
DPC News & Updates
State Budget Report
Last week, Governor Healey released her version of the state budget. This kicks off a 5-month (or longer) budgeting process which happens every year. The House and the Senate will make significant changes before it returns to her. The Governor’s budget helps advocates see where we need to focus our energy in the coming months.
How You Can Support the 2024 Generational Leadership Summit
We are thrilled to announce the second annual iteration of this vital initiative. This year’s Summit will be held September 23-25, 2024—and we need your support.
Institute on Theology and Disability to be Hosted by Boston College
Boston College and its School of Theology and Ministry will be the host for the 2024 Institute on Theology and Disability this June.
Personal Emergency Preparedness Plan
Cities and town governments are responsible for planning and responding to a disaster. Individuals should also prepare themselves, their families, and their caregivers. We offer guidance on what to think about, record, and practice to complete your emergency preparedness plan.
FY24 Budget Goals for the Alternative Housing Voucher Program and Accessible Affordable Housing Grants
People with disabilities are more than twice as likely to be homeless as their nondisabled peers. Together, AHVP and AAHG help solve the urgent issue of homelessness and institutionalization in the disability community by creating more accessible homes and helping people pay for them.
HD.3015: An Act relative to health insurance coverage for hearing aids
This bill establishes the legal framework for Supported Decision-Making in Massachusetts, an alternative to guardianship in which adults can choose a group of trusted supporters to assist them with making and communicating decisions.
H.1305/S.884: An Act to Create Affordable Homes for Persons with Disabilities
This bill builds more accessible and affordable homes by improving the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) and allowing project-basing of AHVP vouchers.
H.216/S.67: An Act Allowing Spouses to Serve as Caregivers
This bill will allow spouses to be authorized to serve as paid caregivers in the MassHealth program for the provision of certain home-based care and services just as other relatives are already permitted to serve as paid caregivers.
H.1168/S.726: An Act Protecting the Homes of Seniors and Disabled People on MassHealth
Estate recovery is the practice of MassHealth recouping the cost of medical services from the deceased enrollee's family. While mandated by federal law, estate recovery is made even more aggressive by requirements under Massachusetts law. It can result in the sale of the family home, causing excessive financial burden and perpetuating poverty, especially among communities of color and people with disabilities.
The History of Commissions On Disability Alliance (CODA)
CODA formed in the spring of 2013 or 2014. Read on for a history of CODA and how DPC came to play a vital role in organizing and leading calls.
Disability Law Center is looking for volunteers!
Disability Law Center is looking for volunteers to conduct a polling place accessibility survey!
MCDHH North-Shore Listening Session
We are excited to announce the upcoming 3rd Listening Session in the Northeast region, scheduled to take place at the Lawrence Public Library on Thursday, March 28th, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
Stop the PCA Cuts
We're glad to be fighting side by side with our friends at BCIL to block these damaging PCA cuts.
Make Your Budget Priorities Heard!
State Representatives are currently working on the House's version of the budget for the next year, and the Senate will start soon. We have to tell them what funding our communities need!
March 2024 Updates from Our Executive Director
Spring is coming, and along with the budding plants and warming temperatures this season usually brings hope. Certainly our community has a great deal to hope for, including on the national level and here in Massachusetts.
Study Finds Worse Health Outcomes in Private Equity-Owned HospitalsNIHCM Foundation
A new study revealed that there was a substantial increase in adverse events occurring while patients were hospitalized, such as falls and infections, at private equity-owned hospitals.
A Dignity-Based Independent Living and Recovery-Centered Model of Care
Community Catalyst’s Center for Community Engagement in Health Innovation partnered with the Disability Policy Consortium to publish two issue briefs focused on ensuring an equity-centered model of care for individuals that are dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.
Action Alert: Send a letter to your legislators encouraging them to support critical disability programs!
State Representatives are currently working on the House's version of the budget for the next year, and the Senate will start soon. We have to tell them what funding our communities need! Use our web form to easily send a letter to your legislators encouraging them to support critical disability programs.