All Things Disability

Matt Millett is a Special Olympics in multiple sports, a self-advocate, and a regular judge for Northeast Arc's Arc Tank competition. In this week's episode, Matt speaks about how his experiences through Special Olympics have made him a stronger self-advocate while increasing his confidence.

Watch Matt's viral shot at the Special Olympics World Games

About Northeast Arc

Northeast Arc was founded in 1954 by parents of children with developmental disabilities who wanted to raise their sons and daughters as full members of the community. By having the courage to challenge professionals who told them their children could not be educated and would not live to become adults, these parents created the systems that enabled them to attend public schools, develop friendships, reside in the neighborhoods of their choice and to earn a paycheck. Over the years, our programs have expanded to support children and adults with a broader range of disabilities, including autism and physical disabilities. Today we serve thousands of people in nearly 190 cities and towns across Massachusetts. The goal of the Northeast Arc is to ensure that children and adults with disabilities are able to live, work, engage in civic life and play in the community. We work toward that goal by offering a wide variety of programs including Autism Services, Day Habilitation, Deaf Services, Early Intervention, Employment Services, Family Support, Personal Care Assistance, Recreation, Residential and Transition Services. Northeast Arc is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of individuals with disabilities, parents and siblings of people with disabilities, and business and community leaders. Programs are operated by a professional staff led by a Chief Executive Officer with 35 years of experience at the helm of the organization, and are supported by a large volunteer corps.  

Learn more at ne-arc.org.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NortheastArc  

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northeastarc/  

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NortheastArc  

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/northeast-arc

About Northeast Arc

Northeast Arc was founded in 1954 by parents of children with developmental disabilities who wanted to raise their sons and daughters as full members of the community. By having the courage to challenge professionals who told them their children could not be educated and would not live to become adults, these parents created the systems that enabled them to attend public schools, develop friendships, reside in the neighborhoods of their choice and to earn a paycheck. Over the years, our programs have expanded to support children and adults with a broader range of disabilities, including autism and physical disabilities. Today we serve thousands of people in nearly 200 cities and towns across Massachusetts. The goal of the Northeast Arc is to ensure that children and adults with disabilities are able to live, work, engage in civic life and play in the community. We work toward that goal by offering a wide variety of programs including Autism Services, Day Habilitation, Deaf Services, Early Intervention, Employment Services, Family Support, Personal Care Assistance, Recreation, Residential and Transition Services. Northeast Arc is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of individuals with disabilities, parents and siblings of people with disabilities, and business and community leaders. 

Learn more at ne-arc.org.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NortheastArc  

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northeastarc/  

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NortheastArc  

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/northeast-arc

Dr. Steven Perlman is Clinical Professor of Pediatric Dentistry at the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. He's also the Adjunct Professor of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Dentistry for persons with Disabilities and is recipient of the Academy's Harold Burke award in recognition of his lifetime achievement in caring for people with disabilities. 

He is also most proud of being co-founder of the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry. Steve is well-known for founding Special Olympics, Special Smiles, an oral health Initiative that offers free, and, sometimes, life-saving dental screenings to athletes worldwide. 

About Northeast Arc

Northeast Arc was founded in 1954 by parents of children with developmental disabilities who wanted to raise their sons and daughters as full members of the community. By having the courage to challenge professionals who told them their children could not be educated and would not live to become adults, these parents created the systems that enabled them to attend public schools, develop friendships, reside in the neighborhoods of their choice and to earn a paycheck. Over the years, our programs have expanded to support children and adults with a broader range of disabilities, including autism and physical disabilities. Today we serve thousands of people in nearly 190 cities and towns across Massachusetts. The goal of the Northeast Arc is to ensure that children and adults with disabilities are able to live, work, engage in civic life and play in the community. We work toward that goal by offering a wide variety of programs including Autism Services, Day Habilitation, Deaf Services, Early Intervention, Employment Services, Family Support, Personal Care Assistance, Recreation, Residential and Transition Services. Northeast Arc is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of individuals with disabilities, parents and siblings of people with disabilities, and business and community leaders. Programs are operated by a professional staff led by a Chief Executive Officer with 35 years of experience at the helm of the organization, and are supported by a large volunteer corps.  

