ANNUAL REPORT FY23
ANNUAL REPORT FY23
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
A Letter from the
Commissioner Toni A. Wolf
LETTER FROM THE COMMISSIONER Toni A. Wolf
DEAR MRC COMMUNITY:
In 2023, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) partnered with individuals with disabilities to enter the job market, foster independence, and expand access to rights and benefits in Massachusetts. We also partnered with employers to hire and retain MRC job seekers while ensuring accessible and inclusive work environments for all.
In this report, you will see the data and numbers—but more importantly, you'll meet the people our agency empowers each and every day. People like Beverly Brewington, who, with our partnership, was able to work toward achieving her educational and career goals. You'll see how we continue to innovate–with our service delivery and technology enhancements. You will see how we utilized American Rescue federal funds and increased our ability to build ramps for those in need and how we are utilizing family voice through our Family Inclusion Ambassadors.
the word "disability" has evolved. In response we began the work needed to rebrand the agency, meeting with people with disabilities, providers, and employer
partners in order to find a name that represents the work we do.
Possibility is Our Purpose Possibility is Our Purpose
Toni A. Wolf Commissioner
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
I, and the rest of the agency, are grateful to Governor Healey, Secretary of Health and Human Services
Kate Walsh, and the members of the Massachusetts Legislature for their unwavering support. We are excited to continue working to make Massachusetts a better state for individuals with disabilities—one that is truly equitable, accessible, and inclusive.
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
Together with our community partners we expand what’s possible for people living
with disabilities. We lead, innovate, and convene with purpose to create a more
equitable, accessible, and inclusive
Commonwealth.
To learn more about our services for
people living with disabilities please visit
mass.gov/mrc.
2 Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
Creating Possibility
4 Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
AT MRC’S SECOND ANNUAL SUMMIT
BY NICK PIZZOLATO T
2023 EXPLORE POSSIBILITY SUMMIT
Tat the Sheraton Framingham Hotel and Conference Center to more than 400 registered attendees for a day full of inspiration, information, and collaboration. Individuals with disabilities came prepared to meet with MRC staff, providers, and vendors to communicate their needs and learn about existing services so they can live life on
their own terms. The event demonstrated MRC’s determination to be a catalyst for careers and
independent living for the people we serve.
he Massachusetts Rehabilitation
Commission’s (MRC) second “Explore Possibility Summit” opened the doors Tat the Sheraton Framingham Hotel and Conference Center to more than 400 registered
These experiences led Jake to work with friends to create the Ahoi app, a Waze for accessibility. It uses crowdsourcing technology for users to share
notifications of incomplete walkways or locations they might not be able to enter. “With the help of MRC, we can create a comprehensive map of Boston and Massachusetts to share with other people living with a disability, the best way they can get around their community,” Jake said.
was braindead. Jake could still hear. He could still think. He could still feel pain in his muscles. He just was unable to communicate with anyone. Thanks to an incredible team of medical professionals and
his self-determination, Jake eventually started to communicate and focused on his recovery. Ultimately, he could move independently in his wheelchair but consistently ran into accessibility issues. Sidewalks without curb cuts. Stairs but no elevator. Restaurants with no accessible bathroom.
MRC designed breakout sessions to help foster knowledge, networking, and independence among the attendees. People with disabilities could hear from housing advocates who provided resources for them to use to rejoin their communities and live independently. Seasoned travelers with disabilities shared their tips on exploring the world and
encouraging others to travel. MRC’s Job Placement Team members advised people on how to succeed in a hybrid work environment. Members of the disability community had the day to network with their peers and other professionals to help the growth of their careers.
The Summit received rave reviews, with guests sharing on social media that the event was
“Empowering” and allowed them to “See what MRC can do for people with disabilities.”
