and The Arc of Massachusetts, and continue engaging in advocacy to protect essential services. The video highlights Lifeworks’ ongoing commitment to empowering individuals and families through information, collaboration, and action.
Prefer to read along? Click the transcript icon in the lower-right corner of the video player to follow along or review the full message.
Massachusetts MassHealth Medicaid Renewal
Checklist
Use this checklist to prepare the documents you’ll need for your MassHealth (Medicaid) renewal. Staying organized helps prevent gaps in coverage and ensures your benefits continue without interruption.
download checklist hereAdvocacy Resources in our Community
We believe advocacy begins with awareness and access to the right tools. These resources are designed to help individuals, families, and organizations strengthen their voice, gain valuable insights, and connect with broader networks of support.
Arc of Massachusetts
Take Action: Protect Special Education Rights
The Arc is calling on Congress to take action after major federal cuts threaten essential protections for students with disabilities. The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), which enforces the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), has been significantly reduced — putting millions of students at risk.
OSERS ensures that:
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Schools follow the IDEA and uphold students’ rights.
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Teachers receive training and support for special education.
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Parents understand and advocate for their children’s needs.
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Programs help youth and adults with disabilities find employment.
Without this office, states could ignore their responsibilities to students with disabilities. Lifeworks stands with The Arc in urging Congress to restore full funding and protect these vital supports.
Take action: Send a message to your elected officials through The Arc’s Action Center
The Arc of Massachusetts Fall 2025 Survey
The Arc of Massachusetts wants to hear from you! Please take a few minutes to complete our Fall 2025 Survey. This survey seeks to understand your experiences with access and overall satisfaction with services and supports, as well as the work of The Arc through our advocacy education and resource sharing. All responses will be anonymous, but will be used to help inform our ongoing advocacy. Take the Arc of Massachusetts Fall 2025 Survey
The Arc of Massachusetts Advocacy Resource Center
https://thearcofmass.org/advocacy/ provides helpful resources and tips to support your advocacy journey. It includes an “Action Center” where you can review current alerts, download advocacy documents, watch relevant videos, inquire about advocacy training, and sign up to receive their newsletter, advocacy alert emails, text, and/or calls. Link to the Arc of Mass bills platform: https://thearcofmass.org/advocacy/bills/ Arc of Massachusetts CEO Maura Sullivan Authors Editorial in Boston Globe
https://thearcofmass.org/post/statement-from-ceo-maura-sullivan-on-grounding-public-health-decisions-in-sound-science-and-evidence/ provides helpful resources and tips to support your advocacy journey. It includes an “Action Center” where you can review current alerts, download advocacy documents, watch relevant videos, inquire about advocacy training, and sign up to receive their newsletter, advocacy alert emails, text, and/or calls.Arc of Massachusetts Government Affairs Chapter Bulletin
https://thearcofmass.org/advocacy/ provides helpful resources and tips to support your advocacy journey. It includes an “Action Center” where you can review current alerts, download advocacy documents, watch relevant videos, inquire about advocacy training, and sign up to receive their newsletter, advocacy alert emails, text, and/or calls. Link to the Arc of Mass bills platform: https://thearcofmass.org/advocacy/bills/
Arc of the United States
Arc of the United States Policy and Advocacy
https://thearc.org/policy-advocacy/ For nearly 75 years, The Arc has led the fight for the civil rights and inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They advocate for community living, inclusive education, health care, employment, and financial security—working at both the grassroots and federal policy levels to advance disability rights.Association of Developmental Disabilities (ADDP)
Association of Developmental Disabilities Committees, Meetings, Briefings
https://www.addp.org/advocacy/committees-meetings-briefings ADDP keeps members engaged through weekly video updates, policy briefings, and committee meetings, providing timely advocacy news and opportunities to collaborate on statewide issues. Information on Massachusetts State budget, timelines, and copies of the budget are available can be downloaded: https://www.addp.org/state-budget
Provider's Council
Provider's Council Public Policy
https://providers.org/public-policy/ For over 40 years, the Council has served as the official voice for community-based human services in Massachusetts. They push a legislative agenda on workforce pay, fair provider rates (Chapter 257), regulatory reforms, municipal/federal issues, and publish data reports. Their grassroots arm, The Caring Force, mobilizes over 32,000 members.Social Security
Social Security Services
https://www.ssa.gov/ The SSA administers programs that provide vital income and stability, including retirement, disability, survivor, and Supplemental Security Income benefits. These supports are especially critical for people with disabilities, helping them maintain independence, access essential resources, and secure long-term financial protection for themselves and their families.MassHealth
MassHealth Benefits
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/masshealthMassHealth provides health and dental coverage, prescription drugs, behavioral health, long-term care, and more to eligible residents—including people with disabilities, seniors, and low-income families. It also runs tools like MyServices for members to track eligibility and benefits, and supports home- & community-based services so people can stay in their homes.
