A newly formed Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities is the topic of my last blog for 2021.
Long-time leader Paul Spooner knows that there is work ahead, as quoted in the WBUR article on the commission: “I think it’s much more about taking the opportunity we have now to really kind of move the needle forward.”
The 23-member commission is chaired by Representative Denise Garlick and includes several representatives from our community along with others. The Commission has had four meetings since its establishment in late July.
Massachusetts has 791,132 constituents with disabilities. This means that out of nearly 7 million Massachusetts residents, 11.6% have disabilities.
The disability community is broad and deep with varying perspectives. As Chair Garlick was quoted, “Individuals with disabilities are very often invisible … and so they don’t get to unite. I’m hoping this commission will help with that.”
You can see the commission’s report here.
My best wishes to you as we continue the holiday season and prepare for the New Year!
