Governor Healey Re-Establishes Governor’s Special Advisory Commission on Disability Policy

Governor Healey Re-Establishes Governor’s Special Advisory Commission on Disability Policy 

BOSTON – Today, during National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Governor Healey signed an Executive Order re-establishing the Governor’s Special Advisory Commission on Disability Policy to improve opportunities for people with disabilities, their families and advocates to provide input on policy and program development that will reduce barriers to state services. 

“It is very important to me that people with disabilities and their families have a direct line to me and my office,” said Governor Maura Healey. “By establishing this Commission, we are getting the input and perspective to make sure that our policies and programs are working for everyone.” 

The Commission will be Chaired by the Massachusetts Office on Disability’s Executive Director Allan Motenko and will consist of at least 24 people appointed by Governor Healey based on recommendations from organizations that support people with disabilities. Membership will include a diverse group of people who have lived experience, family members of people with disabilities, advocates, a representative from the Statewide Independent Living Council, and executive branch staff who have oversight of state programs supporting these populations.  

“One of the most valuable parts of my job is being able to receive feedback on how people are able to access our services,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We are re-establishing an avenue for people to talk about their experiences interacting with state agencies and accessing state services.”  

“Every day our teams offer supports to people across the state to help everyone live full lives in our communities, whether it’s job supports, assistive technology, day programs, or mobility training,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah, MD, MBA. “We want to make sure our own process makes our services truly accessible, and that individuals and families are able to easily find the office and specific programs or supports they need. This commission will allow us to hear first-hand from people with disabilities and their loved ones and advocates.” 

The first priority of the Commission will be to assess where the concerns are for people with disabilities and their families when interacting with state government, as well as ways that the state can promote inclusion in the programs and services the state offers.