Massachusetts is home to a comprehensive network of disability services and support programs designed to help residents with disabilities live independently, find meaningful employment, and access essential resources. With over 1.4 million adults in Massachusetts living with a disability—representing 26% or more than 1 in 4 adults—the state has developed robust systems to meet diverse needs. These disability support services span everything from early intervention programs for children to employment assistance, healthcare coverage, housing support, and legal advocacy.
Accessing disability services in Massachusetts can be life-changing for individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. These programs provide critical financial assistance through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), healthcare coverage through MassHealth, and vocational rehabilitation services that help people return to work. The state offers various short-term disability programs providing 3-6 months of partial pay for temporarily disabled individuals. Massachusetts also leads in promoting disability rights, accessibility, and inclusion through advocacy organizations and legal support services.
For families and caregivers, these resources offer guidance, respite care, support groups, and training programs that help navigate complex systems while ensuring loved ones receive appropriate care. The state’s commitment to disability services creates opportunities for independent living, community participation, and economic stability for all Massachusetts residents with disabilities.
Massachusetts Disability Helplines
Mass 211: 2-1-1
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission: (800) 245-6543
Disability Law Center: (800) 872-9992
Statewide Employment Services: (800) 734-7475
Elderly Services and Disabled Abuse Reporting Hotlines
Massachusetts Elder Abuse Hotline: (800) 922-2275
Disabled Persons Protection Commission: (800) 426-9009
Massachusetts Emergency Services Program: (877) 382-1609
Department of Children and Families: (800) 792-5200
Nursing Home and Health Care Facility Concerns
Department of Public Health 24-Hour Complaint Line: (800) 462-5540
Long-Term Care Ombudsman: (617) 727-7750
My Ombudsman MassHealth: (855) 781-9898
Attorney General Health Care Division: (888) 830-6277
Disabled Student Assistance Helplines
Massachusetts Advocates for Children: (617) 357-8431
Federation for Children with Special Needs: (617) 236-7210
Edlaw Project: (617) 910-5829
Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts: (781) 581-1977
Massachusetts Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly cash benefits to individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to a qualifying disability. To be eligible for SSDI benefits, applicants must have a medical condition that prevents them from working for at least 12 months and must have earned sufficient work credits through previous employment. The Social Security Disability application process involves submitting medical documentation and work history to demonstrate eligibility for these federal benefits.
Social Security Administration 1-800-772-1213 – The federal agency that administers SSDI benefits and processes Social Security Disability applications for eligible workers with disabilities.
SSA Office Locator – Find your nearest Social Security Administration office in Massachusetts for in-person assistance with SSDI eligibility questions and application support.
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission – Disability Determination Services – The state agency that evaluates SSDI applications and determines medical eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits on behalf of the federal government.
Project IMPACT – Provides free counseling and advocacy services to Massachusetts residents receiving or applying for SSDI benefits to help navigate the application process and return-to-work programs.
Massachusetts Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly cash payments to individuals with limited income and resources who are aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled. Unlike SSDI, SSI eligibility is based on financial need rather than work history, making it available to those who may not have earned sufficient work credits. The Supplemental Security Income application process requires documentation of both medical conditions and financial circumstances to determine eligibility for these need-based benefits.
Social Security Administration – Supplemental Security Income 1-800-772-1213 – The federal agency that administers SSI benefits and processes Supplemental Security Income applications for eligible individuals with disabilities, blindness, or those aged 65 and older.
SSA Office Locator – Find your nearest Social Security Administration office in Massachusetts for in-person assistance with SSI eligibility questions and application support.
Massachusetts State Supplement Program – Provides additional monthly payments to eligible SSI recipients in Massachusetts, supplementing federal SSI benefits based on living arrangements and care needs.
Disability Law Center – Offers free legal assistance to low-income Massachusetts residents with disabilities navigating SSI benefits, appeals, and eligibility determinations for Supplemental Security Income programs.
