Information on Services

The Methuen Commission on Disabilities has neither the resources, nor the staff, to act as a referral agency for individual disability issues. Please use the information below for referral.

State Agencies

The following are links to state departments that provide information and services to those with particular disabilities. On most of these sites select the consumer tab to get information on services to the public.

Agencies:

City Agencies

The following links will take you to the page on the city website. Although the names do not refer to the disabled, all offer services to the disabled. The senior center has many programs that would be of benefit to that population. The office of Emergency Management has information on retrofitting homes, Register with Smart 911 so emergency service providers know of your special medical or disability related needs during emergencies. The School Department of Student Services Department has information on special education services, including a link to the Methuen SEPAC - Special Education Parents Advisory Council.

Private Agencies

For a Listing of Disability Rights and Laws in Massachusetts, view the Massachusetts Office on Disability (PDF).

Northeast Independent Living Center

Independent Living Centers Local Chapter: Northeast Independent Living Program, Lawrence, 978-687-4388, 800-845-6457

From their web page: 'While various types and levels of disability each have their own unique challenges, we believe all persons with disabilities share the same struggle for the self-determination of their lives and an equal opportunity in society. Present in all of our work are a minimum of four basic core IL services: Peer Counseling, Skills Training, Advocacy, and Information and Referral.

The Green BookIn conjunction with the Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, Inc. and Pentucket Medical, they publish the Green Book which has information on assistance for all aspects of living with a disability. Copies of this book are available at the senior center and at the reserve desk at the Nevins Memorial Library. The Green Book is also available online or using the following:

Other Service Providers

Organizations covering a broad range of disabilities:

  • Easter Seals: Massachusetts Chapter: 800-244-2756
    • From their website: 'Easter Seals Massachusetts provides a variety of programs and services for children and adults with disabilities or special needs. Services may be offered in an individual's home, in the community or at our facility.' This includes information and referral, as well as some services.
  • US Department of Labor - Office of Disability Employment Policy:
    • This organization has a webpage with links to various federal pages related to programs for the disabled, such as benefits - including social security, civil rights - including the ADA, community life including Home and Community Based Services, education, including IEP's, employment, emergency preparedness, housing, health, including Healthcare.gov, Medicare and Medicaid, technology including assistive devices, and transportation.
  • Disability Law Center:
    • From their website: 'The Disability Law Center (DLC) is the Protection and Advocacy agency for Massachusetts. DLC is a private, non-profit organization responsible for providing protection and advocacy for the rights of Massachusetts residents with disabilities. DLC receives federal, state and private funding but is not part of the state or federal government.
  • Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change:
    • "Our vision is one of empowerment for individual and family support that includes planning, choices and decision-making. The mission of MFOFC is to provide sustained advocacy and leadership training in pursuit of high quality, individualized community support and service options, including family support, for people with disabilities and their families." It has good links on services and advocacy.
  • Equal Opportunity Publications
    • Since 1968 Equal Opportunity Publications, Inc. (EOP) has led the way from affirmative action to diversity recruitment by publishing career-guidance and recruitment magazines for women, members of minority groups and people with disabilities. In April of 2017, EOP sponsored a Career Expo in Boston for people with disabilities. Their website offers free links to publications, articles, and information.

Organizations Related to Particular Disabilities & Diseases

These organizations vary in what they provide. Almost all appear, at first view, to be primarily about fundraising to assist medical research to end the condition. When you dig deeper, they also all provide information about the disease or disability to better understand it and advice about prevention, as in lung and heart diseases, or managing better living with the condition.

Only a few have referral services for assistance. Most have links for advocacy. All welcome volunteers. You can find the website for a specific disease or disability by typing it into your search engine. Some of these organizations are: