Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM)

217 South Street
Waltham, MA 02453
781-891-6270
Website: www.AFAMaction.org Email: kamaral@afamaction.org

AFAM acts as a voice at the state level to advocate for essential supports for people with ASD and their families.

Alzheimer's Association - Massachusetts Chapter

309 Waverley Oaks Road
Waltham, MA 02452
617-868-6718
24-Hour Toll Free Number: 800-272-3900
Website: www.alz.org/manh/ Email: info@alz.org

Alzheimer's Association provides a 24/7 helpline, care consultation, support groups, publications, educational programs and administers Safe Return, a nationwide identification, support and enrollment program.

Arc of Massachusetts

217 South Street
Waltham, MA 02453
781-891-6270
Website: www.arcmass.org
Email: arcmass@arcmass.org

Arc Mass provides information and assistance with services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Arc Mass also lists links for information on community living, supports, training and individuals and families at thearcofmass.org/resources/

Asperger's Association of New England (AANE)

85 Main St., Suite 3
Watertown, MA 02472
617-393-3824
Website: www.aane.org
Email: info@aane.org

AANE provides a supportive, understanding community for individuals with AS, their families and the service providers who serve them.

Autism Alliance of MetroWest, Inc. (AAMW)

1881 Worcester Road, Suite 100A
Framingham, MA 01701
508-652-9900
Website: www.autismalliance.org
Email: autismalliance@advocates.org

AAMW provides programs, resources and community education to all Massachusetts families. Programs include support group meetings, Sibshops, speaker series, swim program, open gym and family outings as well as other programs. Resources are available through the Morse Institute Library or the Minuteman Library Network.

1 Southside Road
Danvers, MA 01923
855-696-3272
Website: www.ne-arc.org/familyservices/autismsupport.html
Email: info@nearc.org

Autism Services
6 Southside Rd.
Danvers, MA 01923
800-7AUTISM (MA only)
Email: Gloria Castillo at gcastillo@ne-arc.org, Susan Gilroy at sgilroy@ne-arc.org, or Phyllis Kisner at pkizner@ne-arc.org

This center provides information and support for families of people with Autism through a parent/professional network and facilitated parent support groups.

Best Buddies of Massachusetts

529 Main St., Suite 202
Boston, MA 02129
617-778-0522
Toll free: 866-33-BUDDY
Website: https://www.bestbuddies.org/mari

Best Buddies is an organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment. They also arrange e-Buddies for individuals.

Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL)

60 Temple Place, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02111-1324
617-338-6665 / 866-338-6662
Website: www.BostonCIL.org

BCIL provides the four “core services" of independent living centers: peer mentoring, skills training, information and referral and advocacy. BCIL is active in a number of areas critical to people with disabilities, including housing, healthcare, employment, long-term care, transportation, adaptive technology, communications, civil rights law and education. They assist individuals in hiring a Personal Care Attendant (PCA). BCIL has initiatives targeting youth with disabilities and alliances with senior organizations as well.

Boston College Legal Services LAB

885 Centre St.
Newton Centre, MA 02459
(617) 552-4340

617-552-4351
Website: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/law/academics-faculty/experiential-learning/legal-services-LAB.html

Originally founded in 1968, LAB was a pioneer in the field and has served as a model for programs around the country. LAB gives students the opportunity to hone their lawyering skills in the real world—they represent clients with a variety of legal problems, including domestic violence prevention, family law, landlord-tenant disputes, immigration issues, small business launches, and Social Security disability appeals. Students are certified to represent clients in every aspect of litigation, including appearing in court and at federal and state administrative hearings. Additional staff includes a clinical social worker, an intake coordinator, and administrative assistants. The Center for Experiential Learning provides students with comfortable individual workspace, conference rooms, access to approved pleadings, and the latest technology. Satellite office space also exists in several local community locations.

Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts

30 Lyman Street, Suite 10
Westborough, MA 01581
508-475-0032
800-242-0030 (in-state)
Website: www.biama.org
Email: biama@biama.org

The Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts provides support services to brain injury survivors and their families, offers programs to prevent brain injuries, educates the public on the risks and impact of brain injury, and advocates for legislation and improved community services.

Center for Living and Working, Inc.

18 Chestnut St, Suite 540
Worcester, MA 01608
508-798-0350

Toll Free: 1-800-570-4020

Website: www.centerlw.org

Email: opsearch@centerlw.org

This agency is an Independent Living Center that provides programs and services which maximize independence and opportunities for people with disabilities.

Disability Law Center, Inc. (DLC)

11 Beacon Street, Suite 925
Boston, MA 02108
617-723-8455 / 800-872-9992
Website: www.dlc-ma.org
Email: mail@dlc-ma.org

DLC provides information, referral, technical assistance and representation regarding legal rights and services for people with disabilities who live in Massachusetts.

Disability Policy Consortium (DPC)

25 Kingston St., 4th Floor
Boston, MA 02111
617-307-7775
Website: www.dpcma.org
Email: mail@dpcma.org

DPC educates, connects and organizes people with disabilities to participate in elections and the legislative process, to become active in their communities and to advocate for justice and equality.

Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism

1661 Worcester Road Suite 205B
Framingham, MA 01701
508-270-8855
Website: http://www.flutiefoundation.org/
Email: tking@flutiefoundation.org

The Foundation's mission is to aid financially disadvantaged families who need assistance in caring for their children with Autism; to fund education and research into the causes and consequences of Autism; and to serve as a clearinghouse and communications center for new programs and services developed for individuals with Autism.

Easter Seals Massachusetts

18 Chestnut Street, Suite 200, Worcester, MA 01608
508-757-2756
Website: http://www.easterseals.com/ma/
Email: info@eastersealsma.org

This organization provides a variety of services for people with disabilities and their families including the following: assistive technology services, assistive technology demonstration and loan, job training/employment services, rehabilitation/therapy services, camp programs, disability resource information and youth leadership opportunities.

844-354-1212
Website: https://exceptionallives.org

email: info@exceptionallives.org

Exceptional Lives recently launched its free, user-friendly Disability Resource Directory – a searchable online database of disability programs and providers in Massachusetts. It's designed for parents and caregivers of children or adults with developmental disabilities – and professional care providers that serve them.

789 Clapboardtree Street
Westwood, MA 02090
781-762-4001
Website: http://www.lifeworksarc.org
Email: bclark@lifeworksarc.com

This agency serves people with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families by providing outreach, advocacy, education, family support and resources through a lending library and internet access.

Family TIES (Together In Enhancing Support) of Massachusetts

Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Greater Boston Region
250 Washington Street, 5th floor.
Boston, MA 02108
617-624-6089 / 800-905-8437 (MA only)
Website: www.massfamilyties.org
Email Sara Asmerom at sasmerom@fcsn.org

Family TIES of Massachusetts is a statewide information and parent-to-parent support project for families of children with special needs and chronic illness. It is administered by parent coordinators housed in each of the regional offices of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN)

The Schrafft Center
529 Main Street, Suite 1M3
Boston, MA 02129
617-236-7210 / 800-331-0688 (in MA)
Website: http://fcsn.org/
Email: info@fcsn.org

The Federation is a center for parents and parent organizations to work together on behalf of children with special needs and their families. The Federation operates a Parent Center in Massachusetts which offers a variety of services to parents, parent groups and others who are concerned with children with special needs. The Federation provides workshops/trainings, advocacy, resources and online information.

The Feingold Center for Children / Children's Hospital Boston at Waltham

9 Hope Avenue
Waltham, MA 02453
781-216-2840
Website: www.thefeingoldcenter.org
Email: OFFICE@THEGENFOUND.org

The center, established in 1984, provides diagnosis and treatment to children born with birth defects, genetic diseases and intellectual disabilities throughout the New England area. In 2011, The Center moved to the Division of Genetics at Children's Hospital Boston in Waltham. The Center consists of physicians and consultants in Pediatrics and Genetics with access to Orthopedics, Cardiology, Neurology, Ophthalmology, Endocrinology, Craniofacial Surgery, Plastic Surgery and other specialties.

Hope Elder Law

182 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472
617-926-8549
Website: www.HopeElderLaw.com
Email: Use form on website

Based in Watertown, Hope Elder Law is a friendly, caring, professional law firm that focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, MassHealth / Medicaid Planning and Special Needs Planning. Regardless of your age, status or circumstances, thinking about legal issues can be stressful. With Hope Elder Law taking care of your concerns, such as securing quality health or long term care and preserving assets for you or your loves ones, you will feel confident that your interests are protected, and get on with your LIFE.

Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) / UCEDD

UMass Boston
100 Morrissey Blvd
Boston, MA 02125
617-287-4300
Website: www.communityinclusion.org
Email: ici@umb.edu

ICI offers training, clinical, and employment services, conducts research and provides assistance to organizations to promote inclusion of people with disabilities in school, work and community activities.

Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC)

Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC)
25 Kingston Street, 2nd Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02111
617-357-8431
Helpline: 617-357-8431 Ext. 3224
Website: www.massadvocates.org


MAC works to change the conditions that limit children's opportunities by building coalitions, helping empower parents and community leaders, providing technical assistance and training, conducting case advocacy, advocating at the administrative and legislative levels, writing reports and, when necessary, litigating.

Mass Advocates Standing Strong (MASS)

200 Portland St # 500, Boston, MA 02114
Phone: Grant Yosenick at 857-360-0134
Website: https://ma-advocates.org/
Email: info@ma-advocates.org

MASS was founded and is operated by individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities who are self-advocates. Their mission is to empower self-advocates through education so that they may make choices to improve and enrich their own lives.

Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC)

20 Burlington Mall Road, Suite 261
Burlington, Massachusetts 01803
781-221-0024/800-664-MDSC
Website: www.mdsc.org
Email: mdsc@mdsc.org

MDSC works to ensure individuals with Down syndrome in Massachusetts are valued, included, and given opportunities to pursue fulfilling lives. They provide new parents with information, resources and support; promote the inclusion of people with Down syndrome into all aspects of the community, with particular consideration for schools and the workplace; gather and disseminate accurate, up-to-date information about Down syndrome; provide educational programs as well as an annual conference; encourage research related to Down syndrome and quality human services; address social policy issues with state and local human service agencies; and solicit and distribute funding for these accomplishments.

MassFamilies

450 Providence Hwy #1030

774-855-6001
Website: Massfamilies.org
Email: hello@massfamilies.org

MassFamilies is a grassroots coalition that provides advocacy and leadership training in pursuit of high quality, individualized community support and service options for people with disabilities and their families.

Massachusetts Sibling Support Network (NEW)

617-807-0558
Website: http://www.masiblingsupport.org
Email: info@masiblingsupport.org

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2052

Duxbury, MA 02026

This organization is designed to meet the needs of siblings of people with disabilities across Massachusetts. The website lists programs and current events for siblings to attend, resources for siblings of all ages and current sibling research.

Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee (MHLAC)

100 Hancock St. Suite 1002
Quincy, MA 02171
617-338-2345 / 800-342-9092 (MA only)
Website: mhlac.org
Email: MHLAC@mhlac.org

The legal staff of MHLAC provides legal referrals, information and advice to individuals, lawyers, mental health professionals and the general public. MHLAC reviews new developments in mental health, housing, family and disability civil rights law through its legal journal, the Advisor, and publications such as the Mental Health Law Guide and the Managed Care Packet.

MetroWest Center for Independent Living (MWCIL)

1 Clarks Hill, Suite 200 (first floor)
Framingham, MA 01702
508-875-7853
Website: www.mwcil.org
Email: info@mwcil.org

MWCIL provides the following core services: Independent Living, Advocacy, Information and Referral, Peer Support and Skills Training as well as Computer Training. All core services are free and available to people of all ages and disabilities.

National Autism Center at May Institute

41 Pacella Park Drive
Randolph, MA 02368
800-778-7601
Website: http://www.nationalautismcenter.org/

Email: mscarry@mayinstitute.org

The center provides leadership and comprehensive evidence-based resources to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and all concerned constituencies.

National Autism Resource and Information Center / Autism NOW

1825 K Street NW, Suite 1200
Washington, DC 20026
202-600-3480 / 855-8Autism or 85 5-828-8476
Website: www.autismnow.org
Email: info@autismnow.org

Autism NOW is a national initiative of The Arc funded by a grant from The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD). The goal of the organization is to provide quality resources and information for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, their families, caregivers and other interested persons.

Euince Kennedy Shriver Center
University of Massachusetts Medical School
55 Lake Ave. N, S3-301
Worcester, MA 01655

781-642-0248 / 800-642-0249
Website: www.disabilityinfo.org

The NE INDEX coordinates a state-wide information network which provides up-to-date and accurate information to individuals with disabilities, their families and those who serve them. The website will help individuals find services and programs, government programs and benefits, information on disabilities and illness and names of physicians, dentists and consultants.

Perkins School for the Blind - Braille & Talking Book Library (BTBL)

175 North Beacon Street
Watertown, MA 02472
617-924-3434 / 800-852-3133
Website: http://www.perkins.org/library
Email: PR@perkins.org

BTBL loans Braille and recorded reading materials and the player for the special tapes to eligible individuals who are unable to read print materials due to a visual, physical or reading disability or to organizations that serve them.

Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE)

P.O. Box 872
Mason, OH 45040
Website: www.sabeusa.org
Email: admin@sabeusa.org

SABE is the United State's national self-advocacy organization that works to ensure that people with disabilities are treated as equals and are the given the same decision-making opportunities.

39 Marrett Road
Lexington, MA 02420

781-325-8025
Website: http://www.snaparts.org/
Email: info@snaparts.org

This agency provides music and art experiences for people with disabilities.

SPEDWatch, Inc.

P.O. Box 212
Norwood, MA 02056
978-433-5983

Website: https://www.spedwatchma.org/

Email: emchambers123@gmail.com

SPEDWatch is a statewide, nonprofit civil rights movement working to secure the educational rights of all Massachusetts students with special needs, ages three through twenty-one.

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center

University of Massachusetts Medical School
55 Lake Avenue North, S3-301
Worcester, MA 01655

University of Massachusetts Medical School
465 Medford Street, Suite 500
Charlestown, MA 02129

774-455-6562
Website:http://shriver.umassmed.edu/


The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center has been a pioneer in research, education and service for people with developmental disabilities and their families. The Shriver Center includes one of the first Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Research Centers (MRDDRC) and University Centers of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) in the United States.

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of MetroBoston

71 Arsenal Street
Watertown, MA 02472
617-926-5480
Website: www.ucpboston.org
Email: ucpboston@ucpboston.org

UCP is the leading source of information on cerebral palsy. Local UCP affiliates provide support groups for consumers and their family members and friends, share important information and services across the developmental disability community and advocate for improved services.

Architectural Access Board (AAB)

1000 Washington Street
Suite 710
Boston , MA 02118
617-727-0660
Website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/architectural-access-board

Email Executive Director: william.joyce@mass.gov

AAB develops and enforces regulations designed to make public buildings accessible to, functional for and safe for use by persons with disabilities.

Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)

Universal Access Program (UAP)
P.O. Box 484
Amherst, MA 01004
413-545-5760
Website: www.mass.gov/dcr/universal_access

email: DCR.UniversalAccess@mass.gov

DCR's Universal Access Program is dedicated to providing all visitors equal access to the experience of outdoor recreation in Massachusetts State Parks.

Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

DDS Central Office: 1000 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02118
617-727-5608
Website: http://www.mass.gov/dds
Email: DDS.Info@state.ma.us

Area Office for Waltham, Watertown, Belmont, Cambridge and Somerville
Charles River West Area Office
465 Waverley Oaks Road, Suite 120
Waltham, MA 02452
617-623-5950

DDS oversees a comprehensive system of specialized services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities

Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)

50 Milk Street - 14th Floor
Boston, MA 02109-5002
617-988-6600
Website: www.mass.gov/eec/
Email: Commissioners.Office@massmail.state.ma.us

Region 6 - Metro/Boston Regional Office 1250 Hancock Street, Suite 120-S Quincy, MA 02169 617-472-2881

Massachusetts has created one agency to oversee early education and care and after-school services for families. EEC was created by consolidating the former Office of Childcare Services with the Early Learning Services Unit of the Department of Education. EEC is responsible for providing and coordinating a range of services and assistance that will improve the quality, affordability and accessibility of early education and care within the state.

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE)

75 Pleasant Street
Malden, MA 02148-4906
781-338-3000
Website: www.doe.mass.edu

Special Education Planning and Policy: The Office of Special Education Planning & Policy focuses on interagency and special education policy and planning and related personnel development activities.
Phone: 781-338-6202
Email: specialeducation@doe.mass.edu

Program Quality Assurance Services (PQA): PQA implements the Department's compliance monitoring and complaint management procedures for school districts, charter schools, educational collaboratives and approved public and private day and residential special education schools and provides technical assistance to school personnel and the public regarding the implementation of laws and regulations.
Phone: 781-338-3700
Email: compliance@doe.mass.edu

Department of Mental Health (DMH)

Central Office
25 Staniford Street
Boston, MA 02114
800-221-0053
Website: http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dmh/
Email: dmhinfo@massmail.state.ma.us

DMH assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individual's of all ages.

Department of Public Health / Early Intervention Program (EI) Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition

250 Washington Street - 5th floor
Boston, MA 02108
617-624-6060
Website: www.mass.gov/dph
Email: EI@state.ma.us

Emily.A.White@mass.gov

Early Intervention in Massachusetts is a statewide, integrated, developmental service available to families of children between birth and three years of age. Children may be eligible for EI if they have developmental difficulties due to identified disabilities, or if typical development is at risk due to certain birth or environmental circumstances.

Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA)

2201 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02111
617-989-6000
Website: www.mass.gov/dta

Application Information Hotline: 800-249-2007 DTA Automated Hotline for current case status and benefits: 877-382-2363

Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) has a benefits hotline that gives information on how you may qualify and apply for SNAP benefits: 866-950-FOOD (3663)

Area Office for Waltham
24 Crescent Street, Suite 201
Waltham, MA 02453
617-551-1700

DTA serves working families, children, elders and people with disabilities. Its services include food and nutritional assistance, cash assistance, employment supports and emergency shelter.

Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC)

300 Granite Street, Suite 404
Braintree, MA 02184
617-727-6465
TTY: 888-822-0350
V/TTY - 24 Hour Hotline: 800-426-9009
Website: www.mass.gov/dppc/

DPPC is an independent state agency who receives, screens and investigates reports of suspected physical, emotional and sexual abuse or neglect of a person with a disability as well as oversees investigations by DMR, DMH and MRC, ensures protective services are provided to abused or to those at risk and provides training and assistance to service providers, law enforcement personnel and the public.

Website: www.800ageinfo.com
Email: information.resources@mass.gov

The agency provides services locally via a network of centers across Massachusetts. The website assists consumers, caregivers and professionals in seeking information and resources on eldercare services and opportunities. The website includes the Massachusetts Aging and Disability Information Locator (MADIL) www.madil.org, a joint resource database on many different aging and disability organizations.

Regional Elder Care Agency:
Springwell, Inc.
307 Waverly Oaks Road, #205
Waltham, MA 02452
617-926-4100
Website: www.springwell.com
Email: inforef@springwell.com

Springwell is contracted by Executive Office of Elder Affairs to provide comprehensive services to seniors, individuals with disabilities and those who care for them in the Waltham/Watertown area.

Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB)

Central Office
600 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02111
617-727-5550 / 800-392-6450 (MA only)
Website: www.mass.gov/mcb/

MCB provides rehabilitation and social services to blind individuals, leading to independence and full community participation. MCB works in partnership with legally blind consumers, families, community agencies, health care providers and employers.

Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH)

Southeastern Massachusetts Regional Office
61 Industrial Park Rd.
Plymouth, MA 02360

Voice: 617-740-1600 / 800-882-1155
TTY: 617-740-1700 / 800-530-7570
Video Phone @ Front Desk: 617-326-7546
Video Phone @ Interpreter Referral Department: 866-470-2515

Website: www.mass.gov/mcdhh Email: Use form on website.

MCDHH is the principal agency in the Commonwealth that works on behalf of people of all ages who are deaf and hard of hearing. The MCDHH is mandated to coordinate public policy; deliver technical assistance and resources for other state agencies as needed; advocate; provide or ensure provision of direct specialized services including but not limited to case management, interpreter services, technology services including telecommunication and assistive listening devices, independent living services, information services and other services it determines are needed; carry out public education; ensure the accessibility and quality of existing services and recommend new services as needed; and make recommendations to the Governor.

Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC)

108 Myrtle St
Suite 202
Quincy, MA 02171-1791
617-770-7676
Website: www.mass.gov/mddc

MDDC provides opportunities for people with developmental disabilities and their families to enhance independence, productivity and inclusion. The Council's greatest impact on public policy occurs through self-advocacy, supported by the development and maintenance of strong coalitions. The Council fosters and supports coalitions with other advocacy and community groups and supports close working relationships among and between the various public and private service providers

Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD)

One Ashburton Place, Room 1305
Boston, MA 02108
617-727-7440 / 800-322-2020 (Voice/TTY)
Website: www.mass.gov/mod

MOD's mission is to bring about full and equal participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of life. It works to assure the advancement of legal rights and for the promotion of maximum opportunities, supportive services, accommodations and accessibility in a manner which fosters dignity and self determination. MOD is the Commonwealth's Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinating Agency.

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)

Central Office
600 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02211
617-204-3600 / 800-245-6543 (Voice/TDD)
Website: www.mass.gov/mrc

Area Office for Arlington, Belmont, Cambridge, Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Somerville, Stoneham, Waltham, Wakefield, Watertown and Winchester.
245 Commercial Street
Malden, MA 02148
617-776-2662

MRC assists individuals with disabilities to go to work. The agency serves individuals with all types of disabilities except those who are blind. Individuals with visual disabilities are served through MCB.

Disability Law Center, Inc. (DLC)

11 Beacon Street, Suite 925
Boston, MA 02108
617-723-8455 / 800-872-9992
Website: www.dlc-ma.org
Email: mail@dlc-ma.org