Event Details + Registration
70 Years of Progress:
Advocacy, Empowerment, and The Arc of Massachusetts
Thursday, May 23, 2024 2:30pm
The VERVE
1360 Worcester Street | Natick, Massachusetts
For 70 years, The Arc of Massachusetts has banded together with advocates, families, public officials, human service agencies, and friends to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism. During that time so much has changed and improved, as we have moved from institutions and segregation to inclusion and opportunities. Today, the 200,000 Massachusetts residents living with IDD have more opportunities to lead full lives in the community than ever before. Thousands have worked tirelessly to reach this milestone, but progress was not fast nor easy.
Join us for 70 Years of Progress: Advocacy, Empowerment, and The Arc of Massachusetts as we examine the history of disability policy and advocacy. See how life has changed through the personal experiences of a panel representing members of the disability community and be inspired to continue on the journey.
Panelists
- Robert DeLeo, Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, 2009-2020
- Cynthia Haddad, Sibling and former Board Member of The Arc of Massachusetts
- Roger Walsh, Self-Advocate and former Board Member of The Arc of Massachusetts
Moderator
- Leo Sarkissian, Executive Director of The Arc of Massachusetts
The program will be followed by a reception and The Arc of Massachusetts Annual Meeting and Dinner.
Schedule
- 2:30 – 3:00 pm Registration and welcome
- 3:00 – 4:45 pm 70 Years of Progress Program
- 4:45 – 6:15 pm Reception
- 6:30 – 8:30 pm Annual Meeting and Dinner
Tickets
- 70 Years of Progress $70 per person
- Dinner and Annual Meeting $75 per person
- Both the program and dinner $125 per person
History Webinars
70 Years of Progress:
The Evolving Service System and the Push for Community
With Phil Campbell and Mary Lou Maloney
70 Years of Progress:
The Beginning of The Arc and the Evolution of Family Supports
With Jo Ann Simons and Terrie Varnet
Sponsorship
As a sponsor, you will improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. The 70th Anniversary will bring together our partners and friends, while celebrating the progress that has been made. The funds raised are critical to sustaining the advocacy and programs of The Arc of Massachusetts.
Please contact Katrin Aback, Director of Development, at aback@arcmass.org to learn more about our constituency and the benefits of sponsoring this event or to develop a sponsorship package that meets your organization’s needs.
70th Anniversary Sponsors
Platinum Sponsor
Scott and Julie Borchardt
Vibeke and Gustav Christensen
Gold Sponsor
John and Tracy Atkinson
Silver Sponsor
Janet and Art Rico
Bronze Sponsor
Rick Daswani
Advocate Sponsor
Robert and Karen Bagdasarian
Jayme and Robert Betts
Supporter Sponsor
Berkshire County Arc
Charles River Center
Lifeworks
The Arc of Greater Haverhill-Newburyport
The Arc of Plymouth and Upper Cape Cod
CIL
Susanna Peyton and John Campbell
Road to Responsibility, Inc.
Sevita Health
Friend Sponsor
Disability Law Center
Economised Time Services
The New England Council
NuPath
Leo and Mary Beth Sarkissian
Incompass Human Services
Northeast Arc
Opportunities for Inclusion
Katrin Aback
A.W. Perry, Inc.
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact Katrin Aback for more information:
Official Media Partner
70th Anniversary Celebration Raises Nearly $290,000 to Support Advocacy for People with IDD and Autism
On November 9, 2023, The Arc of Massachusetts celebrated seven decades of advocacy for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism with their 70th Anniversary Celebration at the Boston Marriott Newton. The event was a true success, with over 300 supporters in attendance and nearly $290,000 raised to support The Arc’s crucial work. Read the full press release.
