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Welcome to Massachusetts Advocates for Children

Through the Eyes of a Child ....

Massachusetts Advocates for Children is a private non-profit organization dedicated to being an independent and effective voice for children who face significant barriers to equal educational and life opportunities. MAC works to overcome these barriers by changing conditions for many children, while also helping one child at a time.

For 40 years, MAC has responded to the needs of children who are vulnerable because of poverty, race, limited English or disability.

 

Helping Traumatized Children Learn: supportive school environments for children traumatized by family violence, a Report and Policy Agenda,available for download or purchase
(Click here)

 

Did You Know ....

  • MAC offers specialized trainings and workshops for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
  • By calling MAC's Helpline you can be one of approximately 800 parents offered technical assistance each year?
  • MAC provides valuable advocacy within the Boston Public School system that allows children to overcome educational barriers and have access to conducive learning environments?
  • In these tough economic times, MAC continues to maintain its impressive track record primarily through donations and funding from private donors and organizations?

See Guidestar for MAC's latest financial report.

MAC Publications

 

Affiliates

MAC is an affilate of United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley.

 

MAC is part of the state's civil legal aid system providing statewide advocacy and back-up support on children's issues.

Job Opportunities at MAC

MAC is seeking a Staff Attorney. Bilingual candidates who speak Spanish are strongly preferred.

 

Volunteers and pro-bono attorneys are encouraged to call 617-357-8431 x229

 

MAC News and Resources

Addressing Bullying of Children with ASD

Bullying Report coverMAC RELEASES THE BULLYING REPORT

Targeted,  Taunted,  Tormented
The Bullying of Children with 
Autism Spectrum Disorder 

Click here to read Boston Herald article on the release of this report. (Herald article)

Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC) is leading efforts to secure passage of H. 3804 (An Act Addressing Bullying of Children with ASD) Read more

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (The AAC Bill)

Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC) is leading efforts to secure passage of S. 223. An Act to Improve Augmentative and Alternative Communication Opportunities for Children with Disabilities (the “AAC Bill”) Read more

Statewide Special Education Highlights
MAC supported special education bills click here

Important Information about School Discipline

An Act to Stay in School MAC Logo  

An Act to Help Students Stay in School targets zero tolerance policies to reduce unnecessary and unduly lengthy suspensions and expulsions of students who constitute no danger to others. Research has shown that students of color and students with disabilities are disproportionately subject to suspensions and expulsions for the same offenses that other students receive lesser punishment. Students who have been suspended or expelled are more likely to drop out of school and end up in prison. An Act to Help Students Stay in School confines zero tolerance policies to only the most serious offenses, consistent with federal law, and introduces procedural safeguards to prevent children from being unfairly deprived of an education. Read more.

Updated FACT SHEET here.

Click here to read testimony in support of H. 3435

Autism Center Highlights

To learn more about our work helping children with Autism, click here

To learn more about addressing cultural and linguistic barriers faced by parents of children with ASD click here

Click here to support our Autism Center

Boston Special Education Parent Advisory Council

Updates from the Boston Special Education Parent Advisory Council are available for your review! (click here)

Copyright 2003-2006 Massachusetts Advocates for Children ^?;
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