Resources • Cape Organization for Rights of the Disabled (CORD)

State Resources

DDS – Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services: The Department of Developmental Services provides supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to enhance opportunities to become fully engaged members of their community.
DMH – Massachusetts Department of Mental Health: The Department of Mental Health, as the State Mental Health Authority, 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.
MASILC – The Massachusetts Statewide Independent Living Council (MASILC): A Governor appointed Council. Members include persons who are knowledgeable about centers for independent living and the services they provide. The Council was established by Executive Order No.373 of William F. Weld, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on September 26, 1994. The Council includes representation of individuals with a range of disabilities from the various geographic areas within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
MCB – Massachusetts Commission for the Blind: The Mass Commission for the Blind’s goal is to provide individualized training, education, and empowerment to people who are legally blind, and advocate for inclusive policies across the Commonwealth, with the goal of life-long independence and full community participation
MCDHH – Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: MCDHH provides accessible communication, education, and advocacy to consumers and private and public entities so that programs, services, and opportunities throughout Massachusetts are fully accessible to persons who are deaf and hard of hearing.
MOD – Massachusetts Office on Disability CAP: MOD can advocate for your vocational rehabilitation (VR) and independent living (IL) services through their CAP team by providing 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. CAP Informs applicants and consumers about their rights and responsibilities under state and federal regulations that apply to VR and IL services and provides advocacy and appeal representation to help individuals get the VR and IL services for which they are eligible.
MassAbility: The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) provides services that break down barriers and empower people with disabilities to live life in their own terms. Their programs focus on training and employment, community living, and disability determination for federal benefit programs.

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National Resources

Disability – US Office of Disability Employment: To develop and influence disability employment-related policies and practices, ODEP sponsors the following five policy development and technical assistance resources. Start following them on social media today!
ILRU – Independent Living Resource Utilization: ILRU, founded in 1977, has a long history of providing research, education and consultation in the areas of independent living, home and community-based services, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
NASILC – National Association of Statewide Independent Living Councils: NASILC shall provide education and offer peer sharing on the roles and responsibilities of Statewide Independent Living Councils. Provide resources to Statewide Independent Living Councils and promote collaboration with their partners to advance Independent Living philosophy and values and to encourage networking opportunities with various national partners. NASILC will provide a unified voice of Statewide Independent Living Councils.
NCIL – National Council of Independent Living: NCIL’s mission is to advance the disability-led Independent Living Movement to expand the capacity of Independent Living Programs to enhance the human and civil rights of all people with disabilities.