'Real Lives' Bill Signed at Fenway Park; Victory for Disability Rights

State Representative Tom Sannicandro, who represents parts of Framingham, joined Governor Deval Patrick, his colleagues in the Legislature and more than 100 disability advocates last week, in signing the landmark Real Lives bill at a ceremonial signing at Fenway Park.

The Real Lives Bill (H4237) enables people with intellectual disabilities to make decisions that are central to how they live their lives through self-directed planning and by giving them the ability to control decisions about where they live, work, and how they spend their finical budgets.

“The passage of the Real Lives Bill is a major landmark for disability rights in Massachusetts. This bill represents a fundamental shift in how we perceive people with disabilities by expressing a confidence in them as self-advocates whose own desires and interests should be central to their plans and their lives,” said Sannicandro, a Democrat from Ashland in a press release. “Thanks to the tireless work of disability advocates, Governor Patrick, and members in both the House and Senate, we are celebrating this milestone and can look forward to the difference it will make for people with intellectual disabilities across the state.”

“Tom’s intensity and focus made the difference,” says Sen. Mike Barrett, Senate Chair of the legislative committee that recommended the bill. “It’s a long road from vision to law, and most ideas don’t make it. This one did, and now thousands of Mass. citizens with cognitive challenges will operate as empowered consumers in a more responsive marketplace. Special tip of the hat to Sen. Karen Spilka (D-Ashland), who helped me shepherd the bill through the Senate.”

Prior to the Real Lives Bill, many of the personal decisions for people with developmental disabilities that most other people take for granted are determined by other people.

The bill utilizes a person-centered funding model for people who are receiving services through the Department of Developmental Services which enables them to control their own life decisions by choosing how they spend their budgets.

It does so in a responsible manner, giving individuals the support they need to make these difficult decisions. The supports are flexible so individuals can tailor them to their individual needs.

Two other bills signed at Thursday’s ceremony were the Autism Bill and the National Background Checks Bill.

• The Autism Bill (H4047) directs the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services to no longer use an IQ-based eligibility requirement for adult services, allowing many more individuals with disabilities to receive services. It also includes a state version of the national Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, which establishes state tax-advantaged accounts to empower families to better provide services for family members with disabilities.
• The National Background Checks Bill (H4327) ensures people who work with individuals with disabilities go through a state and national background check, adding another important level of protection for our most vulnerable residents.

Photo: Eric Haynes / Governor’s Office