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. Additional funding will enable the Massachusetts Office on Disability to gain access to on-line information from the Massachusetts Network of Information Providers, a database network comprised of over 30 non-profit organizations that provide services to people with disabilities. This will significantly enhance the Office's capability to provide clients with up-to-date information about various statewide programs and services for individuals with disabilities.

Budget Recommendations

The Fiscal Year 1999 funding recommendation includes: an additional $45,856 for an administrative position to coordinate the activities of the Governor's Advisory Council on Disability and the Interagency Committee on Disability; and an additional $15,000 to enable the Massachusetts Office on Disability to gain access to information from the Massachusetts Network of Information Providers.

Budgetary Direct Appropriations

MASSACHUSETTS OFFICE ON DISABILITY
1107-2400	For the office on disability; provided, that not less than $50,000 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	712,042

Federal Grant Spending

CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
1107-2450	For the purposes of a federally funded grant entitled, Client Assistance Program	211,763

Trust and Other Spending

1107-2490

DISABILITY AND BUSINESS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

25,000

1107-2495

VERY SPECIAL ARTS MASSACHUSETTS

6,500