In May 2008, Governor Patrick authorized the creation of the Office of Access and Opportunity ("OAO"). At the time, the Governor said, "The people of Massachusetts deserve transparency and accountability from their government. By helping to ensure that the rights, protections, privileges and responsibilities of citizenship are accessible to all whom live here, this effort will help us to continue to build a better Commonwealth."

In January 2010, Governor Patrick signed Executive Order 519 to institutionalize the Office of Access and Opportunity, its mission and its objectives. A copy of the Executive Order can be found at the end of this document.

OAO's mission is to organize state government to identify, understand, and act upon the structural impediments, which inhibit the equitable inclusion of various individuals within the fabric of the state's social and economic mainstream. The objective is to bring forward a higher degree of transparency of effort and accountability. In short, Access and Opportunities is about opening doors and removing barriers.

It is my pleasure to present the Office of Access and Opportunity Strategic Goals and Objectives for FY2011. I remain honored to have the opportunity to serve and to further the goal of ensuring nondiscrimination and equal opportunity within the Executive Branch of state government.

Ronald G. Marlow

Assistant Secretary for Access and Opportunity