Representative Kevin Kuros, center, with area service providers including Alternatives’ Executive Director Dennis Rice, second from right.
Photo credit: Contributed photo

NORTHBRIDGE, Mass. - Alternatives Executive Director Dennis Rice participated in the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP) annual Legislative Awareness Day at the State House on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

The event provides the leaders of disability service provider organizations the opportunity to meet with key lawmakers.


Rep. Kevin Kuros (R-Uxbridge) met with Rice and other area advocates to discuss the need to have residential, day, employment and family support services for people with developmental disabilities fully funded in this year’s state budget. 

When asked later  to comment on the Legislative Awareness Day and Alternatives’ role in his district, Kuros said, "I am happy to support Alternatives because they have been a bedrock of support for people in need in the Blackstone Valley for many years.  I look forward to a continued relationship with Alternatives and will be touring one of their facilities this week to better understand the depth of services they provide."

Service providers also advocated for Salary Reserve, which provides the lowest paid members of the Commonwealth’s human service workforce with one-time salary increases. Salary Reserve funds were approved for fiscal 2012, and lawmakers were asked that additional funds be included in the fiscal 2013 budget. “It has been four years since the base salaries of these dedicated workers have increased,” said Rice. “It is important that the people on the front lines of the human service delivery system be recognized for their contributions. It’s a matter of fairness.”

ADDP also honored House Majority Leader Ronald Mariano as their Legislator of the Year. Mariano was selected for his continuing support for people with disabilities through his legislative efforts.

Alternatives helps individuals with disabilities build meaningful lives in the community – lives that include real homes, real jobs and real relationships. Last year, Alternatives provided services to over 1,200 people in 55 residential, employment and day programs throughout Central Massachusetts. For more information about Alternatives, call 508-234-6232 or visit www.alternativesnet.org.