Massachusetts Medicaid Disability Services & Waivers
Medicaid disability services and waivers in Massachusetts provide essential home and community-based services for eligible individuals who would otherwise require institutional care. These programs, operated through MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid), allow people with disabilities to receive Medicaid long term care services in their homes and communities rather than in nursing facilities or hospitals. Medicaid waivers for disabled individuals offer specialized services tailored to specific populations, including those with intellectual disabilities, brain injuries, autism, and elderly individuals needing long-term support.
MassHealth Customer Service 1-800-841-2900 – Provides information and assistance with all MassHealth programs including Medicaid disability services and waiver applications for Massachusetts residents.
Department of Developmental Services (DDS) HCBS Waivers 1-888-367-4435 – Administers three Medicaid waivers for disabled adults with intellectual disabilities including Adult Supports, Community Living, and Intensive Supports waivers.
Frail Elder Waiver Program 1-800-243-4636 – Provides Medicaid long term care services for individuals aged 60 and older who meet nursing facility level of care but prefer to remain in their homes and communities.
MassAbility Moving Forward Program – Operates three Medicaid waivers for disabled individuals including Acquired Brain Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Money Follows the Person waivers for community transition.
Children’s Autism Spectrum Disorders Waiver – Provides intensive home and community-based Medicaid disability services for children ages 0-9 with autism spectrum disorders through the Department of Developmental Services.
Executive Office of Aging & Independence 1-617-727-7750 – Oversees community care services and supports coordination of Medicaid waivers for disabled elderly residents throughout Massachusetts.
MassOptions Call Center 1-800-243-4636 – Provides information and referrals for all Medicaid disability services, long-term care options, and waiver programs available to Massachusetts residents with disabilities.
HCBS Provider Network Administration 1-855-300-7058 – Assists with provider enrollment and information for organizations delivering Medicaid waiver services to disabled individuals in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
Department of Developmental Services (DDS) – Operates three HCBS waivers providing home disability care and community disability services for adults with intellectual disabilities who require varying levels of in-home support for disabled individuals.
MassAbility – Administers Moving Forward Program HCBS waivers including Acquired Brain Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury waivers that provide community disability services and in-home support for disabled adults transitioning from facilities.
Executive Office of Aging & Independence – Oversees the Frail Elder Waiver providing home disability care and community-based services for adults aged 60 and older who meet nursing facility level of care but prefer to remain in their communities.
HESSCO Elder Services – Serves as the Aging Services Access Point for South Norfolk County providing comprehensive home disability care and community disability services including case management, home care coordination, and in-home support for disabled older adults.
Mass Aging Access – Represents 27 Aging Services Access Points statewide that collectively provide community disability services and coordinate in-home support for disabled individuals through their network of member agencies across Massachusetts.
Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts – Non-profit trade association that strengthens home care agencies’ ability to deliver home disability care throughout Massachusetts by connecting families with qualified providers of community disability services and in-home support for disabled residents.
UMass HCBS Provider Network Administration Unit – Oversees the provider enrollment process for HCBS waiver services and assists organizations seeking to deliver community disability services and in-home support for disabled individuals through MassHealth programs.
Massachusetts Home and Community Based Services ARPA Grant Programs – Provides federal funding opportunities to enhance HCBS provider capacity and improve home disability care delivery through workforce development, technology upgrades, and expansion of community disability services across the state.
I’ll consolidate all the sections into one continuous article and verify that the links are working. Let me check a sample of the links to ensure they’re still active.The Disability Law Center link appears to be having issues. Let me check a few more key links to ensure they’re working properly.Based on my verification, I need to replace the non-working Disability Law Center link. Here’s the consolidated article with all sections:
Massachusetts Assistive Technology Services
MassAbility Assistive Technology Services provides access to assistive technology devices and equipment for Massachusetts residents to help them live independently, including communication devices, mobility wheelchairs, and vehicle modifications through partnerships with leading disability service organizations.
UCP of Western Massachusetts Assistive Technology Services offers comprehensive assistive technology evaluations and services throughout Massachusetts, providing creative solutions to reduce barriers and increase capabilities through personalized assessments of assistive technology devices and adaptive technology for disabilities.
Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired Access Technology Centers operates multiple locations across Massachusetts providing access technology training on assistive technology devices including magnification equipment, smartphone applications, and screen readers for individuals with vision loss.
Massachusetts Commission for the Blind Assistive Technology Program provides adaptive devices and technical consulting services including screen readers, braille displays, optical character recognition software, and screen magnification technology to help legally blind residents achieve independence in workplace and daily activities.
Spaulding Rehabilitation Assistive Technology Services delivers comprehensive evaluations and training for assistive technology devices including computer access systems, environmental controls, communication devices, and adaptive technology for disabilities to help patients with physical, cognitive, and visual impairments maintain independence.
MassMATCH Assistive Technology Regional Centers operates three lending libraries throughout Massachusetts where residents can learn about, try out, and borrow assistive technology devices free of charge for 30 days, offering equipment from low-tech to high-tech solutions including disability aids for communication, education, hearing, vision, and daily living.
Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services Assistive Technology Centers maintains four specialized centers in Worcester, Northampton, Wrentham, and Danvers that provide consultation, modification, and fabrication of assistive technology devices through adaptive equipment designers to increase functional ability and safety for individuals with developmental disabilities.
New England Low Vision and Blindness Technology Services offers comprehensive low vision assistive technology devices and training services including electronic magnifiers, screen reading software, and adaptive equipment with showrooms in Massachusetts providing hands-on evaluation and specialized training for individuals with visual impairments.
Massachusetts Centers for Independent Living
AdLib Center for Independent Living empowers people with disabilities in Berkshire County to live more independently through information and referral services, advocacy, peer counseling, skills training, and personal care attendant programs providing independent living support.
MetroWest Center for Independent Living provides comprehensive independent living resources for people with disabilities in 26 MetroWest communities, offering skills training, peer support, advocacy services, and transition assistance to help individuals achieve full community participation.
Stavros Center for Independent Living serves Hampshire, Franklin, and Hampden counties in Western Massachusetts, delivering independent living services including peer counseling, advocacy, skills training, deaf and hard of hearing services, and personal assistance programs.
Independence Associates operates as a community-based disability independent living center serving 31 communities in southeastern Massachusetts, providing information and referral services, peer support, independent living skills training, and advocacy to promote consumer-controlled independence.
Southeast Center for Independent Living empowers individuals with disabilities in southeastern Massachusetts communities to achieve and maintain their independence through comprehensive independent living resources including skills training, peer counseling, advocacy, and transition services.
Cape Organization for Rights of the Disabled advances independent living support and disability rights for people with disabilities on Cape Cod and the Islands, offering information and referral services, skills training, peer support, advocacy, and emergency preparedness resources.
Center for Living and Working serves 63 communities in Central Massachusetts as a nonprofit disability independent living center, providing information and referral services, peer support, independent living skills training, advocacy, and personal care attendant programs for individuals with all types of disabilities.
Boston Center for Independent Living operates as a frontline civil rights organization led by people with disabilities, providing advocacy, information and referral, peer support, skills training, personal care attendant services, and transitional services to enhance independence for people with disabilities in the greater Boston area.
Massachusetts Disability Rights Advocacy & Legal Aid
Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee advances the rights and opportunities of persons with mental health challenges through quality legal advocacy and education in Massachusetts, providing information, advice, and direct representation on mental health-related disability legal aid matters.
Health Law Advocates operates as a public interest law firm providing free legal representation to people with limited income experiencing difficulty accessing or paying for needed medical services, specializing in disability advocacy services related to healthcare access and insurance coverage.
Disability Policy Consortium functions as a leading statewide disability rights and advocacy organization that combines grassroots organizing, community-based research, and policy reform to advance disability rights legislation and promote full inclusion of people with disabilities in Massachusetts communities.
Greater Boston Legal Services provides free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals and families in Greater Boston, offering specialized disability advocacy services through their Elder, Health and Disability Unit that represents people with disabilities to ensure access to healthcare, Social Security benefits, and independent living services.
Massachusetts Legal Aid Programs delivers comprehensive disability legal aid resources and advocacy services through multiple legal services organizations across Massachusetts, providing representation in disability benefits appeals, discrimination cases, and disability rights enforcement.
