Leo V. Sarkissian, MASW, LICSW
Leo V. Sarkissian has led The Arc of Massachusetts as Executive Director since 1991, after entering the disability field in 1976. During Leo’s tenure, The Arc, a statewide advocacy
organization:
1. Insured adult transition services for graduating students (now 1,300 annually).
2. Expanded Family Support or Respite programs to $84.9 million.
3. Changed eligibility regulations so that persons with intellectual or cognitive
disabilities could participate in the Personal Care attendant program.
4. Worked toward passage of several bills, including self-direction, service to
adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental disabilities,
and a registry for staff substantiated for abuse.
5. Established community services for 3,844 individuals through settlements
from two waiting-list cases.
6. Established a strong education-outreach record with publications and website
tools to assist individuals in planning housing, person-centered planning, and
social inclusion. A health equity program reaches five medical or graduate
nursing programs.
7. Saw the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services grow to
become a $2.3 billion state agency.
Prior to his statewide advocacy role, Leo oversaw a multi-service agency that
provided residential, employment/day, personal care assistance, early intervention,
and family support services. He also has served as a clinician with various roles,
including counseling, emergency services, and a team member in the development
of adult community services.