You’ve come to the right place. What you’re looking for is information. That is what you’ll find here. Individuals with developmental disabilities and their families have more opportunities than ever before to make their own decisions and live meaningful lives in their communities. TheArcLink Massachusetts is a good place to begin learning more about services and programs that are available. The information you’ll find here will equip you to ask questions and learn about the services that apply to yourself, your family member or your friend.

Massachusetts provides a variety of services and supports for people with developmental disabilities. Most of these services are available at no cost to the participant. In order to locate these services, it is important for you to know how the Massachusetts service system works as it relates to your own situation. Like most states, Massachusetts takes advantage of federal funding resources in an effort to increase the scope and effectiveness of state and local programs. The best way for you to capitalize on the resources at your disposal is to educate yourself.

How the System Works is a guide to obtaining developmental disability services in Massachusetts, all in one place. You find how to obtain services and see if you qualify for them.

Questions to Ask Providers contains suggested questions to use when you are interviewing potential service providers.

Influence the System contains valuable tips for your interacting as a member of the community with the system as whole

How to Make a Complaint contains the grievance processes that are in use for developmental disabilities services in Massachusetts.

Arc Massachusetts believes that all services and supports ought to be consumer driven and family friendly.  Individuals with disabilities and their families are the experts in determining their own lives, direction, vision and goals. When you need help with making major decisions, it is often because you need more information about the options that are realistically available to you. The information in Know The System will start you on your way to learning everything you need to know to use the services that are available to you.