News  Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council Welcomes New Member Cristina Cortez

QUINCY, Mass. — Governor Maura T. Healey has appointed Cristina Cortez as a citizen member of the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC.)

Cristina Cortez is an author, independent researcher and disability advocate dedicated to accessibility, inclusion and social justice. As a member of the MDDC, she will work to advance policies and initiatives that promote the rights, independence, and opportunities of disabled individuals.

“We are excited to have Cristina join us and be able to offer perspective on the activities, policy and State Plan goals of the Council. Cristina brings her background, but also new energy to the disability work and community collaboration we strive to accomplish.” said Craig Hall, Executive Director of the MDDC.

A first-generation Latin-American writer, Cortez’s lived experience as a disabled woman fuels her commitment to challenging systemic barriers, advocating for equity and amplifying marginalized voices in education, technology and the arts. With an MFA in Creative Writing & Poetics from the University of Washington Bothell and a B.A. in English, Creative Writing, Literature, and History from Hofstra University, Cortez uses storytelling and research to drive systemic change in accessibility and disability representation. She is a freelance writer for New Mobility Magazine and the United Spinal Association, where she explores assistive technology, disability culture, and policy reform. Her writing and advocacy aim to bridge the gap between technology, accessibility, and lived experience, ensuring that innovation benefits the disability community. Cortez has been an active leader in disability policy discussions.

She participated in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program at Boston Children’s Hospital to contribute to research, advocacy and legislative initiatives to improve access and disability rights. She has also worked alongside organizations such as Mass Families for Change, the Disability Policy Consortium and the Boston Center for Independent Living, engaging in policy and advocacy programs that support individuals with disabilities.

As a speaker and panelist, Cristina has presented at TEDxEverett, the ARC Transition Conference and the Paul W. Spooner Generational Leadership Summit, sharing her insights on disability justice, inclusion and the power of lived experience. She has also participated in discussions on cultural identity and disability rights, including Hispanic Heritage Month panels, highlighting the intersectionality of her experiences as a disabled Latina. Cortez’s books “Yo Soy, Yo Vivo” (2022, Editorial Ojo de Cuervo), and “As I Am / Soy Como Soy” (2023) explore identity, resilience and disability through poetry and personal narrative. She has conducted international book tours, literary workshops and accessibility-focused discussions, using her platform to challenge stereotypes and advocate for authentic disability representation in literature and media. Through her work with the United Spinal Association’s Tech Access Group (TAG), other advocacy organizations and now the MDDC, Cortez continues to champion accessibility, disability-led innovation and equitable policy reform. Her commitment to mentorship, education and research ensures that disabled individuals are not only included in discussions about accessibility but also leaders in shaping the future of inclusive policies and technologies.