As funding for resources and education for people with disabilities is being slashed by the federal government, Massachusetts continues to advocate for the most vulnerable members of the population. On Nov. 4, Needham will be the first stop in a series of community hearings and resource fairs put on by the state’s Commission on The Status of Persons with Disabilities, bringing together advocates, community organizations and state agencies to discuss the current and future needs of the commonwealth.
Former state Rep. Denise Garlick is in her second term as chair of the commission, a cause she said is very important to her and has been a linchpin of her vocation. As the mother of a daughter with intellectual disabilities and a nurse by profession, Garlick has been a champion of those fighting for the rights of the disabled.
The state commission was established in 2018 in part to deal with concerns around how law enforcement dealt with individuals with disabilities and autism. Its mission is to ensure the voices of those individuals are heard and help shape public policy, creating equity, opportunity, and access for people with disabilities. As a permanent, funded board with 23 commissioners appointed by different authorities such as the governor, attorney general and Senate president, Garlick said it is a very strong organization.
“Because it is permanent and in the law, it gives us an ability to build,” she said. “Looking down the road, what are we trying to accomplish now and what do we want to plan for.”
These community events, entitled “Meeting the Moment,” are a first step in developing a plan that unifies local groups and programs around shared goals and broadly disseminates information for individuals and families seeking resources. The commission will also hear testimony from individuals, family members and caregivers.
“When we talk about disabilities, we’re talking about a whole array of disabilities,” said Garlick. “It’s a very long list, and they are usually represented by small groups with their own language, own goals and certainly their own priorities, and they’re often pitted against each other for resources.” She said it will be important, especially as cuts in federal Medicaid begin taking effect, to work together collaboratively on their shared priorities and values.
Bringing these groups together will also be key in forming a broader advisory council to help share information and collaborate on a daily basis with the commission.
Garlick said the goal of these events is twofold: to highlight the work that is already being done across the state and to help individuals, families and caregivers not feel alone on their journey.
“There’s good work happening. Work we want to honor, respect and share,” she said. “The resource fair is just one more message that there are resources here, and there are ways to plug in and meet many needs. I would love to have someone come up to me and say, ‘I didn’t know there was a statewide commission. I have learned so much tonight, I now know how better to connect, I know where to turn, I don’t feel so afraid and alone.’”
The commissioners represent all parts of the state. About a third of the members will attend the various resource fairs with the goal of having completed 3-4 by the summer. Garlick said her hope is that these efforts will help diminish fear.
“This is a very cruel federal administration that has no boundaries,” she said. “The youngest people in our society, older people in our society, and the vulnerable people in our society are being targeted. I’m in this for everybody.”
Meeting the Moment: Community Hearing on the Status of Persons with Disabilities will be held in Town Hall from 5-7 p.m. Individuals can register to attend in person or by Zoom. ASL and CART services have been requested.
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