Massachusetts Office on Disability serves as the state advocacy agency providing disability rights information and advocacy services to help people with disabilities understand their legal rights, responsibilities, and options for recourse under state and federal disability laws.
Mass Legal Services Disability Rights Programs coordinates statewide disability advocacy services through multiple legal aid organizations, providing free legal representation and advocacy for low-income individuals with disabilities in matters related to benefits, housing, healthcare, and civil rights enforcement.
Massachusetts Special Education Services (IEPs, 504 Plans)
Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts provides comprehensive legal representation and advocacy for students with disabilities in special education matters, offering IEP help and 504 plan assistance through litigation services, community education training, and direct legal support for families navigating special education disputes.
Massachusetts Advocates for Children operates as the leading advocacy organization protecting the rights of students with disabilities in Massachusetts, providing special education services through their helpline, parent training programs, legislative advocacy, and technical assistance for families seeking IEP help and educational support.
Federation for Children with Special Needs delivers comprehensive special education services including workshops on IEP processes, 504 plan assistance, parent training and information services, and community education programs to help families understand and advocate for their children’s educational rights.
Bureau of Special Education Appeals conducts due process hearings and provides mediation services for special education disputes, offering resolution services for disagreements about eligibility, evaluation, placement, IEPs, and 504 plan assistance between families and school districts.
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Special Education Division oversees statewide special education services and provides guidance on IEPs and 504 plans, offering resources for families, educators, and advocates to ensure compliance with federal and state special education laws.
Massachusetts Legal Help Special Education Resources provides free legal information and resources about special education services, offering guidance on IEP processes, 504 plan assistance, and how families can advocate for their children’s educational rights in Massachusetts schools.
Mass Legal Services Disability Rights Programs delivers legal advocacy and educational support for students with disabilities, providing special education services including assistance with IEP disputes, 504 plan development, and enforcement of disability rights in educational settings.
EdLaw Project provides direct educational advocacy for Massachusetts’ highest-risk youth with special needs, offering specialized IEP help and 504 plan assistance for students facing school exclusion, inadequate education services, or undetected disabilities requiring immediate intervention.
Massachusetts Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Support
MassAbility Career Services provides comprehensive vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with moderate and severe disabilities, offering disability employment services including counseling, guidance, skills training, job placement assistance, and employer consultation to help people achieve their professional goals.
Massachusetts Commission for the Blind Vocational Rehabilitation Program delivers specialized vocational rehabilitation services for legally blind residents, providing job support for disabled individuals through employment services, workplace readiness training, assistive technology training, and individual employment plans to achieve competitive integrated employment.
Work Without Limits operates as a statewide network of employers and partners dedicated to advancing disability employment services in Massachusetts, providing training, consulting, benefits counseling, and employment opportunities to increase job support for disabled individuals until employment rates equal those without disabilities.
New England Business Associates provides individualized disability employment services for youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Central and Western Massachusetts, offering vocational rehabilitation through supported employment, job training, placement assistance, and ongoing job support for disabled individuals.
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission Employment Programs helps individuals with disabilities live and work independently through comprehensive vocational rehabilitation services, providing disability employment services including vocational training, community living supports, and job placement assistance for people with various types of disabilities.
Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services Employment Supports provides employment supports including supervision, training, and transportation services for individuals with intellectual disabilities, offering job support for disabled individuals to help them obtain and retain paying jobs in their communities.
Project IMPACT Benefits Counseling provides individualized benefits counseling to MRC consumers and their families, offering specialized vocational rehabilitation support to help individuals with disabilities understand how employment affects their SSI or SSDI benefits while pursuing disability employment services.
Massachusetts Department of Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation provides vocational rehabilitation services for veterans with service-connected disabilities, offering disability employment services including educational training, employment preparation, and job support for disabled veterans seeking competitive employment opportunities.
I’ll consolidate all the sections into one continuous article and verify the links are still active.## Massachusetts Disability Transportation Services
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) – The RIDE provides door-to-door paratransit services for people with disabilities who cannot use subway, bus, or trolley services due to temporary or permanent disability, serving 58 cities and towns in the greater Boston area.
Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA) offers ADA paratransit service for individuals unable to independently ride accessible fixed-route buses in Franklin County, with conditional, temporary, and unconditional eligibility options.
Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) delivers shared-ride, door-to-door van transportation for people with disabilities throughout the Pioneer Valley within 3/4 mile of city routes, operating on all days that city bus service runs.
Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) provides ADA paratransit service to 37 communities in central Massachusetts for people whose disabilities prevent them from using regular accessible fixed-route buses for some or all trips.
MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) serves residents in Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, and Dover with curb-to-curb paratransit service for eligible individuals with physical, cognitive, or mental disabilities within 3/4 mile of fixed route service.
Cape Ann Transportation Authority (CATA) provides both dial-a-ride and ADA service as door-to-door accessible transportation for disabled individuals and seniors in Gloucester, Rockport, Ipswich, Essex, and Hamilton communities.
Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) operates fixed-route and demand-response transportation services to 10 communities in Southeastern Massachusetts including New Bedford, Fall River, and surrounding areas with paratransit options for disabled riders.
Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART) delivers ADA paratransit transportation along with Council on Aging services to 25 towns and cities in Northern Worcester and Western Middlesex counties for individuals who cannot access fixed-route services.
Massachusetts Disability Benefits Counseling
Work Without Limits Benefits Counseling provides comprehensive benefits counseling services to individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income who are working or seeking employment, helping them understand how earnings may affect their public benefits including MassHealth, Medicare, and housing assistance.
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission Statewide Employment Services offers personal disability benefits advice to people who receive SSI and SSDI benefits in Essex, Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, and Suffolk Counties, providing benefits eligibility help for those employed or looking for work.
Project IMPACT delivers free disability financial support counseling to SSI and SSDI recipients in specific Massachusetts counties, helping individuals with disabilities understand potential impacts of employment on their benefits and ensuring equal opportunity when returning to the workforce.
SHINE Program (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) provides free health insurance information and disability benefits advice to Massachusetts residents with Medicare and their caregivers, with over 600 certified volunteer counselors trained to assist with Medicare, MassHealth, and other health insurance options for people with disabilities.
Disability Law Center serves as Massachusetts’ Protection and Advocacy agency, providing free legal assistance and advocacy for disability benefits eligibility help including Social Security disability benefits, health care access, and protection from discrimination for Massachusetts residents with disabilities.
Massachusetts Office on Disability provides information, guidance, and training on disability-related civil rights and benefits, helping people understand their disability rights and benefits eligibility help while connecting them to appropriate resources and support services throughout the state.
MassOptions offers a comprehensive directory of disability financial support counseling services available to elders and people with disabilities, providing a phone line at 800-243-4636 to help connect individuals with appropriate benefits and support services in their area.
Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance administers Emergency Aid for the Elderly, Disabled and Children program providing disability benefits advice and cash assistance to people with very low income who are unable to work for medical reasons, serving as potential income support while awaiting Social Security decisions.
Massachusetts Special Needs Childcare & Respite Care
Seven Hills Family Support Centers provides respite care for disabled children and adults through Family Support Centers in Worcester, Fitchburg, and Sturbridge, offering both hourly and overnight care in specialized Respite Inns that provide 24-hour support for families needing childcare for disabled children.
May Institute operates special needs daycare and educational programs for children with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities, providing comprehensive special education schools and behavioral healthcare services throughout Massachusetts with individualized support for each child’s unique needs.
New England Center for Children (NECC) delivers specialized autism education and childcare for disabled children through evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis programs, serving over 1,500 students directly and providing comprehensive support for children with autism spectrum disorders and related disabilities.
Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) offers Planned Facility Based Respite Program for children in the Central/West Region, providing special needs daycare through out-of-home respite services including overnight, weekend, and vacation stays with recreational and educational activities.
Family TIES of Massachusetts provides parent-to-parent support and respite care for disabled families through the Federation for Children with Special Needs, connecting families with children who have special health needs and disabilities with resources, training, and the new Caregiver to Caregiver Respite Network.
Autism Resource Center of Central Massachusetts serves families seeking childcare for disabled children with autism spectrum disorders, providing information, support services, and connections to respite care resources specifically designed for children and adults with autism in the Central Massachusetts region.
Multicultural Community Services Family Support delivers family support services and respite care for disabled children through the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, serving over 3,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism throughout western Massachusetts with culturally responsive special needs daycare and support services.
Massachusetts Lifespan Respite Program connects families to respite care for disabled children through statewide online provider registries and MassOptions at 800-243-4636, helping locate special needs daycare and respite services for families of children with disabilities across all Massachusetts communities.
Massachusetts ADA Compliance Assistance
Massachusetts Office on Disability provides information, guidance, and training on ADA compliance and disability-related civil rights laws, helping Commonwealth Executive Branch agencies understand Americans with Disabilities Act help requirements and offering technical assistance to ensure proper ADA legal requirements implementation.
New England ADA Center serves as one of 10 regional centers in the ADA National Network, providing comprehensive ADA compliance assistance including training, technical assistance, and guidance on Americans with Disabilities Act help for businesses, organizations, and individuals throughout Massachusetts and New England.
Disability Law Center operates as Massachusetts’ Protection and Advocacy agency, offering legal advocacy and assistance with ADA compliance issues, helping people with disabilities understand their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act and providing representation when ADA legal requirements are violated.
Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office Civil Rights Division enforces Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act along with Massachusetts Public Accommodation Law, providing ADA compliance assistance through grievance procedures and ensuring businesses meet their ADA legal requirements.
Massport ADA Program delivers Americans with Disabilities Act help for transportation facilities including Logan Airport and seaports, ensuring full ADA compliance in all public services and facilities while providing guidance on accessibility requirements for transportation-related businesses.
Massachusetts Department of Transportation Office of Diversity and Civil Rights assists with ADA compliance for transportation services and facilities, providing technical assistance and guidance on Americans with Disabilities Act help to ensure equal access to public transportation and related infrastructure throughout Massachusetts.
U.S. Access Board provides official ADA compliance assistance through federal accessibility guidelines and standards, offering technical assistance and training on ADA legal requirements for the built environment, transportation, and communication access in Massachusetts and nationwide.
Massachusetts Legal Services offers legal assistance and resources on disability rights and ADA compliance, providing Americans with Disabilities Act help through legal representation and guidance for individuals and organizations navigating ADA legal requirements and discrimination issues.
Massachusetts Accessible Housing Services
Housing Navigator Massachusetts serves as the official online listing and search tool for accessible housing and wheelchair accessible apartments throughout Massachusetts, connecting people with disabilities to rental homes with specific accessibility features including elevators, ground floor units, and roll-in showers.
MyMassHome Accessible Housing provides the official online listing and search tool for accessible and affordable homeownership opportunities in Massachusetts, offering comprehensive disability housing assistance and connections to Centers for Independent Living and home modification resources.
Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC) Home Modification Loan Program offers no-interest loans up to $50,000 for homeowners to create accessible housing through modifications including ramps, lifts, wheelchair accessible apartments features, bathroom adaptations, and accessory dwelling units for family members with disabilities.
Boston Center for Independent Living provides comprehensive accessible housing services including information and referral, housing application assistance, tenant rights advocacy, and transition services to help people with disabilities find and maintain independent wheelchair accessible apartments and homes.
Metro Housing Boston administers the Home Modification Loan Program for Greater Boston communities, providing disability housing assistance through no-interest loans from $1,000 to $50,000 for accessibility modifications and helping connect families to accessible housing resources.
Massachusetts Office on Disability Housing Resources provides comprehensive guidance on accessible housing options, emergency assistance, tenant rights, reasonable accommodations, and connections to wheelchair accessible apartments through state and federal housing programs.
Boston Housing Authority Wheelchair Accessible Units provides access to wheelchair accessible apartments and public housing units specifically designed for people with disabilities, offering stable and affordable accessible housing for low-income Boston residents with mobility impairments.