Learn more at ne-arc.org.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NortheastArc  

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northeastarc/  

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NortheastArc  

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/northeast-arc

About Northeast Arc

Northeast Arc was founded in 1954 by parents of children with developmental disabilities who wanted to raise their sons and daughters as full members of the community. By having the courage to challenge professionals who told them their children could not be educated and would not live to become adults, these parents created the systems that enabled them to attend public schools, develop friendships, reside in the neighborhoods of their choice and to earn a paycheck. Over the years, our programs have expanded to support children and adults with a broader range of disabilities, including autism and physical disabilities. Today we serve thousands of people in nearly 200 cities and towns across Massachusetts. The goal of the Northeast Arc is to ensure that children and adults with disabilities are able to live, work, engage in civic life and play in the community. We work toward that goal by offering a wide variety of programs including Autism Services, Day Habilitation, Deaf Services, Early Intervention, Employment Services, Family Support, Personal Care Assistance, Recreation, Residential and Transition Services. Northeast Arc is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of individuals with disabilities, parents and siblings of people with disabilities, and business and community leaders. 

Learn more at ne-arc.org.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NortheastArc  

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northeastarc/  

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NortheastArc  

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/northeast-arc

In 2017, Felicity Buonopane was born with Down syndrome. Since then, her parents have embarked on a journey focused on supporting their daughter and creating inclusive opportunities for her. In this week's episde you'll hear from Felicity's mother, Stefani. 

Stefani has a master's degree from Lesley University in dance movement therapy and is a certified yoga instructor with training for both children and adults. Stefani has developed therapeutic relationships with people of many ages, backgrounds, and levels of need.

Stefani in particular has focused on helping Felicity find "her power" and in this episode you'll hear how Stefani has harness arts and yoga to help her daughter feel empowered.

About Northeast Arc

Northeast Arc was founded in 1954 by parents of children with developmental disabilities who wanted to raise their sons and daughters as full members of the community. By having the courage to challenge professionals who told them their children could not be educated and would not live to become adults, these parents created the systems that enabled them to attend public schools, develop friendships, reside in the neighborhoods of their choice and to earn a paycheck. Over the years, our programs have expanded to support children and adults with a broader range of disabilities, including autism and physical disabilities. Today we serve thousands of people in nearly 190 cities and towns across Massachusetts. The goal of the Northeast Arc is to ensure that children and adults with disabilities are able to live, work, engage in civic life and play in the community. We work toward that goal by offering a wide variety of programs including Autism Services, Day Habilitation, Deaf Services, Early Intervention, Employment Services, Family Support, Personal Care Assistance, Recreation, Residential and Transition Services. Northeast Arc is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of individuals with disabilities, parents and siblings of people with disabilities, and business and community leaders. Programs are operated by a professional staff led by a Chief Executive Officer with 35 years of experience at the helm of the organization, and are supported by a large volunteer corps.  

Learn more at ne-arc.org.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NortheastArc  

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northeastarc/  

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NortheastArc  

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/northeast-arc

About Northeast Arc

Northeast Arc was founded in 1954 by parents of children with developmental disabilities who wanted to raise their sons and daughters as full members of the community. By having the courage to challenge professionals who told them their children could not be educated and would not live to become adults, these parents created the systems that enabled them to attend public schools, develop friendships, reside in the neighborhoods of their choice and to earn a paycheck. Over the years, our programs have expanded to support children and adults with a broader range of disabilities, including autism and physical disabilities. Today we serve thousands of people in nearly 200 cities and towns across Massachusetts. The goal of the Northeast Arc is to ensure that children and adults with disabilities are able to live, work, engage in civic life and play in the community. We work toward that goal by offering a wide variety of programs including Autism Services, Day Habilitation, Deaf Services, Early Intervention, Employment Services, Family Support, Personal Care Assistance, Recreation, Residential and Transition Services. Northeast Arc is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of individuals with disabilities, parents and siblings of people with disabilities, and business and community leaders. 