AGENCY INNOVATIONS INNOVATIONS
Change refers to the act of making something different. It's a response to an existing situation. Innovation, on the other hand, proactively generates new ideas and solutions. It's not a reaction; it's a proactive force for positive change. To foster a culture of innovation or change an organization must start from within, and that’s exactly what the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) has done under the leadership of Commissioner Toni Wolf.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE NEW WAYS OF SERVICE DELIVERY AND PROGRAMS
Wolf said this kind of environment often involves embracing disruptions to patterns of work. In recent years she established the Office of Learning and Community Engagement, which ensures individuals with disabilities and their family members participate in decision-making spaces within the agency and serve as ambassadors.
Individual and family voices build trust and engagement with the disability community, the heart of who the agency serves.
In 2024, the agency plans to launch a virtual portal that
will allow participants as well as the provider community to access documents, upload information, request
appointments, and more. Similar to a doctor’s office “My- Chart,” the portal is another example of how the agency utilizes technology to improve the participant experience.
SUPPORTED LIVING EXPANSION
INTEGRATED ELIGIBILITY AND TECH ADVANCES
Created in 1989, the Supported Living Program has
assisted people living with severe physical disabilities by providing case coordination and PCA surrogacy. Since its inception, there have been several pilot programs that looked to expand services to other individuals with
disabilities by adjusting our current model and learning
as we assisted people with other barriers.
In September 2023, MRC launched the Supported Living Regional Expansion Project transitioning individuals with behavioral health conditions from nursing facilities back to their communities of choice. "What makes the supported living expansion program unique is our ability to focus on a population that has previously been underserved," says Anna Hermann, the Supported Living Expansion Manager. By bringing together current and new provider agencies with the individual and their families, we will move service provision into a new direction.
The program will provide behavioral health services and supports, ongoing case coordination, household management, transportation, assistive technology and financial wellness. MRC will also assist participants access to social recreational, educational and career opportunities.
The agency was established in 1956 with employment— and what it brings to people’s lives—at its foundation. Over the years, MRC has expanded its role in the community, providing services that meet people with disabilities where they are, literally and metaphorically. The agency today is about pride and self-determination. It’s about rights and equal access. It’s about building a future and being fully present and counted in the world. Wolf added, ”to foster a culture of innovation or change we must start from within. It's not enough to simply say that you value innovation and change - we must live it and breathe it
every day. That means making it part of our DNA and
infusing it into every aspect of our work.”
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE, WHILE HONORING THE PAST
Celebrating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility
The agency has immersed staff's voices, cultural backgrounds, and lived experiences in day-to-day
opportunity to amplify the voice of our community. We work together to break down barriers and make a better state
possible for people with
disabilities—one that is truly equitable, accessible, and
inclusive. The agency achieves its goals by building a
supportive work community that embodies this mission.
t the Massachusetts Rehabilitation
Commission (MRC), Awe take every
share or support characteristics such as ethnicity, identity, lifestyle, or interest together and provide a safe space for staff to bring their authentic selves to work. The agency's ERGs include the Black Employee Resource Group, Young Professionals Resource Group, Statewide Bilingual Group, LGBTQ+Allies Committee, and most recently, the newly formed Disability Voices Committee and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Committee.
The Disability Voices Committee is a group of
employees with disabilities and allies at MRC that work together to champion education, awareness, and access to support the disability community. Since its inception, the group has advocated and assisted in redesigning the agency's reasonable accommodation process and has acted as a thought leader for the agency.
The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Committee supports the agency in providing linguistically and culturally competent engagement with the deaf and hard of hearing community. They bring their lived experience and resources to the agency to break stigmas and preconceived notions about deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. They work with hearing colleagues to create resources and provide support to those hearing staff at the agency who work and communicate with those who are deaf and hard of hearing. Since its inception, the group has advocated to improve
EOHHS’s reasonable accommodation process and
has acted as a thought leader for the agency.
Providing Learning and Community Building Events
During the year, MRC's ERGs host events focusing
on bringing the Agency closer together through educational opportunities, cultural awareness, and community-building events. This year, the Statewide Bilingual Group (SBG) hosted two events during May to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Cultural Heritage Month. The SBG invited all staff to test their knowledge by playing AAPI trivia, an exercise to build agency unity and share cultural information. The group also hosted a panel discussion that raised staff awareness of mental health issues and stigma in Asian communities. The discussion allowed the agency to learn how we can help support these communities by listening and creating open lines of communication.