Worcester Housing Authority Special Housing Programs operates specialized disability housing assistance including group homes for adults with mental disabilities and Alternative Housing Voucher Programs specifically for people with disabilities under 60 years of age seeking accessible housing options.
I’ll consolidate all the sections into one continuous article and verify the links are working properly.Let me check a few more key links to ensure they’re working:The links appear to be working properly. Now I’ll provide the consolidated article:
Massachusetts Mental Health Disability Services
Massachusetts Department of Mental Health The state mental health authority that assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities.
Massachusetts Association for Mental Health A century-old public policy and legislative advocacy organization that advances mental health and well-being by promoting prevention, early intervention, effective treatment, and research to address social, emotional, and mental health challenges.
Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee A state-established organization that provides legal advocacy and education to advance the rights and opportunities of persons with mental health challenges through quality legal representation and advice.
Riverside Community Care A comprehensive community-based nonprofit organization offering mental healthcare, substance use treatment, crisis intervention, and behavioral health services through over 100 programs throughout eastern and central Massachusetts.
NAMI Massachusetts The state affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness that provides support groups, educational programs, advocacy, and resources for individuals living with mental health conditions and their families.
Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition A nonprofit organization that supports 36 Clubhouses across the Commonwealth, providing employment, housing, education, and peer support services to adults with serious mental illness through evidence-based recovery programs.
Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line A free, confidential 24/7 behavioral health help line operated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that connects individuals directly to clinical help and support services without requiring health insurance.
Vinfen Recovery Learning Centers Peer-run recovery centers throughout Massachusetts that provide support groups, education, employment assistance, and wellness programs for individuals with mental health conditions and substance use challenges.
Massachusetts Personal Care Assistance (PCA)
Massachusetts Department of Mental Health Personal Care Attendant Program MassHealth’s self-directed program that helps people with permanent or chronic disabilities maintain independence by providing funds and support for hiring personal care assistant services to manage daily living activities at home.
Stavros Independent Living A western Massachusetts independent living center that provides personal care attendant management services, helping disabled individuals hire pca services for disabled to assist with activities of daily living including bathing, dressing, and meal preparation.
Northeast Arc Personal Care Management Serves approximately 5,000 individuals throughout northeastern Massachusetts and Greater Boston, providing personal care management services through skills trainers who help consumers hire and supervise their own in-home personal care attendants.
MetroWest Center for Independent Living A consumer-controlled nonprofit agency serving 26 towns in the MetroWest area that provides personal care assistant program support, independent living skills training, and advocacy services for people with disabilities seeking community-based care.
Boston Center for Independent Living The second-oldest independent living center in the country that provides pca services for disabled individuals, offering skills training, advocacy, and support services to help people with disabilities manage their personal care assistance programs.
Tempus Unlimited The sole fiscal intermediary for the MassHealth PCA program that processes payroll, handles tax reporting, and provides customer service to consumers and their personal care assistants throughout Massachusetts.
Bristol Elder Services Personal Care Attendant Program Serves 15 communities within Bristol County, providing evaluation and enrollment services for the MassHealth personal care assistant program that allows disabled individuals to hire their own caregivers for in-home personal care assistance.
Coastline Elderly Services PCA Program A consumer-directed program serving the greater Fall River and New Bedford areas that assists MassHealth members with chronic disabilities in hiring personal care attendants to provide hands-on assistance with daily living activities in their homes.
Massachusetts Veterans’ Disability Services
Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services The state agency that administers financial, medical, and educational assistance to eligible veterans and their dependents, including Chapter 115 benefits, veteran annuity programs, and property tax exemptions for veterans with VA disability ratings.
Boston VA Regional Benefit Office Federal office that provides comprehensive assistance with VA disability compensation claims, pension applications, education benefits, and vocational rehabilitation services to help veterans understand and apply for their earned benefits.
Disabled American Veterans Massachusetts A non-profit veterans service organization that provides free assistance with VA disability claim applications, appeals, and Veterans disability compensation processes, serving over one million veterans annually with no charge for their advocacy services.
