Stavros
Advocates for Independent Living
MISSION STATEMENT
Promoting independence and access in our communities for persons with disabilities and Deaf people.
Welcome to Stavros!
Get Involved and Stay Involved!
On this website you will find information about resources, laws and important issues that impact your ability to remain independent. What's the most important resource of all? It's contact information about all your elected officials! By staying informed and contacting your state (or just western MA) legislators and federal legislators about important issues, you help preserve your rights and the rights of others.
Budget Cuts and the PCA program
The PCA Program is in danger of budget cuts! Please contact Governor Patrick's office and let him know how important the PCA program is to you and your family & friends. Details here.
Take our Survey!
Stavros is conducting a survey to see how we can best serve our consumers. There are only 10 questions and it will take only a few minutes. We appreciate your help! Thanks!
Mass Health Denials and Appeals
Don't forget that you have the right to appeal any Mass Health decision you don't agree with. Starting in March 2009, many consumers saw big cuts in the hours approved for their PCA services. These are folks who need personal care attendants to help them survive. Stavros has seen most of the consumers who appealed large cuts to their PCA program win their appeals and regain the services they need to survive. Generally the back of all Mass Health letters have an appeals form on the back; just fill it out and send it in. If you need more help to file an appeal, please visit MassLegal help for details on how to file an appeal.
Be a Stavros Fan on Facebook!
Stavros Center For Independent Living
Call your Legislators!
Things can only change if our elected officials--local, state or national --know how you feel! Find out all you need to know to be informed to Vote Smart and start changing the world!
Community Choice Act
The Community Choice Act would establish a national PCA program and address the institutional bias (right now, everyone is "entitled" to nursing home care, but they're not "entitled" to care in their own homes) in Medicaid. Please call your federal legislators and ask them to pass the CCA this session! Go to our "Hot Issues" page for more info.
Online Donations
Please consider getting involved by making a donation so that our work can further enhance the lives of folks with disabilities in Western Massachusetts. Donate online now
Stavros' Access Awards
Every year Stavros gives Access Awards to organizations, businesses and individuals who have improved access at their facility or in their community for persons with disabilites.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about Stavros program and services you can call us at 800 804 1899 or by using our Contact Us form.
About Stavros
Look here for a brief history of Stavros or a description of our various programs and services.