In June, the Black Employee Resource Group and the LGBTQ+ Allies Committee hosted events that would help boost awareness and cultivate knowledge. On Saturday, June 10, 2023, 30 agency employees and their families participated in the first Boston Pride for
In July, the Disability Voices Committee ERG took center stage and hosted a discussion about July being Disability Pride Month, which educated the history of Disability Pride Month and hosted a discussion surrounding the meaning of pride within the disability community. The panel was made up of members of the MRC community, including staff, a member of the community we serve, and an MRC Family Inclusion leader, as they shared their personal stories of
breaking down barriers.
FISCAL YEAR AT A GLANCE (SFY 23)
Career Services
| State Fiscal Year(SFY) | 23 |
|---|---|
| Individuals Actively Receiving Services | 21704 |
| Individuals Enrolled in Training/Education Programs | 16026 |
| Individuals Employed | 2823 |
| Cost Per Individual Served | $3992 |
Home & Community Life
| State Fiscal Year(SFY) | 23 |
|---|---|
| Individuals Actively Receiving Services | 12,306 |
| Total Funds Expended | $78,369,195 |
| Cost Per Individual Served | $6,368 |
| Federal Fiscal Year(FFY) | 23 |
|---|---|
| Claims Processed | 58,859 |
| Total Budget | $48,635,926.00 |
| Cost Per Case | $826.31 |
| Accuracy of Initial Decisions | 98% |
| Federal Accuracy of Decision Standards | 95% |
10 Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
Overall Funding
| NET AGENCY FUNDING | SFY 2023 | FUNDING SOURCE | % of Program Budget | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State | Federal | Trust | Capital | Total | |||
| Career Services | $34,072,400 | $43,346,200 | $9,218,937 | $86,637,537 | 40% | ||
| Home & Community Life | $70,181,472 | $3,017,304 | $1,369,260 | $3,801,159 | $78,369,195 | 36% | |
| NextGen Services | - | $2,697,234 | $2,697,234 | 1% | |||
| Disability Determination Services | - | $48,635,926 | $48,635,926 | 22% | |||
| Commissioner's Office | $480,994 | - | $480,994 | 0% | |||
| Agency Funding Total | $104,734,867 | $97,696,663 | $10,588,197 | $3,801,159 | $216,820,886 | 100% | |
| Percentage of Overall Budget | 48% | 45% | 5% | 2% |
NET AGENCY FUNDING
FUNDING SOURCE
Annual Report by Division
| SUM OF ACTUALS | FUNDING SOURCE | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agency Division | State | Federal | Trust | Capital | Grand Total |
| Commissioner's Office | $ 480,994.20 | $ 480,994.20 | |||
| Community Living Services | $ 47,808,194.26 | $ 3,017,303.60 | $ 1,369,259.96 | $ 52,194,757.82 | |
| Disability Determination Services | $ 48,635,926.11 | $ 48,635,926.11 | |||
| NextGen Services | $ 2,697,233.55 | $ 2,697,233.55 | |||
| Vocational Rehabilitation Services | $ 32,825,272.91 | $ 43,346,199.75 | $ 9,218,936.66 | $ 85,390,409.32 | |
| Agency Funding Total | $ 81,114,461.37 | $97,696,663.01 | $ 10,588,196.62 | ||
| ANF FundingCareer Services | $ 167,658.90 | $ 167,658.90 | |||
| ANF Funding Total | $ 167,658.90 | $ 167,658.90 | |||
| Partnership with State AgenciesHome & Community Life | $ 22,373,278.20 | $ 3,801,159.00 | $ 26,174,437.20 | ||
| Vocational Rehabilitation Services | $ 1,079,468.51 | $ 1,079,468.51 | |||
| Partnership with State Agencies Total | $ 23,452,746.71 | $ 3,801,159.00 | $ 27,253,905.71 |
Grand Total $ 104,734,866.98 $ 97,696,663.01 $ 10,588,196.62 $ 3,801,159.00 $216,820,885.61
Annual Report by Program
Division of Career Services Total $ 86,637,536.73
| AGENCY DIVISION | PROGRAM | SUM OF ACTUALS |
|---|---|---|
| Commissioner's Office | Commissioner's Office | $480,994.20 |
| Commissioner's Office Total | $480,994.20 | |
| Home & Community Life | Assistive Technology&Independent Living Services | $17,444,063.35 |
| Beyond Bridges | $207,510.07 | |
| Home Care Services | $4,224,870.87 | |
