Patient Resources

SSI provides monthly financial support to children and adults with disabilities, as well as older adults, who have limited income and/or resources. The program helps cover basic needs like food, clothing, and housing, and can also provide access to healthcare and other essential support. SSI gives families and individuals added stability and resources to manage daily life with a disability.

Eligibility

Children or adults who have a medically verified disability that significantly affects their daily life.

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Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is a therapy that helps children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities develop important skills. ABA focuses on improving communication, thinking, social, and everyday living skills in a structured and supportive way.

ABA therapy can be provided in many settings depending on the child’s needs. Most often, it takes place in the home, but it can also be offered at specialized ABA centers, schools, or in community settings. The therapy is tailored to each individual, with personalized goals and activities to help them grow, learn, and thrive in daily life.

Eligibility

A diagnosis of autism or another developmental disability from a licensed healthcare provider. A recommendation for ABA services from a doctor, psychologist, or early intervention specialist.

Find an ABA agency near you

• https://disabilityinfo.org/
• https://www.mabhaccess.com/Home.aspx

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is a state agency that supports children and adults with developmental disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other conditions. DDS works to help individuals live full and meaningful lives by providing access to services, supports, and community resources.

DDS offers a wide range of services, including case management and care coordination to help families navigate available supports, residential services for those needing assistance at home or in group settings, employment and day programs to build skills and independence, early intervention and therapy services for children, and family support or respite programs to help caregivers.

Services are available to Massachusetts residents with a documented developmental disability, including children and adults whose disability began before age 22.

Eligibility

Adult Eligibility (22 and older):

• Must live in Massachusetts.
• Eligible for Intellectual Disability Supports if they have an intellectual disability.
• Eligible for Community Developmental Disability Supports if they have a developmental disability (Autism, Prader-Willi, or Smith-Magenis) without an intellectual disability.

Children’s Eligibility (under 22):

• Must live in Massachusetts.

Ages 5–22:

• Have a severe, long-term disability (intellectual or developmental, including Autism, Prader-Willi, or Smith-Magenis) that significantly limits daily functioning
• Or have an intellectual disability or a closely related developmental condition causing substantial limitations.

Ages 0–5:

• Have a significant developmental delay or a condition likely to cause a disability if early services are not provided.

Learn more or apply now

Autism Support Centers are located throughout Massachusetts and provide a wide range of services for children and adults with autism. They offer information, referrals, resources, training, and family supports to help individuals and their caregivers access the services they need. 

Find an Autism Support Center near you

Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) is the state agency that promotes access, inclusion, and equal opportunity for people with disabilities in Massachusetts. MOD helps individuals, families, public agencies, and businesses understand disability rights, request accommodations, and create accessible environments so people with disabilities can participate fully in their communities.

Services offered include:

• Guidance on disability rights under state and federal law
• Assistance requesting reasonable accommodations at work, school, or public programs
• Accessibility consultation for buildings, public spaces, and digital platforms
• Training and technical assistance for state agencies, municipalities, and businesses
• Support through the Client Assistance Program (CAP) for vocational or independent living services
• Referrals to other disability resources and programs in Massachusetts

MOD works in partnership with individuals, families, community organizations, and public entities to ensure people with disabilities can access the resources, accommodations, and supports they need. 

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Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC) is a nonprofit organization that works to ensure all children, especially those with disabilities, special needs, or facing barriers, have access to the educational services and opportunities they deserve. MAC provides families with information, guidance, and advocacy to help them understand their rights and navigate the education system effectively.

Special Education Resources

MAC offers families access to a wide variety of special education resources, including:

• Special Education Rights Video Series
• Sample Letters and Emails for Parents to use in their child’s Special Education Program
• Information on Special Education Laws and Regulations
• Dyslexia Resources

And much more! Visit the special education resources page to learn more.

Helpline

The Helpline supports families of children who face barriers to receiving the educational services they are entitled to. Staff listen to concerns, review each family’s situation, and provide guidance, resources, and referrals as needed. 

Access the Helpline
 

The Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) is a Massachusetts organization that supports families of children with disabilities and special health needs. The Federation provides information, training, and resources to help families understand their rights, navigate systems, and advocate for their children’s education, health, and well-being.

Family TIES: Provides support, guidance, and training for parents of children and youth with special needs. Families can access helpful information, referrals, and emotional support. The program empowers parents to feel confident navigating services and advocating for their children.

MASFEC (Massachusetts Statewide Family Engagement Center): Creates a welcoming environment where families can actively participate in solving challenges that affect their children. The program focuses on family-led, collaborative approaches and connects families with resources and strategies to support children’s learning and development.

PTI / PCTI (Parent Training and Information Center): Offers workshops, webinars, IEP clinics, mentoring, and referrals in English and other languages. The program helps families of children with disabilities (birth–26) understand their rights, access services, and work effectively with schools. It also supports professionals who work with families to improve outcomes for all students.

School Finder Project: Helps families explore educational options, including career and technical education programs. The program provides guidance to help families make informed choices that fit their child’s needs, goals, and interests. Services are available in multiple languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, French, Chinese, and Vietnamese.

Postsecondary Transition: Supports youth and young adults with disabilities (ages 14–22) as they plan for life after high school. The program connects them with resources and guidance focused on education, employment, and independent living, involving both families and professionals in the planning process.

RTSC (Recruitment, Training, and Support Center): Provides training and support for Special Education Surrogate Parents (SESPs) who volunteer to make educational decisions for students in state care. The program ensures these volunteers are well-prepared to advocate effectively for students’ educational needs.

Learn more about the programs and services offered by the Federation

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) special education website is a central resource for families, educators, and school administrators. It provides access to information, guidance, and tools to support students with disabilities and ensure compliance with federal and state special education laws. Families can learn about their rights, access resources, and find guidance for navigating evaluations, IEPs, and transitions, while schools can access training and technical support.

Resources available on the DESE Special Education website:

• Guidance documents
• Parent information and resources
• Monitoring and accountability tools
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Technical assistance for schools

For additional information and resources, go here

MassAbility, formerly known as the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC), is a Massachusetts state agency that supports people with disabilities to live more independently, work, and participate fully in their communities. The agency helps individuals gain the skills, resources, and confidence they need to reach their personal and professional goals. Through a wide range of services, MassAbility promotes inclusion, accessibility, and self-sufficiency by connecting people with tools and supports that foster independence. Whether someone is seeking employment, looking to modify their home for accessibility, or needing guidance on disability benefits, MassAbility works to ensure that every person has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to their community.

Services offered include:

• Independent living supports (assistive technology, home modifications, community living services)
• Career and job training programs
• Job placement and employment support
• Benefits counseling and eligibility assistance
• Disability determination for federal programs
• Support for navigating disability rights and services

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Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is the state agency that provides support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can live and work as independently as possible in their communities. DDS helps individuals and families access services that promote inclusion, self-determination, and quality of life.

Services offered include:

• Case management and service coordination
• Residential supports and shared living options
• Day and employment programs
• Family support and respite services
• Clinical, behavioral, and health supports
• Transportation assistance
• Transition planning for students moving from school to adult services

DDS works in partnership with families, community providers, and advocacy organizations to ensure adults with developmental disabilities have access to the supports they need to lead fulfilling lives. 

Learn more