Understood is an organization that is dedicated to growing and shaping a world where everyone who learns and thinks differently feels supported at home, at school, and at work. They offer a huge collection of resources for families around community, school and learning, as well as the lived experiences of children with disabilities.
Social Security: Disability
The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs provide assistance to people with disabilities. This page provides detailed information about disability benefits and can help you understand what to expect from Social Security during the disability process.
Massachusetts Office on Disability: Benefits
The Massachusetts Office on Disability provides an overview of disability benefits programs from various sources.
Massachusetts Office on Disability
The Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) works to ensure that people with disabilities in the Commonwealth can equally participate in all aspects of life. MOD serves as a resource to state agencies, municipalities, and members of the general public by providing information and guidance on matters concerning disability related civil rights, equal access, and opportunity.
Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change
Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change (MFOFC) is a statewide, grassroots coalition of individuals with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses and their families. MFOFC provides sustained advocacy and leadership training in pursuit of community support and service options, including family support, for people with disabilities and their families.
Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong
Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong (MASS) is a state-wide, self-advocacy organization run for and by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their mission is to empower self-advocates through education so they can make choices that improve and enrich their lives.
Institute for Community Inclusion
The Institute for Community Inclusion at UMass Boston supports the rights of children and adults with disabilities to participate in all aspects of the community. They are a group of practitioners, researchers, and teachers who partner with individuals, families, and communities to advocate for personal choice, self-determination, and social and economic justice. Their areas of research and publication include universal design, disability policy, workforce development, training for rehabilitation professionals, transition from school to adult life, children and youth with special health care needs and more.
Massachusetts Housing Rights
The government of Massachusetts provides information on housing rights of persons with disabilities and general information on finding housing.
Federation for Children with Special Needs
The Federation of Children with Special Needs provides information, support, and assistance to parents of children with disabilities, their professional partners, and their communities. They offer a range of supports geared toward special education, parenting, health, community and leadership.
Disability Law Center
The Disability Law Center (DLC) is a private, non-profit organization responsible for providing protection and advocacy for the rights of Massachusetts residents with disabilities. DLC offers information, referral, technical assistance and representation regarding legal rights and services for people with disabilities as well as conduct trainings for community groups and other advocacy organizations.
Disability Emergency Preparedness
The Massachusetts Office on Disability offers emergency response resources and procedures.