Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council

10/22/2026

📢 We're hiring!

The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) is seeking a Graduate Research and Public Policy Intern to support our work in disability policy, community needs assessment, and research.

This is an opportunity for current master's and doctoral students to gain hands-on experience using research and data to help inform policies and initiatives that affect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) across Massachusetts.

The selected candidate will work alongside Council staff, members, and community partners to:

• Develop accessible surveys and community needs assessments
• Analyze data to identify barriers to services and opportunities for greater inclusion
• Research state and federal disability policies and legislation
• Translate research findings into recommendations that inform MDDC's advocacy and strategic planning

We're looking for someone with experience in research, data analysis, and survey development who is interested in advancing disability rights, accessibility, and community inclusion.

First consideration will be given to applicants who apply within the first 14 days of the posting.

Interested in joining our team? https://massanf.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2600074V&tz=GMT-04%3A00&tzname=America%2FNew_York

10/22/2026

Yesterday, staff members Destiny Maxam and Lee Larriu joined MDDC Council Member Gyasi Burks-Abbott and self-advocate Daniel O’Donnell at the 2026 Massachusetts Disability Task Force Conference for , held at Shriver Center/UMass Chan Medical School!

The conference covered important topics, including legal and policy issues, challenges facing the disability community, and other benefits, and strategies for developing advocacy skills among the people we serve.

We were pleased to take part in these important conversations and connect with others who are committed to advancing disability rights, strengthening advocacy, and supporting people with disabilities in having their voices heard.

A special thank you to moderator Nora Bent, Senior Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy at The Arc of Massachusetts, for helping guide the discussion!

10/20/2026

The Massachusetts Statewide Independent Living Council (MASILC)
wants to know what is most important to people with disabilities, their families, and their communities. This listening session will help set the direction for the next State Plan for Independent Living.

Wednesday, October 21, 2026
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Via zoom
To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/nIO9p1AsR-KHbYPPgub-sA

To request or confirm communication access, Spanish interpretation, or other accommodations, please register at least 2 weeks before the meeting. Questions? Contact [email protected] or 508-620-7452

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: State Plan Listening Session . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

10/19/2026

The next generation of leaders is helping shape the future of advocacy in Massachusetts!

From November 16–18, the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) and our partners will host the 2026 Paul W. Spooner Generational Leadership Summit in Quincy.

Named in honor of longtime disability rights advocate Paul W. Spooner, the Summit brings together emerging and experienced leaders from across Massachusetts to share experiences, build leadership skills, and explore ways to advance disability rights.

Self-advocacy is at the heart of this work. People with disabilities must have opportunities to speak for themselves, make decisions about their own lives, and help shape the policies and systems that affect their communities.

Throughout the Summit, participants will learn about the history of the disability rights movement, connect with fellow advocates, and work together to turn ideas into action. This year, we're also excited to welcome back Summit alumni to share their experiences and continue building connections across generations.

We're proud to work alongside our Summit partners, including the Disability Policy Consortium, Boston Center for Independent Living, Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong, The Arc of Massachusetts, MassFamilies, and the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities.

Follow along as we introduce this year's Summit and the leaders helping carry the disability rights movement forward!

Learn more: https://generationalleaders.org/

10/15/2026

Webinar Alert —Understanding Community Living and Action Steps for State Advocates

With the current federal landscape bringing attention to the rights of people with disabilities living in their communities, there are mutlple actions advocates can take to make community living and inclusion a way of life.

Join the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, leaders with lived experience, and subject matter experts for a webinar on understanding community living and what state advocates can do to ensure that community living and inclusion become the way of life for people with developmental disabilities in local communities.

REGISTER TODAY:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/NjM6vHgMQyGn61VreN5Eeg #/registration

10/15/2026

Continuing with the Month Celebrations, the Department of Labor and Employment - DOLE is hosting NDEAM 2026: Celebrating Value and Talent — A Milestone Conversation

Together with Secretary Keith Sonderling, the Department is highlighting a landmark moment in a landmark year. This October, in the 250th year since our nation’s founding, disabled Americans are participating in the labor force at the highest level ever recorded — and we’re celebrating with an exciting virtual event you won’t want to miss.

