What is MRC Connect?
MRC Connect collects your referral information in one place and helps the agency identify programs and services you may be eligible for. Below are the programs included in the application.
Additional Resources
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
VR helps people with disabilities go to work. You must want to work and need VR services to train, find, or keep a job. If you are unemployed or underemployed, you may benefit from vocational services.
You may qualify if you:
- Are a Massachusetts resident
- Are eligible to work in the US
- Have a physical or mental disability which results in a substantial impediment to employment
- Require VR services to train, find or keep a job
Examples of VR Services
- Vocational counseling, guidance, and assistance in job placement, such as interview preparation, job coach, and/or direct job placement services
- Training programs including job-driven partnerships with employers, college and vocational certificate programs
- Assistive technology and rehabilitation technology services
Statewide Head Injury Program (SHIP)
SHIP provides a range of services for people with a traumatic brain injury. This includes individual supports for community living, regional service centers, residential supports, case management, recreation programs, substance use disorder services, technical assistance and consultation.
You may qualify if you:
- Are a Massachusetts resident
- Have a documented externally caused traumatic brain injury with significant impairment
- Can demonstrate an ability to participate in community-based services
Examples of SHIP Services
- Skills Training: Helping consumers learn the skills they need to live in the community
- Adult Companion: Provides companionship and social activities. This aide can also be used so a caregiving family member can take a break
- Residential Services: Provided in a 24-hour, provider operated group home setting
Home Care Assistance Program (HCAP)
HCAP provides needed homemaking and coordination of services to individuals, age 18 through 59 with disabilities other than legal blindness.
You may qualify if you:
- Are a Massachusetts resident
- Have a disability which keeps you from doing one or more homemaking tasks
- Meet financial guidelines
- Live alone or with live with another adult relative or significant other who also has a disabling condition
Examples of HCAP Services
- HCAP services may be provided on an average of 4 hours per week, with a maximum of 12 hours in exceptional circumstances
- Meal preparation
- Grocery shopping at the supermarket or grocery store closest to the consumer’s residence, medication pick-up and taking out trash
- Laundry of your items only
Supported Living (SL)
SL provides services specifically for people living with severe physical disabilities and to help them live independently in the community by providing assistance with managing personal affairs, including support in managing PCA services.
You may qualify if you:
- Are a Massachusetts resident
- Have a severe physical disability which is accompanied by a secondary disability
- Are not eligible for SHIP services
- Are not eligible for services from other state agencies that meet similar needs
Examples of SL Services
- Finding accessible and affordable housing
- Support in Personal Care Assistance (PCA), personal health, finances, household and transportation services
- Obtaining and maintaining assistive technology, including durable medical equipment
- Accessing vocational, educational, social and recreational opportunities