| Home Modification Loan Program | $3,801,159.00 | |
| Housing Registry | $150,000.00 | |
| Statewide Head Injury Program | $36,193,019.58 | |
| Turning 22 Services | $183,454.81 | |
| Moving Forward Programs | $16,165,117.34 | |
| Division of Home&Community Life Total | $78,369,195.02 | |
| Disability Determination Services | Disability Determination Services | $48,635,926.11 |
| Disability Determination Services Total | $48,635,926.11 | |
| NextGen Services | NextGen Services | $2,697,233.55 |
| NextGen Services Total | $2,697,233.55 | |
| Career Services | Supported Employment Services | $2,293,493.02 |
| Career Services | $83,852,295.03 | |
| Work Incentives Planning and Assistance | $206,349.21 | |
| Workforce Development (DTA) | $285,399.47 | |
| Division of Career Services Total | $86,637,536.73 |
AGENCY DIVISION
Grand Total $ 216,820,885.61
CAREER SERVICES
Take on the Modern Workplace
Services Include:
Prepares participants to take on the modern workplace on their own terms. Together with public colleges and universities, professional training programs, and employers statewide, the agency partners with people with disabilities to break down barriers and expand what’s possible in their career and work life. Our programs give them the opportunity to explore many industries and sectors so they can find what’s best for them and their situation. We also guide and support employers to create the accessible and inclusive environment our service recipients deserve.
• Counseling and guidance • Job-driven training and skills training
For individuals with disabilities: • Counseling and guidance
• Job placement assistance • Diagnostic evaluations
• Job placement assistance • Diagnostic evaluations • College or vocational training
• College or vocational training • Assistive technology
• Assistive technology • Financial wellness
• Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for students • Communication access services: ASL interpreters,
• Communication access services: ASL interpreters, oral transliterators, Communication Access Real-Time (CART) translation, multiple language translation
For employers: • On-the-Job Training (OJT)
• Job and Employer-driven Training (JDT) • Financial support for paid internships/practicums
• On-the-Job Training (OJT) • Job and Employer-driven Training (JDT)
• Financial support for paid internships/practicums • Tax incentives
• Tax incentives • Disability inclusion support
• Consultation: ADA, disability sensitivity training, worksite modifications
Average age at application: 33.4
Average Hourly Wage: $18.73
The earnings of these successfully placed employees in MA in the first year were $75.6million.
Estimated public benefits savings from people rehabilitated in MA were $21.2million.
The returns to society based on increases in lifetime * earnings range from $14to $18for each $1 Chose notto identify4 invested in the MRC Vocational Rehabilitation program.
$5is returned to the government in the form of * NativeAmerican0increased taxes and reduced public assistance payments for every $1 invested in the MRC Vocational Rehabilitation program.
New referrals: 10,213
Participants employed with medical insurance: 99.4%
Chosenot to idenfJob seekers actively receiving services: y 21,704
Based on Commonwealth Corporation Study *
BEVERLY BREWINGTON Pursuing a Career Full of Purpose
life-long resident of Boston, Beverly Brewington recognizes that her career journey has not been the same as
Aothers. She reached out to the
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)
And as much as Beverly loved learning and
earning credits toward her degree in food service, she couldn’t help but feel this wasn’t her purpose. “It was something inside of me, and I felt like I was meant to help people,” she reflected. “I want to help people who have been through similar situations as myself, and this is my calling.”