DATE: October 16, 2026
TIME: 2:00 p.m. ET
Register today: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:*2F*2Fusdolevents.webex.com*2Fweblink*2Fregister*2Fr88d429803ebb473bff76d80fa380af55/2/010001a11ccf85f2-fe8c4eb9-0851-46cd-961a-24d5f4abc640-000000/31kprBp1iWgDV__KoFMGYj3VBvxCSWcjo8Q1vzk2JmY=452__;JSUlJSU!!CPANwP4y!UPdJ9zKMTmR3_LX8AymL515e-dP-WyiKO_NW09D4nVR6Vbo0UtvmpAW1JuEvHqlvSigzRyINgzhC5f2-Ht4wnJoKkBLAuA$

10/09/2026

Join MDDC for our next virtual Public Policy Committee meeting!
Stay informed about important policy developments affecting people with disabilities across Massachusetts and beyond.

During this meeting, we'll share updates on:

• State and federal policy and budget developments
• MDDC's priority and endorsed legislation
• Coalition and community partner activities
• Recent Council initiatives and advocacy efforts

We'll also take a closer look at two important topics:

➡️ Updates on the federal Olmstead court case and its potential implications for people with disabilities.

➡️ An overview of MDDC's guide on video surveillance in group homes (https://www.mass.gov/doc/mddc-community-conversation-video-surveillance-in-group-homes/download), a resource addressing an important issue for individuals with developmental disabilities, families, and support providers.

We encourage Council members, advocates, community partners, and anyone interested in disability policy to join us!

Virtual meeting via Zoom - Tuesday, October 13, 3-4PM:
Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/h36kzgq

10/08/2026

As part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month ( ), we're highlighting opportunities to advance inclusive employment across Massachusetts!

Join the Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center (DETAC) for Customized Employment in Action, a free webinar exploring how employers and job seekers can work together to create meaningful employment opportunities that benefit everyone.

📅 Tuesday, October 13, 2026
⏰ 3–4:30 p.m. ET
💻 Virtual webinar
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8Fgm1Lj3RbqNNHz15cnGAQ #/registration

Customized employment focuses on identifying a job seeker's individual strengths and interests and matching them with the needs of an employer.

Participants will learn practical strategies for developing customized jobs, strengthening employer partnerships, and improving employment outcomes for people with disabilities. The discussion will also feature employers sharing firsthand experiences and lessons learned.

Learn more about DETAC: https://aoddisabilityemploymenttacenter.com/

Each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), celebrates the contributions, skills, and talents of people with disabilities in America’s workforce. In recognition of this year’s theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” join DETAC for a webinar exploring how customized e...

10/08/2026

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month ( )! Yesterday, MDDC was proud to join advocates, legislators, employers, and community partners at the State House for the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilitiest'annual NDEAM celebration.

The event recognized individuals and organizations working to expand employment opportunities, remove barriers, and create more inclusive workplaces for people with disabilities across the Commonwealth.

We were especially pleased to celebrate two of MDDC’s Disability Legislative Champions, Senator Joan B. Lovely and Representative Sean Garballey, who were honored for their continued leadership and advocacy on behalf of the disability community. Congratulations as well to our partners at the Disability Policy Consortium (DPC), recognized for their commitment to building a workplace where employees with disabilities are empowered to succeed.

MDDC is excited for all of this year’s honorees and thanks the Commission for bringing our community together to recognize the importance of employment.

As we celebrate NDEAM, we remain committed to educating our leaders and the public on resources that create a Massachusetts where people with disabilities have equitable access to meaningful employment and opportunities to thrive.

Learn more about the celebration and this year’s honorees: https://www.mass.gov/news/2026-national-disability-employment-awareness-month-celebration

View the full event recording: https://www.mass.gov/news/2026-national-disability-employment-awareness-month-celebration

10/07/2026

The registration deadline for the 2026 Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong Conference has been extended until October 13th!
We hope to see you there.
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Conference-Registration-EXTENDED-to-Oct--13th--.html?soid=1117796648800&aid=MPcFtGacF-A

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