Thom Child and Family Services Joins Advocates at 47th Annual Legislative Reception
Anne Marsh, Program Director of Thom Mystic Valley Early Intervention and current Massachusetts Early Intervention Consortium Board President (left), and Gretchen Rowe, Executive Director of Thom Child and Family Services (right), are joined by Massachusetts State Representative Sean Garballey (center) representing Arlington and West Medford of the 23rd Middlesex District.
On Thursday, March 6, the Massachusetts State House saw a record-breaking turnout of over 600 advocates for the 47th Annual Legislative Reception, filling both the Great Hall and overflow space in the Grand Staircase.
Hosted by The Arc of Massachusetts (The Arc) and the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC), this event is the largest annual gathering dedicated to advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism in Massachusetts. The reception also serves as the official kickoff for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in the Commonwealth.
This year’s theme, “Safeguarding Our Rights through Advocacy,” emphasized the ongoing need to protect and advance the rights of individuals with IDD and autism. Key advocacy areas included:
- Access to inclusive and meaningful education
- Comprehensive and appropriate healthcare
- Safe and accessible communities
- A consistent and fairly paid workforce to provide essential support
- Expanded employment opportunities
- Safe and creative programming to foster growth and development
Thom Child and Family Services was well-represented at the event, with Gretchen Rowe, Executive Director, and Anne Marsh, Program Director at Thom Mystic Valley and MEIC Consortium President, in attendance. Their participation underscores Thom’s commitment to advocating for the rights and needs of the children and families we serve.
For more details and event highlights, click here.
