Arc of Massachusetts
The mission of The Arc of Massachusetts is 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. You are our best advocates: your stories, experiences, and ideas are what make The Arc's collective work effective.
Watch this short video about The Arc of Greater Haverhill-Newburyport
Center for Public Representation
CPR uses legal strategies, advocacy, and policy to promote the integration and full community participation of people with disabilities and all others who are devalued in today’s society.
City of Lawrence Commission on Disability
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.
Client Assistance Program (CAP)
Provides neutral help if you have concerns about your vocational rehab services or rights.
Court Service Center – Lawrence Law Library
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
Disability Law Center
Free legal aid in areas including healthcare access, education, and benefits for low-income individuals with disabilities.
Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC)
Established in 1987 as an independent state agency, 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.
Federation for Children with Special Needs
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
Lawrence Court Service Center
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.
Mass Advocates for Children
Massachusetts Advocates for Children’s mission is to remove barriers to educational and life opportunities for children and youth.
Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) / Client Assistance Program (CAP)
Offers advocacy regarding vocational rehabilitation concerns.
Northeast Family Leadership Program
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
Northeast Legal Aid
Through its board, management, and staff, Northeast Legal Aid helps low-income and elderly people of Northeast Massachusetts obtain justice and empowerment through skillful, creative, and persistent advocacy for systemic change and high-quality representation of individuals.
Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) – Lawrence SEPAC
The mission of the Lawrence SEPAC is to work for the understanding of, respect for and support of all children with special needs in the community. This organization is a self-governed, volunteer organization.
Youth Leadership Network (YLN)
Through MassAbility, offers workshops on advocacy, self-determination, peer networking, and related topics.