Funded Grant Projects

Supporting Self Advocacy, Leadership and Self-Sufficiency
Total Funding: $434,202
Federal Funds: $60,000 (13.82%)
Matching Funds: $374,202 (86.18%)

The goal of this Project is to continue to build and strengthen self-advocacy across Massachusetts and, build leaders and support self-advocates to learn to self-direct, enjoy life and become as independent as possible.   MASS will provide training and support self-advocates in self-advocacy, conduct legislative advocacy training at the State House, provide leadership training in conjunction with the MA DD Council, conduct Explore, Prepare, Act training to prepare self-advocates to get work, provide Making a Contribution training: including resume writing and interviewing tips.

Transition for Youth with Developmental Disabilities
Total Funding: $85,010
Federal Funds: $55,000
Matching Funds: $30,010 (35%)

The project goal is to remove barriers so that youth with developmental disabilities can receive the supports they need to develop the prerequisite skills to live as adults. This will be primarily accomplished by conducting advocacy activities and working collaboratively with transition stakeholders. Major activities include: research and advocacy regarding DESE transition specialist regulations and guidelines; development of a position paper and other informational materials regarding the benefits of IEP short term objectives; and educating policy makers, higher education officials, individuals, families, and educators to expand the Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment (ICE) program.   Working with other diverse stakeholders, the project will help ensure that students with DD receive transition planning and services necessary to promote a successful transition to employment, higher education, and independent living.

Self-Directed Supports
Total Funding: $68,408
Federal Funds: $60,000 (88%)
Matching Funds: $8,408 (12%)

The goal of the project is to build self-directed community-based supports and services for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members. In collaboration with MA21 members (Massachusetts Alliance for 21st Century Disability Policy), the grantee will work to advance public policy around self-directed and family supports through promoting legislation, engaging grassroots constituents, obtaining the support of policymakers and educating the public through various media. A primary focus of the grant will be to promote the "Real Lives" bill and other policy foundations outlined in MA21's "Implementing a 21 ^st Century Disability Policy." The project will also provide logistical support for a legislative reception.  Ultimately, the project will impact the everyday lives of people with disabilities lives through policies that will provide people with greater flexibility, transparency, independence and integration.