Created as part of the 2020 policing reform law, the 23-member Commission is an independent state agency focused on addressing the needs and challenges faced by the disability community in Massachusetts, as it relates to transportation, access to employment, housing, childcare and many other areas. Marsi succeeds former State Representative Mathew J. Muratore (R-Plymouth), who had served on the Commission since 2021.
The Commission is responsible for reviewing the programs and practices of all state agencies affecting persons with disabilities and advising the executive and legislative branches regarding the potential impact of proposed legislation on the disabled community. The Commission also promotes and helps to facilitate collaboration among local disability commissions, disability rights advocacy organizations and disability employment service providers, while working to identify and correct any disparities that exist within the range of state disability services options available to individuals with disabilities.
“The Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities is comprised of individuals who have personal or professional experience with disability issues, a demonstrated interest and involvement in disability advocacy, and a commitment to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in all aspects of life, and those are all qualities that John possesses,” said Representative Jones. “John’s personal experiences as the father of a daughter with special needs makes him uniquely qualified to serve on the Commission, and I am confident he will use this new position to advocate for state policies that will help to improve the quality of life for all individuals with disabilities.”
The Commission includes members appointed by legislative leadership; the Governor’s, Attorney General’s, State Treasurer’s, and Secretary of State’s offices; and the Executive Director of the Disabled Persons Protection Commission; along with representatives of the University of Massachusetts Medical School Work Without Limits program; the Massachusetts Disability Policy Consortium; the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers, Inc.; and the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council.
The Commission is responsible for filing an annual report on or before October 31.
Marsi represents the 6th Worcester District, which is comprised of Dudley; Southbridge; Precincts 1, 2, 3, and 4A in Charlton; and Precinct 1 in Spencer.