Learn more at ne-arc.org.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NortheastArc  

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northeastarc/  

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NortheastArc  

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/northeast-arc

In this week's episode Jo Ann Simons is joined by Liz Weintraub. Liz is a senior advocacy specialist for the Association of University Centers on Disability and the host of the YouTube series, Tuesdays with Liz-- Disability Policy for All. In 2011, President Barack Obama appointed Liz to serve on the president's committee for people with intellectual disabilities.

Liz is both a self-advocate and and advocate, who has spent decades fighting for policies that will improve the lives of people with disabilities. Her work has been shaped by her own experiences. Liz was born with cerebral palsy and an intellectual disability, and in her early 20s, Liz's parents placed her into a private institution.

That experience has shaped Liz's work to ensure that all people with disabilities should be able to make their own decisions-- whether it is about their health, their jobs, or where they live.

About Northeast Arc

Northeast Arc was founded in 1954 by parents of children with developmental disabilities who wanted to raise their sons and daughters as full members of the community. By having the courage to challenge professionals who told them their children could not be educated and would not live to become adults, these parents created the systems that enabled them to attend public schools, develop friendships, reside in the neighborhoods of their choice and to earn a paycheck. Over the years, our programs have expanded to support children and adults with a broader range of disabilities, including autism and physical disabilities. Today we serve thousands of people in nearly 190 cities and towns across Massachusetts. The goal of the Northeast Arc is to ensure that children and adults with disabilities are able to live, work, engage in civic life and play in the community. We work toward that goal by offering a wide variety of programs including Autism Services, Day Habilitation, Deaf Services, Early Intervention, Employment Services, Family Support, Personal Care Assistance, Recreation, Residential and Transition Services. Northeast Arc is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of individuals with disabilities, parents and siblings of people with disabilities, and business and community leaders. Programs are operated by a professional staff led by a Chief Executive Officer with 35 years of experience at the helm of the organization, and are supported by a large volunteer corps.  

Learn more at ne-arc.org.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NortheastArc  

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northeastarc/  

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NortheastArc  

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/northeast-arc

About Northeast Arc

Northeast Arc was founded in 1954 by parents of children with developmental disabilities who wanted to raise their sons and daughters as full members of the community. By having the courage to challenge professionals who told them their children could not be educated and would not live to become adults, these parents created the systems that enabled them to attend public schools, develop friendships, reside in the neighborhoods of their choice and to earn a paycheck. Over the years, our programs have expanded to support children and adults with a broader range of disabilities, including autism and physical disabilities. Today we serve thousands of people in nearly 200 cities and towns across Massachusetts. The goal of the Northeast Arc is to ensure that children and adults with disabilities are able to live, work, engage in civic life and play in the community. We work toward that goal by offering a wide variety of programs including Autism Services, Day Habilitation, Deaf Services, Early Intervention, Employment Services, Family Support, Personal Care Assistance, Recreation, Residential and Transition Services. Northeast Arc is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of individuals with disabilities, parents and siblings of people with disabilities, and business and community leaders. 

Learn more at ne-arc.org.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NortheastArc  

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northeastarc/  

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NortheastArc  

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/northeast-arc

Jim Brett has spent more than 50 years fighting for inclusion for people with disabilities. Inspired by his brother, Jack, Brett has worked tirelessly to advocate for rights and opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Brett is the President and CEO of the New England Council and is Chairman of the President’s Committee for People With Intellectual Disabilities. The President’s Council is a federal advisory committee that promotes policies and initiatives that support independence and lifelong inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in their respective communities.