Aothers. She reached out to the
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) in 2004 when she started studying for a career in food preparation. Twenty years later, she pivoted her career goals to acquire a degree in psychology and focus her professional life on helping those who have survived domestic abuse and substance use. She wants to be an advocate and support individuals to fulfill their dreams and reach their full potential, despite their challenging past.
She changed her field of study from food preparation to psychology. She was determined to stay on track to graduate in 2024, even if that meant doubling up on coursework during future semesters. But Beverly isn’t afraid of hard work or asking for help when she needs it. “Yes, it’s
challenging. But I’m doing it!”
Beverly’s story is painful and
inspirational as she has
continued to fight against the odds to achieve her career goals. A physical confrontation
resulted in a head injury that caused her to be legally blind.
Lying in a hospital bed, doctors told her she would not be the same and would have to relearn how to talk, walk, and other things she had taken for granted.
“Food brings people together,” she laughed.
“I love cooking. I’ll go to restaurants and come back home and try to imitate what I had and put my little twist on it.”
“I’ll be the
first one in my
immediate
family to
earn
a college
degree.”
challenging. But I’m doing it!”
she said. “This is where I’m
supposed to be.”
Since Beverly started working towards her degree, MRC has been instrumental in providing her with support, services, and resources. MRC has equipped her with a computer and
connected her with services that have facilitated a conducive learning environment, enabling her to excel in her academic pursuits. “If I know I need
something, I’m not accepting no as an answer. We all need help. But if you don’t ask for help, you’re not going to get it.”
Beverly looks forward to 2024 and earning her psychology degree from BHCC. “I’ll be the first one in my immediate family to earn a college
degree,” she shared. “And I’m going to invite everyone for a graduation party and cook for everyone. To say thank you.”
What's Next in NextGen Careers?
16 Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
Whether NextGener’s are interested in a
certificate program, on-the-job training, apprenticeship, or an internship in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM), the program will pair individuals with a team of dedicated experts in counseling, benefits, and peer support that supports them every step of the way. Made up of mentors, counselors, benefits advisors, and employment specialists, the NextGen Career team focuses on partnering with participants to find their best career pathway. As a team, they help job seekers build their confidence and expertise in whichever field they want to pursue.
Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) launched NextGen Careers–a program that helps young adults ages 18-30 with disabilities explore the world of work. Now over a year since the program launched, 328 young adults have enrolled in the program.
“Working with NextGen is incredible,” said Sarah M. “This entire experience has been such a game-changer for my career and my confidence. I’m finally getting the support
I need to accomplish my goals and the encouragement from my career counselor
“I have been working with NextGen Careers for
a few months and they’ve already helped me get enrolled in a Carpentry training program at Greater Lowell Tech through MassHire,” said James R. “I’m learning how to frame and build houses and will be earning an OSHA 10
certification. I’m currently looking for employment and the team at NextGen is
helping me with my resume and helping me find opportunities to apply for. I’m excited for these new possibilities!”
a few months and they’ve already helped me get enrolled in a Carpentry training program at Greater Lowell Tech through MassHire,” said James R. “I’m learning how to frame and build houses and will be earning an OSHA 10
certification. I’m currently looking for employment and the team at NextGen is
helping me with my resume and helping me find opportunities to apply for. I’m excited for these new possibilities!”
Training partners have included Mass
General Brigham, Middlesex Community
College, Quinsigamond Community College, and Roxbury Community College. The
program also established the "NextGen Job Club," where participants receive in-house training on soft skills, business etiquette, and job searches in a post-pandemic economy.
NextGen recently launched the “Career Exploration Academy,” a training with employer
partners, NextGeners and their
families, to connect to opportunities in the STEM field. Training partners have included Mass
Do Better Business, Together
The Disability Employment Tax Credit (DETC) is a Massachusetts program that gives employers a tax credit when they recruit and hire individuals with disabilities.
