On Wednesday, March 7, Gov. Charlie Baker, Speaker Robert DeLeo, and others helped The Arc of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) recognize Senator Jamie Eldridge and Representative Denise Garlick as Legislators of the Year.
WROR-Radio personality Lauren Beckham Falcone, a parent of a child with Down syndrome, emceed the event titled “Honoring 40 Years of Success: Facing an Uncertain Future.”
Governor Baker referenced the two organizations’ work toward “giving folks in the disability community the opportunities and the tools that they need to be fully independent and integrated into the community.”
Keynote Angela Ortiz talked about the fire she felt to advocate for her daughter, Ayla: “I put my index finger in the palm of her tiny hand. We locked eyes, seeing past all the tubing and drains. She wrapped her fingers around it and squeezed with such intensity. Wow. At just three days old, my fragile and recovering newborn showed her fire and fighting spirit. That energy moved me. It strengthened me.”
Jamie Eldridge has served in the senate (Middlesex and Worcester district) since January 2009. He is Senate Chair for the Joint Committee on Financial Services. Senator Eldridge’s advocacy on a variety of special education, mental health, and health care bills was especially noted in his recognition. Eldridge was also lead sponsor on An Act Relative to Bullying, which included provisions for children with special needs. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate.
Denise Garlick has represented the 13th Norfolk District as a representative since 2011, and now serves as the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery. She has been a long-time advocate and leader for Family Support and Employment Services. In addition, Rep. Garlick has co-sponsored many bills, including Nicky’s Law, which is an abuse registry bill; and Operation House Call, which addresses the unintended bias in the medical community toward people with disabilities. She is regarded as a great communicator who gets things done. Her personal experience and nursing background give her a unique insight to the demands families face.
The Arc of Massachusetts (The Arc) is a statewide advocacy organization representing 200,000 individuals with 18 chapters in the state. Its mission is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, and their families. The Arc fulfills this through advocacy for community supports and services that foster social inclusion, self-determination, and equity across all aspects of society. To learn more, visit www.thearcofmass.org.
