Imagining Better in Action
Advocacy
MassFamilies has been gathering individuals with disabilities and their family members for over 25 years in the name of improving supports to families and the policies that affect their lives. Learn more about our history and accomplishments.
Learn more about our advocacy work below!
Legislative Priorities
View MassFamilies’ legislative priorities, set in response to current legislation that affect individuals with developmental disabilities in Massachusetts and their families.
Position Papers
View our position papers, developed in response to some of the most serious issues impacting people with disabilities and their families.
Massachusetts Alliance for 21st Century Disability Policy
A collaborative effort to spell out what comprehensive disability policy can and should look like.
Chapter 171
Landmark Legislation Revolutionizing Family Supports
Giving families a voice and a seat at the table as policy is set.
Latest Alerts & Advocacy Updates
You Have the Power to Help End Aversives
Bill H.123, An Act regarding the use of aversive therapywould prohibit the use of procedures which cause physical pain or deny a reasonable humane existence to persons with disabilities. We just received word a hearing has been scheduled on 09/24/2019 from 10:00...
Legislative Advocacy Training in Lowell
MFOFC, in partnership with the Cambiodian Mutual Assistance Association and The Commonwealth Seminar, are excited to announce a one-day workshop for residents in the Lowell area. You won't want to miss this one-day training that will help you increase your...
Calling all Family Leaders! DDS and DMH seeking input on Services and Supports to Meet the Needs of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
We received the important message from our network about the following *urgent* input opportunity from DDS and DMH! Thanks to Cathy Boyle at Autism Housing Pathways for this important information! DDS and DMH are seeking information from YOU “to provide DDS and DMH...
Policy News for July 2019
ADA ANNIVERSARY This month, advocates across the country have been celebrating the 29th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law July 26, 1990. The ADA bans discrimination on the basis of disability in the areas of...
UMass Amherst Partnership Advancing Advocacy!
Sue Crosby, the MFOFC West Regional Coordinator, has been helping advise a group of students from UMass Amherst who are completing service learning/capstone projects related to disability rights and advocacy. Dental Health Bill Raj, one of the students Sue has been...
FY 2020 Budget Ask
Each year, Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change (MFOFC) prepares an overview of our asks regarding the annual state budget. Download the PDF or click on the image to view MFOFC's budget requests, or simply read on to see what funding priorities MFOFC supports...