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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.

Click here to get HELP FOR YOUR CHILD

 

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.

40th Anniversary Archive

MAC's 40th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

MAC held its 40th Anniversary Dinner on November 13th, 2009 at The Westin Boston Waterfront.

Click for more information

Click here to see pictures from the event.

Click here to see the Senator Kennedy Tribute Slideshow shown at the event.

Click here to view MAC's 40th Anniversary video shown at the Dinner.

Job Opportunities at MAC

 

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

 

Staff Attorney or Advocate

 

MAC News and Resources

MAC IN THE MEDIA! - Click here for RECENT Updates

THROUGH THE EYES OF A CHILD ANNUAL CELEBRATIONEvent cover sheet
Thursday November 18th, 2010
Dorothy Quincy Suite - Back Bay Events Center
180 Berkeley Street, Boston MA 02116

This year our event is themed “Through the Eyes of a Child” because it speaks directly to how our services are received. It is “Through the Eyes of a Child” used as a lens through which the pains of exclusion and the loss of potential is perceived. It then manifests “Through the Heart of the Parent” where the parent then becomes the primary advocate for their child and reaches out to us. Through our coalition building, MAC is able to engage the “Caring of Community” to rally around that child and help to effect change. To conclude our multi‐faceted approach, MAC then expands our reach to the “Laws of the Land” and uses the legal process to help to establish, expand and protect educational rights and other rights for vulnerable children.

Click here to learn more

NEW Application Period for Children's Autism Medicaid Waiver

For a short and limited time period, the Department of Developmental Service’s (DDS) Autism Division will be conducting a new application process for parents of young children with autism to apply for the Children’s Autism Waiver Program.... Read more

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

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

Important Update:
Although the original deadline for bills to emerge from committee was March 17th, H.3435 has secured an extension, and the Joint Committee on Education now has until June 4, 2010 to report out the bill. We encourage everyone to contact members of the Committee (names and contact information available here) to express support for 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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