Representative Tom Sannicandro: A Significant Leader

State Representative Tom Sannicandro of Ashland went into public service for all the right reasons:  He saw a system in need of repair and thought he could do something about it. He could create meaningful change where it was needed.  

Rep. Sannicandro’s son was born with Down syndrome and was among the first in his town to be educated alongside his peers.  While the mainstream approach to education worked well during the elementary school years, getting an education proved more difficult in the middle school years and beyond.  The representative saw first-hand the limitations in the Commonwealth’s system for educating and caring for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, particularly as individuals approached age 22, and he led the fight for a better, more humane system that recognized every individual’s human rights.

“He has been a significant leader in the Legislature around issues impacting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” says Jeff Keilson, Senior Vice President for Strategic Planning at Advocates.  “He has been instrumental in budget advocacy for programs affecting the individuals and families we serve.”

During his 11 years in state office, Rep. Sannicandro has been on the leading edge of system improvements for those with disabilities and advances in inclusion and civil rights.  The legislative initiatives that he helped spearhead and enact include:

• The “Real Lives” bill, which gives individuals with disabilities and their families greater control over the type of services they receive and where they receive them;
• Changes to the special education law that enable transition planning to begin at age 14, rather than age 16, providing for a more orderly transition to adult services, and broader authority for parents and professionals to observe children in the classroom;
• The closure of institutions –Developmental Centers– –and a greater emphasis on creating opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live and participate in communities of their own choosing.;
• A new lexicon that banished the words “mental retardation” from state law and regulation and that changed the name of the Department of Mental Retardation to the Department of Developmental Services; and
• Mandated insurance coverage for vital therapeutic services and a requirement that Medicaid cover these same services.

“I think we made huge advances in the 12 years I have been in the Legislature … earth-shattering advances,” said Rep. Sannicandro.  “If you have a disability, we are going to include you.”

He is particularly pleased that the Fernald Developmental Center closed during his tenure in office, with the last individuals moving to community settings in 2014.

Rep. Sannicandro, who is leaving the Legislature at the end of this term, notes that much work lies ahead, including making permanent a grant program that enables individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to take classes at the college level before they graduate from the public school system.  He also stated that, “Laws that we now have must be enforced.”

“Tom Sannicandro has been a relentless advocate for individuals with disabilities since the day he entered the State House,” says Leo V. Sarkissian, Executive Director of The Arc of Massachusetts.  “Whether during his maiden speech during the budget session where he was able to obtain $500,000 in new monies or his relentless support of those turning 22 and self-determination, Tom has successfully advanced opportunities for individuals with disabilities and families.”

Rep. Sannicandro could have eased off the fight after one or two legislative victories, but he pressed ahead year after year, driven by his desire for a better, fairer system.  For all that Rep. Sannicandro has done to advance civil rights and quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Advocates is honored to name him a Caring Partner.