Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
Fort Point Place, Suite 600
27 Wormwood Street
Boston, MA 02210-1616

Telephone: Voice/TTY: 617-204-3600
Toll-free: Voice/TTY: 1-800-245-6543
Ombudsman: 617-204-3606  Fax: 617-727-1354

Overview

The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) assists the disabled with employment and independent living. Its goal is to help people with disabilities enter or re-enter the work force.

Ages Served/ Eligibility Criteria

• The MRC serves people ages 18 and older

·        MRC serves people with all types of disabilities except blindness. Individuals with visual disabilities get help through the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. MRC also offers a teletype facility (TTY) through which deaf individuals can contact the state-wide Coordinator of Deaf Services.

Services Offered

The MRC is the state agency in Massachusetts responsible for Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Independent Living Services, and Disability Determination Services (DDS):

·        The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Program Following is a list of many (but not all) of the VR services MRC provides. Since every person is unique and will have different goals or needs, individuals will not necessarily receive all of the following services, but will receive those services appropriate to their individual situation.

• Diagnostic Evaluations
• Interest and Aptitude Testing
• College or Vocational Training
• Job Placement Assistance
• Counseling and Guidance
• Supported Work
• Skills Training
• Job Coaches and Tutors
• Vehicle Modifications
• Housing Modifications
• Injured Worker's Program
• Assistive and/or Rehabilitation Technology
• Programs for Individuals Turning 22 (Ch. 688)
• Consultation to Employers

·         The Community Services Program (CS) offers home care assistance for persons with disabilities ages 18-59. CS offers contracted services with various Independent Living Centers throughout Massachusetts and provides information, referral, and counseling to enable independent living for the disabled.

• Brain Injury and Specialized Community Services  for individuals with an acquired/traumatic head injury
• Protective Services for persons with physical disabilities who may be abused by their caregiver
• Supported Living Services for persons with disabilities needing assistance to live independently at home
• Independent Living Center Services providing information, referral, and peer counseling for persons with disabilities to live independently in the community
• Independent Living Programs for individuals turning 22
• Assistive Technology Program to enable individuals with severe disabilities equal access to employment and community life through the use of assistive technology and training.
• Home Care assistance for persons with disabilities ages 18-59.

·         The Disability Determination Services (DDS) Program, funded by the Social Security Administration (SSA), determines eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits based on the applicant's disability only and in accordance with Social Security regulations.

o        The Social Security Administration makes disability payments under two programs:

§         Social Security Disability Insurance for workers (and their children or surviving spouses) who have Social Security coverage.

§         Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for people with little or no income and resources.

If you think you may be eligible for payments, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to file a claim, or contact your local Social Security Office. If you want someone to help you such as a family member, caseworker or other representative, that person may contact Social Security for you.

(You will get a faster decision if you give us:

o       Your Social Security Number

o       Medical records from your doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics and caseworkers

o       Laboratory and test results

o       Names, address, phone and fax numbers of your doctors, clinics and hospitals

o       Names of all medications you are taking

o       Names of your employers and job duties for the last 15 years

If you are filing for a child, you also need school records regarding your child's disability.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Don't wait to file your claim for disability payments even if you don't have all this information.)

Regional  Offices serving Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop

Vocational Rehabilitation Services

59 Temple Place, Suite 905
Boston, MA 02111
Tel. (617) 357-8137
Fax (617) 482-5576

Community Services

Independent Living, Turning 22, Housing and Supported Living Programs

(617) 204-3851 or 1-800-245-6543 (Voice/TDD)

Protective Services Program 

(508) 823-2874 Fax: (508) 823-5186

Home Care Assistance Program 

(617) 204-3853

Brain Injury and Statewide Specialized Community Services Program (formerly known as SHIP)

(617) 204-3852

Consumer Involvement

(617) 204-3665

Disability Determination Services

1-800-422-7200 (Toll free within Massachusetts)