HELPING FAMILIES IMAGINE BETTER
Resources
Topics
Person-Centered Planning
COMMUNITY LIVING
Support Groups for Marginalized Families
HOME and Community Based Services
Legal Issues
Advocacy
Coming soon!
Family Leadership
Coming soon!
Embracing Intersectionality
Conversations about race disability
Reports, Directories & Links
Supporting Families: A Guide for Family Support Services
This guide will provide you with comprehensive information about family support services and includes helpful resources to connect you to DDS and the Family Support Centers.
Statewide Family Support Directory – Massachusetts Department of Developmental Disabilities
MA21 – Implementing a 21st Century Disability Policy
The Rockport Report: A Vision for Supporting Families (November 2019)
Human Rights Resources for Families (April 2016)
The Role of Families & Guardians in Safeguarding Human Rights
Family Support and Self-Determination – Connections to a Life in the Community
My Individual Support Plan, a Guide for Self Advocates
The Utility of Trouble: Maximizing the Value of Our Human Services Dollars (Executive Summary) – Report by The Boston Foundation and the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation
Blueprint for Success: Employing Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities in Massachusetts – Given recent federal policy changes and directives, a mutual, proactive plan has been created by key representatives of the Association of Developmental Disabilities, The Arc Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services to increase integrated employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.
MassHealth Office of Long Term Services and Supports – Programs and Services Overview (May 2014) – PowerPoint Presentation by Kenneth J. Smith, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services.
Transition from School to Adult Department of Mental Retardation Services Focus Groups: Themes and Recommendations– Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, Governor’s Commission on Mental Retardation Report of July, 2007.
Books
Check out some great books for anyone interested in person-centered planning, systems change, and more.
View Books
Links
View a list of links to resources and websites with useful information on supports and services for families in Massachusetts.
Articles & Inspiration
The Natural Authority of Families – by Michael Kendrick
Family stories and testimonials
The Day I Realized That My Special Needs Child Deserves to Live an Enviable Life – by Nicole Feeney (Advocacy Boot Camp & Southeast Region Family Leadership Series Participant)
Enviable Life – Imagine Better – by Chris Peltier (West Region Family Leadership Series graduate, former MFOFC Board Member)
Parent Job Description – by Ingrid Flory (former West Regional Coordinator, now Family Support Director of Central/West Region)