Veterans Legal Services An independent nonprofit providing free civil legal assistance to Massachusetts veterans, including help with VA disability rating appeals, discharge upgrades, public benefits applications, and Veterans disability lawyer services for housing and employment issues.
American Legion Department of Massachusetts Veterans service organization offering accredited service officers who provide expert assistance with VA disability benefits applications, claims appeals, and guidance through the Veterans disability application process at no cost to veterans and their families.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Massachusetts Combat veterans organization that provides skilled Veterans Service Officers to help veterans navigate VA disability claim bureaucracy, offering free assistance with original claims, benefit increases, and appeals for all veterans regardless of VFW membership.
Harvard Law School Veterans Legal Clinic Clinical program providing free legal representation to veterans in discharge upgrade cases, federal and state veteran benefits claims, and comprehensive Veterans benefits assistance through law student advocates under attorney supervision.
Massachusetts Veteran Annuity Program State-administered financial benefit providing $2,500 annual payments to 100% service-connected disabled veterans, Gold Star parents, and surviving spouses, with assistance available through local Veterans Service Officers for VA disability pay coordination and application support.
Frequently Asked Questions about Massachusetts Disability Services
What types of disability services are available in Massachusetts? Massachusetts offers comprehensive disability services including MassHealth coverage for medical needs, personal care attendant programs for in-home assistance, independent living center services, mental health support through the Department of Mental Health, veterans’ disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation services, and housing assistance programs for people with disabilities.
How do I apply for MassHealth if I have a disability? You can apply for MassHealth online at MAhealthconnector.org, by phone at 1-800-841-2900, or by visiting a local MassHealth enrollment center. People with disabilities may qualify for MassHealth Standard, CommonHealth, or other programs based on income and disability status. You’ll need to provide documentation of your disability and financial information during the application process.
What is the Personal Care Attendant program and how do I qualify? The PCA program allows people with disabilities to hire their own personal care attendants to help with daily living activities like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. To qualify, you must have MassHealth Standard or CommonHealth coverage, have a permanent or chronic disability, and require hands-on assistance with at least two activities of daily living. A registered nurse or occupational therapist will assess your needs.
Where can I find mental health disability services in Massachusetts? Mental health services are available through the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, community mental health centers like Riverside Community Care, NAMI Massachusetts for peer support, clubhouses throughout the state, and the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line at 833-773-2445. Many services are free or covered by MassHealth.
What veteran disability benefits are available specifically in Massachusetts? Massachusetts veterans with disabilities can access state benefits including a $2,500 annual annuity for 100% disabled veterans, property tax exemptions ranging from $400 to $1,500, motor vehicle excise tax exemptions for certain disabilities, Chapter 115 financial assistance for low-income veterans, and free legal assistance through Veterans Legal Services.
How can I get help with independent living as a person with a disability? Massachusetts has ten Independent Living Centers throughout the state that provide services including skills training, peer support, advocacy, information and referral, and assistance with transitioning from nursing homes to community living. Contact your local center or visit the Massachusetts Statewide Independent Living Council website to find services in your area.
What housing assistance is available for people with disabilities in Massachusetts? Housing options include Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program, Alternative Housing Voucher Program for people with disabilities, accessible housing through local housing authorities, home modification programs through the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, and supportive housing programs operated by disability service organizations.
Who can help me navigate the Social Security disability application process? You can get free assistance with Social Security disability applications from Disability Law Center, local Independent Living Centers, Community Legal Aid offices, and some veterans service organizations if you’re a veteran. The Social Security Administration also provides free assistance at their local offices throughout Massachusetts.
What employment services are available for people with disabilities in Massachusetts? The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission provides vocational rehabilitation services, job training, and employment support. MassHire Career Centers offer specialized services for people with disabilities, and many Independent Living Centers provide employment assistance. The state also has supported employment programs and disability employment initiatives.
How do I file a complaint if I experience disability discrimination? You can file discrimination complaints with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination for state law violations, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for employment discrimination, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for housing discrimination, or contact Disability Law Center for legal advocacy and representation in discrimination cases.
Related Subjects
National Resources