Supporting Our Neighbors During Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
March 30, 2026March 30, 2026
Dear Friends,
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families here in Massachusetts.
This issue is personal to me. Growing up, one of the most important people in my life was my Uncle Andrew, who had Down syndrome.
Andrew was born in 1964, at a time when doctors often advised parents to institutionalize children with developmental disabilities. Families who chose a different path were given little support and even less guidance.
My grandparents made the courageous decision to bring Andrew home, even while raising six other children. He became an integral part of our family—and one of my closest friends—until his passing in 2012.
Andrew deserved the same quality of care and opportunity as anyone else. Every person with disabilities does.
That’s why I’m proud to lead the HEADs UP Act in Congress. This bill would designate people with developmental disabilities as a Medically Underserved Population, helping expand access to care, strengthen the primary care workforce, and ensure more providers are trained to meet their needs. It would also bolster programs like the National Health Service Corps and prioritize long-term investment in specialized care.
Massachusetts is at its best when we show up for one another—when we make sure every person feels seen, valued, and supported. That’s the kind of community I’ll keep fighting for.
All the best,
Rep. Seth Moulton
Member of Congress
Massachusetts’ District Six
