48th Annual Legislative Reception: Protecting Our Lives: Now More than Ever

Event Recap

For the second year in a row, a record turnout of over 600 advocates gathered at the Massachusetts State House on Tuesday, March 10 to celebrate the 48th Annual Legislative Reception, filling both the Great Hall and the additional overflow space in the Grand Staircase.

Hosted by The Arc of Massachusetts (The Arc) and the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC), this annual event is the largest day of advocacy for the community of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism in Massachusetts. It also serves as the official kickoff for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in the Commonwealth.

This year’s theme was “Protecting Our Lives: Now More than Ever,” acknowledging the unprecedented year that the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism community has faced. In this moment, this community is facing many challenges, including changes from our Federal Government to long-standing systems of support and the potential for tighter state budgets. Now more than ever, our collective voices are critical to ensure that we are protecting the services and supports that matter most. Now more than ever, we need to protect our rights and our lives.