Employees with Disabilities
Why Should You Certify? By certifying your disability, you make it easier for people with disabilities to land the jobs they want at competitive companies in the Commonwealth. The more that people self-disclose, the more inclusive workplaces become. To help your company earn credit, you must be a Massachusetts resident with a disability who was hired after July 1, 2021.
- tax credit coordinator will review A your application. Within 2 business days they will let you know if your application was accepted. If any Access online information is missing, they will reach out to you and explain what’s needed to complete your application.
3.nce you’re approved, the tax credit coordinator will send you a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility. O
Self-disclosure is Worth It
How to Get Certified
1.te the online certification Comple form (use QR code here)
MA Employers & Businesses
Get the Credit
Employers can get a tax credit for any employee you hired after July 1, 2021, who is a Massachusetts resident with a certified disability. After 12 months of continuous employment, a business can claim a state tax credit equal to 30% of the wages paid to each qualified employee with a disability in the first taxable
• Spread the word about how hiring people with disabilities helps improve culture and your business’s bottom line. • Remember, any employee you hire through MRC may
• y for both the Federal Work Opportunity Tax Appl Credit program and the MA Disability Employment Tax Credit. • Spread the word about how hiring people with
• Remember, any employee you hire through MRC may already be certified. That’s just one of the many ways MRC can support your company.
Learn More at: mass.gov/mrc-employer-and-business-services
mass.gov/mrc-employer-and-business-services
HOME AND COMMUNITY LIFE
Building a Life on Your Terms
MRC’s Home and Community Life empowers service recipients to participate in their community and build a better life on their own terms. We partner with participants to expand what’s possible for adults and youth with disabilities, providing them with the support, technology, and training they need to become self-sufficient. Together, we’re breaking down barriers to create a Massachusetts
Together, we’re breaking down barriers to create a Massachusetts that’s truly equitable, accessible and inclusive.
Our Programs and Services Include:
• Independent living centers • Turning 22 Youth Transition to Adult Human Services
• Turning 22 Youth Transition to Adult Human Services • Supported Living
• Supported Living • Home Care
• Accessible Housing Registry • Assistive Technology training, devices, and resources
• Assistive Technology training, devices, and resources • C ommunity-based residential, day, and support services
• C ommunity-based residential, day, and support services
for persons with brain injuries
By the Numbers
| Participants Housed | 45 |
|---|---|
| Independent Living Centers: | 5,956 |
| Turning 22 Services: | 707 |
| Assistive Technology: | 1,565 |
| Supported Living Services: | 285 |
| Brain Injury Services(SHIP&TBI Waiver): | 1,087 |
| Home Care Services: | 1,366 |
| Protective Services: | 356 |
| Moving Forward Program: | 984 |
| Housing Registry | |
| Number of units on Housing Navigator and MyMassHome Registries: | 31,243 |
| Fast Facts | |
| Total participants actively receiving services: | 12,306 |
| Percentage of participants maintaining independence in the community: | 99.7% |
t the Massachusetts Rehabilitation
Commission (MRC) we provide programs and services that foster independence and Aexpand participation in community life.
BRINGING PEOPLE HOME
The agency received American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to promote accessibility and agency
responsiveness for individuals with disabilities,
recognizing that providing resources and services will create jobs for providers and builders and offer opportunities for people with disabilities to thrive in their communities. ARPA provides federal dollars to boost the U.S. economy after the COVID-19 pandemic; MRC uses these dollars to hire contractors to build ramps, install stair lifts, and complete other home modification projects to make houses accessible to people with disabilities.
22 Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
In Chicopee, Marvin's story is similar. Marvin uses a wheelchair and depends on his family to enter and exit the home he shares with them. Due to the home's inaccessibility, he had to move into a skilled nursing facility, and his discharge was dependent on his family to provide a ramp to their home. Stavros, an Independent Living Center that partners with MRC, spearheaded the ramp's design and construction, and
In Chicopee, Marvin's story is similar. Marvin uses a wheelchair and depends on his family to enter and exit the home he shares with them. Due to the home's inaccessibility, he had to move into a skilled nursing facility, and his discharge was dependent on his family to provide a ramp to their home. Stavros, an Independent Living Center that partners with MRC, spearheaded the ramp's design and construction, and
spearheaded the ramp's design and construction, and when it was complete, Marvin could independently enter and leave his home. "The wheelchair ramp is a
enter and leave his home. "The wheelchair ramp is a lifesaver," he shared.
These federally funded projects allow MRC to work in communities across the Commonwealth to expand what's possible for people with disabilities. Everyone deserves the right to feel safe at home and
empowered to live life on their own terms.
To learn more about ARPA funding opportunities, visit https://www.mass.gov/MRC/ARPA.
Opening Doors
You can apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) through the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSA works to assess your situation and eligibility. If you are determined eligible, SSA sends your application to DDS, and we will work with you to gather necessary information, make a determination, and return your application to SSA for you to get the assistance you need. If your ability to work is limited because of a disability, MRC’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) division is here to help determine if you are eligible for disability benefits.
If you are found to be disabled, you may also be eligible for health care coverage through Medicaid and Medicare. For many Massachusetts residents like you, DDS is part of our team that can improve your quality of life by helping you live more independently.
By the Numbers (SFY 23)
By the Numbers (SFY 23)
58,859 claims processed for individuals applying for SSI/SSDI benefit
60,048 claims received
98% claims processed accurately
14,842 continuing review claims successfully completed by the MRC/DDS
34,877 initial claims processed by the MRC/DDS 22%
22% favorably processed claims for houseless individuals to provide SSI
DISABILITY DETERMINATION SERVICES
| Total MA Population: | 6.98 million |
|---|---|
| MA SSI Recipients,2022: | 168,056 |
| MA SSDI Recipients,2022: | 197,049 |
| Annual SSDI Benefits Paid: | $3.19 billion |
| Annual SSI Benefits Paid: | $1.21 billion |
MA SSI Recipients, 2022:
Massachusetts SSI/SSDI Overall Summary (from SSA Data)
Annual SSDI Benefits Paid:
Annual SSI Benefits Paid:
obtain stable housing
$3.19 billion
$1.21 billion
FAMILY INCLUSION AMBASSADORS JOIN TEAM MRC
uilding trust and engagement with the disability Bcommunity requires leading with individual and family voices. The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) empowers individuals with disabilities and their families to be active participants in agency decision-making processes and serve as ambassadors. The Office of Learning & Community Engagement
Firdosa Hassan joined the team to be a voice that can help those in communities where deep-seated stigmas surrounding people with disabilities still exist. She wishes to help people understand that culturally preconceived notions shouldn't contain individuals with a disability. Born in Somalia, Firdosa has strong ties to the community and understands many families' confusion regarding transition and guardianship services for their children.
Yan Zhang takes advocacy seriously as an
advocate for people with disabilities in the Chinese community, where she shares resources with other parents. She acknowledges, because of perceived stigmas, that some people are passive in advocating independently but feel empowered to ask questions when surrounded by others who share their
experiences. Yan hopes to help bridge the game between language barriers and be a reason families feel empowered to find solutions.
uilding trust and engagement with the disability Gillan Wang is always willing to go the extra mile community requires leading with individual and to help connect people with the resources they need. She enjoys making personal connections and sharing her family's experiences with other families disabilities and their families to be active participants to share resources and be a source of support. in agency decision-making processes and serve as
Elizabeth "Liz" Topaz focuses on developing
educational components for families by working with the team. As a training provider for the Federation for Children with Special Needs, she loved providing parents with the information they needed to help guide them through the system. She'd like to educate educators on available
support services so they can also participate in helping parents and caregivers navigate resources.
Bonnie Thompson began her role of assessing the existing resources within the Agency. She brings her lived experience as a family advocate to the FIA. As a parent, she has extensive experience navigating the healthcare industry and has shared what she learned with other families. Bonnie acknowledges navigating the bureaucracy can sometimes get families stuck in the weeds, which takes their focus off the goal of getting their children the services they need, and she wants to offer assistance and compassion to those struggling.