Bill > H149

This bill establishes a system to track the unmet service needs of individuals with developmental disabilities in Massachusetts, which refers to conditions that affect development and can cause significant challenges in a person's life. This system will involve a central electronic database, built with open-source software, managed by the Office of Disabilities and Community Services within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. Various state agencies, including the Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation (now known as the Department of Developmental Services), the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, and the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, will annually submit data to this database. This data will include statistics on how many individuals with developmental disabilities apply for services, how many receive services, and how many apply but are unable to receive services. The Office of Disabilities and Community Services will then input this information into the database and produce annual reports that will be publicly accessible online.