Barbara L’Italien appointed Director of Government Affairs at The Arc of Massachusetts
Waltham, MA, May 10, 2013: The Arc of Massachusetts announced the appointment of Barbara L’Italien as Director of Government Affairs at The Arc of Massachusetts. Ms. L’Italien previously served for 8 years in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and in the office of Treasurer Steve Grossman. With the addition of Ms. L’Italien, The Arc and Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM) reaffirm their intention to collaborate and promote a progressive policy agenda for children and adults with autism.
Most recently Ms. L’Italien served as chair of the Massachusetts Autism Commission and she was recently elected to the Andover School Committee.
As Director of Government Affairs, Ms. L’Italien will advocate with policy makers on disability issues, empower families and groups to influence policy and provide policy analysis. Priorities will include broader disability issues along with expanding services for the growing population of individuals with autism.
Prior to her election to the House of Representatives, Ms. L'Italien worked in a number of positions in the human services working with elders and others. She was a key mover of the landmark legislation on Autism insurance coverage, House Bill 4935 (formerly H. 3809), which requires private insurance companies in Massachusetts to provide coverage of evidence-based, medically necessary autism therapies, such as applied behavior analysis.
Ms. L’Italien’s political background and policy acumen will be significant in advancing disability policy in the Commonwealth.