- Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council
Boston, MA (March 12, 2021) – Alana Russo has been appointed as a citizen member of the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council by Governor Charles D. Baker. Alana grew up in Billerica, and is a self-advocate living independently in Bedford.
Alana is 38 years old and graduated from The Cotting School in 2003 with Honors. In addition to receiving numerous academic achievements and awards, she also served as Class Vice President, was the Captain of the Cheerleading Squad, wrote for the School Newspaper, ran track and played softball.
She continued her education at Middlesex Community College Transition Program graduating in 2006 at the top of her class and Student of the Year. Alana received numerous scholarships and awards towards her Middlesex education. She has served in numerous organizations including Partners for Youth with Disabilities and the Northeast Independent Living Program, and she currently sits on the Tenant Board for the Bedford Housing Authority. She has also been a part of Special Olympics in cheerleading, soccer and bowling. Alana volunteers at Lahey Clinic in the mailroom and at Holy Family Parish in Concord. She enjoys reading, doing puzzles, scrapbooking, traveling, baking, cooking, dancing and hanging out with friends from the Springboard social club. Alana has a younger brother Domenic, who is a lawyer and works for the United States Government.
“I have no doubt she will serve the Council well”, said Daniel Shannon, Executive Director.
About the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council – The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) is an independent agency funded by the federal government to work with the state of Massachusetts to better support people with developmental disabilities and their families. MDDC’s mission is to help people with developmental disabilities have opportunities to lead successful lives in their communities; by supporting inclusive education, greater employment opportunities, and the right to make choices about where, with whom, and how they live.
