REGIONAL – The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) awarded Senator Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, the 2024 Legislator of the Year award at its annual BuddyWalk and Family Festival in Wakefield.
During Tarr’s legislative career, he advocated for individuals with Down syndrome, autism and other intellectual disabilities.
“The MDSC and our loved ones with Down syndrome could not ask for a better friend in our communities or on Beacon Hill,” said MDSC executive director Maureen Gallagher. “Minority Leader Tarr has taken time over and over again to get to know our members, including his constituent Matt Cullen, to learn about and support the issues important to our community.”
Cullen said, “I was honored and thrilled to help present the award to Sen. Tarr on Sunday at our MDSC Buddy Walk. Sen. Tarr has been #Unstoppable in supporting our amazing Down syndrome community.”
Tarr said it has been his mission to ensure equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their abilities, for over three decades to champion the rights of children and adults with disabilities. Several critical laws have been enacted with his support that have expanded access to life-changing therapies, cutting-edge health care and educational opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.
Several thousand self-advocates, their families and supporters joined the BuddyWalk and Family Festival to celebrate, advocate and raise money. Cullen presented the award to Tarr during a walk around Lake Quannapowitt.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the MDSC. Working alongside the incredible advocates, families and self-advocates within this community has been a privilege throughout my legislative service. I remain committed to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their challenges, has access to the resources and opportunities they deserve,” the senator said.
MDSC advocates for, educates and supports people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. The MDSC has been working for more than 35 years to make the world a better place for individuals with Down syndrome by valuing, including and empowering them.
For more information on the MDSC, visit https://mdsc.org/
