In conjunction with the 48th Annual Legislative Reception, Governor Maura Healey proclaimed March 2026 as the 2026 Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Massachusetts. The proclamation was presented at the Legislative Reception by Executive Office of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Kiame Mahaniah.
Download the full proclamation as a PDF at the button below.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
A Proclamation
Whereas,
Over 200,000 children and adults in Massachusetts have intellectual and developmental disabilities; and
Whereas,
All people with intellectual and developmental disabilities should be able to live and work in their communities. To do this, they are entitled to the supports and services they need so that they can work in competitive integrated environments, live on their own in the community, and learn alongside their peers. Individualized support results in full inclusion; and
Whereas,
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities should be able to choose what they want for their lives. This self-determination improves people’s lives. When people choose for themselves, it creates more opportunities where they can thrive in real jobs for real pay and where they can get a better education, be healthier and be more independent.
Whereas,
Many community members provide support and care to their neighbors with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These essential supports can come from family members and friends, or from professionals and other community members; and
Whereas,
We recognize and value the important work that direct care workers do every day so that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can live fulfilling lives; and
Whereas,
In Massachusetts, we recognize the importance of safeguarding the human and civil rights of everyone in the disability community. We invest in services and supports that allow people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live full lives. We imagine a future where all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can work, live, and learn in their community; and
Whereas,
In March, we celebrate Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. We recognize the value of inclusion, the importance of supports and services, and that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities make the Commonwealth a better, more diverse place to live; and
Now, Therefore, I, Maura Healey, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim the month of March, 2026 to be
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
And urge all residents of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance.
Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston, this first day of March in the year two thousand and twenty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and forty-ninth.
BY HER EXCELLENCY
MAURA T. HEALEY
GOVERNOR OF THE COMMONWEALTH
KIMBERLEY DRISCOLL
LT. GOVERNOR OF THE COMMONWEALTH
WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN
SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH
God Save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
