BOSTON — 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.  

 

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.