Advocacy Resources

The City of Lawrence Commission on Disability coordinates and caries out programs designed to address issues concerning persons with disabilities in coordination with programs of the Massachusetts Office on Disability. The commission researches local issues and needs of the disability community and coordinates the activities of local groups organized for similar purposes.

The Massachusetts Office on Disability's CAP team provides information and advocacy for people with disabilities who want Vocational rehabilitation (VR) services from MassAbility and/or the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB), or Independent Living (IL) services from Independent Living Centers

The Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) protects adults with disabilities ages 18 through 59 from abuse or neglect by their caregivers through investigations, oversight, public awareness, and prevention. If you suspect or observe abuse or neglect of a person with a disability, report to the CPPD by calling the 24-hour Hotline at 1-800-426-9009 or by submitting an abuse report online.

Center for Public Representation (CPR) is a non-profit public interest law firm. Its programs include legal services, supported decision making, and policy and legislative advocacy.

The Lawrence law library offers help with legal research, books and materials to borrow, online databases for no charge, including Westlaw and Lexis, free public wifi

The Disability Law Center (DLC) provides legal advocacy on disability issues that promote the fundamental rights of all people with disabilities to participate fully and equally in the social and economic life of Massachusetts.

Court Service Centers help people navigate the court system. Centers are available to all court users without lawyers and there are no income or immigration-status requirements. All of the services in the Court Service Centers are free, but there may be other fees associated with your case, such as filing fees.

Northeast Legal Aid and Northeast Justice Center provide free legal assistance to vulnerable low-income individuals or elders, to help them meet their basic needs, protect their legal rights, and advocate for fairer systems.

The Arc of Massachusetts works to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism and their families. Advocacy is at the heart of what the Arc of Massachusetts does. Advocacy can lead to critical policy changes, increased funding for programs, and more.

Watch this short video about The Arc of Greater Haverhill-Newburyport

The Federation for Children with Special Needs empowers families, engages diverse communities, and eliminates barriers to improve life outcomes for all children and young adults, especially those with disabilities.
Watch this brief video on the Federation

Massachusetts Advocates for Children’s mission is to remove barriers to educational and life opportunities for children and youth.

The Northeast Family Leadership Program provides education, leadership training, and mentoring for families with children and adults with disabilities.
Watch this short video on the Family Leadership Program

The mission of the Lawrence SEPAC is to promote the understanding of, respect for and support of all children with special needs in the community. This organization is a self-governed, volunteer organization.

Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong (MASS) operates statewide and in five individual regions. MASS has various groups, committees, task forces, that facilitate our members to advocate, develop leadership skills, and foster social connections.

The Youth Leadership Network (YLN) is a state-wide program promoting self-advocacy and self-awareness for youth and young adults with disabilities ages 14-26. The YLN is run by Easterseals of MA, and carries out activities through monthly meetings, events and social media. Meetings are held at three locations across the state and meet once per month. They also host a weekly online group every Tuesday.