In addition, Jim is the Vice Chairman of the National Council on Disability the independent federal agency that called for and authored the first draft of the Americans with Disabilities Act. He is also Chair of the Governor’s Commission on Intellectual Disability, and Chair of the Massachusetts Disabled Persons Protection Commission.

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About Northeast Arc

Northeast Arc was founded in 1954 by parents of children with developmental disabilities who wanted to raise their sons and daughters as full members of the community. By having the courage to challenge professionals who told them their children could not be educated and would not live to become adults, these parents created the systems that enabled them to attend public schools, develop friendships, reside in the neighborhoods of their choice and to earn a paycheck. Over the years, our programs have expanded to support children and adults with a broader range of disabilities, including autism and physical disabilities. Today we serve thousands of people in nearly 190 cities and towns across Massachusetts. The goal of the Northeast Arc is to ensure that children and adults with disabilities are able to live, work, engage in civic life and play in the community. We work toward that goal by offering a wide variety of programs including Autism Services, Day Habilitation, Deaf Services, Early Intervention, Employment Services, Family Support, Personal Care Assistance, Recreation, Residential and Transition Services. Northeast Arc is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of individuals with disabilities, parents and siblings of people with disabilities, and business and community leaders. Programs are operated by a professional staff led by a Chief Executive Officer with 35 years of experience at the helm of the organization, and are supported by a large volunteer corps.  

Learn more at ne-arc.org.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NortheastArc  

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northeastarc/  

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NortheastArc  

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/northeast-arc

About Northeast Arc

Northeast Arc was founded in 1954 by parents of children with developmental disabilities who wanted to raise their sons and daughters as full members of the community. By having the courage to challenge professionals who told them their children could not be educated and would not live to become adults, these parents created the systems that enabled them to attend public schools, develop friendships, reside in the neighborhoods of their choice and to earn a paycheck. Over the years, our programs have expanded to support children and adults with a broader range of disabilities, including autism and physical disabilities. Today we serve thousands of people in nearly 200 cities and towns across Massachusetts. The goal of the Northeast Arc is to ensure that children and adults with disabilities are able to live, work, engage in civic life and play in the community. We work toward that goal by offering a wide variety of programs including Autism Services, Day Habilitation, Deaf Services, Early Intervention, Employment Services, Family Support, Personal Care Assistance, Recreation, Residential and Transition Services. Northeast Arc is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of individuals with disabilities, parents and siblings of people with disabilities, and business and community leaders. 

Learn more at ne-arc.org.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NortheastArc  

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northeastarc/  

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NortheastArc  

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/northeast-arc

In each episode of All Things Disability we’ll speak with a leader in the disability space to learn how they promote inclusion and opportunities for people with disabilities. Listen to this short trailer for a taste of what you can expect in our first episodes. 

All Things Disability is recorded at PeabodyTV and is made possible through the financial support of the Changing Lives Fund, which was created through a gift from Steven Rosenthal.

Visit ne-arc.org to learn more about Northeast Arc.

About Northeast Arc

Northeast Arc was founded in 1954 by parents of children with developmental disabilities who wanted to raise their sons and daughters as full members of the community. By having the courage to challenge professionals who told them their children could not be educated and would not live to become adults, these parents created the systems that enabled them to attend public schools, develop friendships, reside in the neighborhoods of their choice and to earn a paycheck. Over the years, our programs have expanded to support children and adults with a broader range of disabilities, including autism and physical disabilities. Today we serve thousands of people in nearly 200 cities and towns across Massachusetts. The goal of the Northeast Arc is to ensure that children and adults with disabilities are able to live, work, engage in civic life and play in the community. We work toward that goal by offering a wide variety of programs including Autism Services, Day Habilitation, Deaf Services, Early Intervention, Employment Services, Family Support, Personal Care Assistance, Recreation, Residential and Transition Services. Northeast Arc is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of individuals with disabilities, parents and siblings of people with disabilities, and business and community leaders. 

Learn more at ne-arc.org.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NortheastArc  

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northeastarc/  

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NortheastArc  

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/northeast-arc