WORCESTER – Gov. Charlie Baker told advocates for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities Thursday that their work is part of what puts Massachusetts “at the top of the pile” when it comes to providing human services.
Mr. Baker spoke at the 29th Annual Legislative Event at the AC Hotel by Marriott, presented by a coalition of area service providers led by The Arc Center of Hope Foundation. Partnerships with local employers to give opportunities to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities were celebrated, along with individual achievements and staff, who also received awards.
Mr. Baker told the audience, which included members of the local legislative delegation, that what the Arc and other organizations do is essentially community building, and that it’s a team sport. He said spending time with the organizations like the ones represented at the event Thursday is the best part of his day as governor.
He said Thursday was a day to celebrate everyone who works to advance the lives of people with disabilities. The work that goes into helping people lead fulfilling lives is not highlighted enough in a world rife with negativity, he said. He said he’s glad to “get a front-row seat to all the great work that people do.”
Legislators, employers and organizations handed out several awards. Webster resident Cody Decarteret received the Courage and Bravery Award for his actions to alert his mother to a fire in the early morning hours of Dec. 18. Fire Chief Brian Hickey said Mr. Decarteret’s ability to tell arriving firefighters who was in the building and how many people lived there was critically important.
The remaining award winners were Rosemarie Derry, Family Support Professional; Eileen Harris, Making a Difference Award; Michael Seibold, Leadership; Peter Geoffroy, Hero; Jessica Santiago, Linda Cournoyer Award for Excellence in Advocacy; Peggy Akinlosotu, Direct Support Professional; Dan Stewart, Shining Star; Lynda Moore, Legacy of Leadership; Chartwells, Community Inclusion Champion; Southbridge Hotel and Conference Center, Ripple Effect Award; Harrington Healthcare, Civic Engagement Award; and Dell Technologies, Corporate Community Partnership.
