The Massachusetts Office on Disability seeks to protect the rights of people with disabilities, improve the quality of life of disabled persons, and promote equal access to services and facilities. The Office monitors and provides technical assistance to state agencies to help ensure compliance with state and federal laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, that affect people with disabilities. The Office responds to an estimated 10,000 individuals annually seeking assistance, and supports an arts program specifically for people with disabilities.

Objectives

In an effort to improve the Commonwealth's services for people with disabilities, the Office will coordinate the activities of the Governor's Advisory Council on Disability and the Governor's Interagency Council on Disability Policy.

Budget Recommendations

The amount recommended for Fiscal Year 1998 will enable the Office on Disability to provide the same level of services as in Fiscal Year 1997.

Budgetary Direct Appropriations

MASSACHUSETTS OFFICE ON DISABILITY
1107-2400	For the office on disability; provided, that not less than fifty thousand dollars of the amount appropriated herein shall be expended for arts programs for people with disabilities, including but not limited to, festivals, training, and education through the arts	580,113

Federal Grant Spending

CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
1107-2450	For the purposes of a federally funded grant entitled, Client Assistance Program	207,394

Trust and Other Spending

1107-2490

DISABILITY AND BUSINESS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

59,734

1107-2495

VERY SPECIAL ARTS MASSACHUSETTS

1,568