Press Release: 2/2/2026

Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities Convenes Inaugural Advisory Council

 

The Advisory Council Orientation convened self-advocates and cross-sector leaders to strengthen collaboration, elevate lived experience, and advance disability inclusion across Massachusetts.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

1/30/2026

MEDIA CONTACT

Imene Bouziane Saidi, Executive Director

 Online

Email Imene Bouziane Saidi, Executive Director at imene.bouzianesaidi@mass.gov

BOSTON — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 30, 2026

Contact:

Imene Bouziane Saidi, Executive Director

Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities

Imene.BouzianeSaidi@mass.gov

Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities convenes inaugural Advisory Council Orientation at the State House

Boston, MA – The Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities convened the inaugural orientation of its newly established Advisory Council on January 30, 2026, at the Massachusetts State House. The orientation marked an important milestone in the Commission’s efforts to strengthen its work through cross-sector engagement, lived experience, and statewide expertise.

The Advisory Council is a diverse, cross-sector body created to expand the Commission’s efforts to listen, learn, and engage with communities across the Commonwealth. Advisory Council members serve as thought partners and strategic advisors, offering perspectives on barriers, gaps, and opportunities related to disability inclusion, and supporting the Commission’s convening, collaboration, and communication efforts.

During the orientation, members were introduced to the Commission’s mission, statutory role, and priorities, and were provided an overview of how the Advisory Council will engage with the Commission’s work. The session also created space for members to connect with one another and reflect on shared themes emerging from their professional and lived experiences.

The Honorary Denise C. Garlick, Chair of the Commission, remarked, “the capacity of the Commission’s ability to convene, collaborate and communicate the many issues and concerns of individuals with disabilities is strengthened by the Advisory Council. On behalf of all the members of the Commission we appreciate the time and energy of all who have agreed to serve. Moreover, we acknowledge with gratitude their willingness to share their expertise and leadership knowing that we are all stronger together.”

Commissioner Oswald Mondejar, Advisory Council Chair, emphasized the value of the Council’s composition and purpose: “the collective, diverse knowledge of the membership as well as breadth of experience and commitment to inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life is the strength of the Advisory Council. The positive impact will help to remove barriers and open doors.”

Commission Vice-Chair Christopher White highlighted the Council’s role in advancing the Commission’s charge: “I’m really excited about the Commission’s new Advisory Council! This amazing group will enhance our capacity to fulfill our Charter and best communicate the needs of the broad community of people with disabilities.”

Centering self-advocates and individuals with lived experience, the Advisory Council also brings together leaders from government, healthcare, education, advocacy, business, and community-based organizations. While Advisory Council members do not hold voting authority, their perspectives play an important role in shaping priorities, informing discussions, and strengthening the Commission’s impact statewide. The full Advisory Council is expected to meet twice per year, with members encouraged to engage in Commission meetings, public events, and initiatives as aligned with their expertise and availability.

Event photos: photo gallery

For more information and to learn from about each Advisory Council Member, visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/advisory-council

To stay in touch with the Commission’s meeting and upcoming events, visit https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/WWIIUNL