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The Department has moved to 135 Santilli Highway in Everett. The Department's office and Licensure Welcome Center are open. The new location has free parking and is a short walk from the Wellington station on the MBTA's Orange Line.
Special Education

Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD)Training Project

Module Three: Links to Related Agencies

Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Transition Planning: The Bureau of Transitional Planning (BTP) was established by the legislature in 1984 for the purpose of administering the Chapter 688 law. This law creates a single point of entry into the adult Human Services System for those coming from Special Education and who meet the 688 eligibility criteria. The BTP is also responsible for providing information and technical assistance to schools, agencies, families and advocacy groups.

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission: The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) assists individuals with disabilities to live independently and go to work. MRC is the agency of the Commonwealth responsible for Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Independent Living Services, and for eligibility determination for the SSI/SSDI (federal) benefits programs for Massachusetts citizens with disabilities. The agency serves individuals with all types of disabilities except those who are registered with the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) as legally blind.

Department of Developmental Services (DDS): Massachusetts has a comprehensive system of specialized services and supports to give individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunities to live the way they choose. Department of Developmental Services(DDS) is the state agency that manages and oversees this service system. Every day, Department of Developmental Services(DDS) provide these specialized services and supports to approximately 32,000 adults with intellectual disabilities and children with developmental disabilities. The types of specialized services and supports include day supports, employment supports, residential supports, family supports, respite, and transportation. We provide these services through facilities and community-based state operated programs and by contracting with 235 private provider agencies.

Massachusetts Department of Mental Health: The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) sets the standards for the operation of mental health facilities and community residential programs and provides clinical, rehabilitative and supportive services for adults with serious mental illness, and children and adolescents with serious mental illness or serious emotional disturbance. The aim of service delivery is to integrate public and private services and resources to provide optimal community-based care and opportunities. As the State Mental Health Authority, DMH also is mandated by statute to "take cognizance of all matters affecting the mental health of citizens of the Commonwealth."

Department of Children and Families: Department of Children and Families (DCF) is Massachusetts' child welfare and protection agency. DCF provides safety for children and support to families. Please note that when a student with a significant disability is in the care and custody of DCF and is in a placement (not residing at home with parents), a Chapter 688 referral should be sent to DCF for processing.

Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB): The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) serves children and transition aged youth. MCB Children Service Workers provide information and referral, advocacy, case management and socialization/recreation programs (where available) for children aged 0-13 who are legally blind and their families (for some individuals, children's services may continue beyond age 13). The MCB offers complete vocational rehabilitation services to eligible students who are legally blind over the age of 14 whose disability has become an impediment to education, independent living, and employment. An MCB Qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor works with these students and their families to explore education, independent living, and employment goals. A customized plan is developed with the consumer/family to outline services MCB will provide to meet the consumer's objectives.

Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is the principal agency in the Commonwealth on behalf of people of all ages who are deaf and hard of hearing. It provides or ensures provision of direct specialized services including but not limited to case management, interpreter services, technology services including telecommunication and assistive listening devices, independent living services, information services, and such other services as it determines are needed;

Last Updated: October 21, 2014

 
Contact Us

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149

Voice: (781) 338-3000
TTY: (800) 439-2370

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