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BRAINTREE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Massachusetts Disabled Persons Protection Commission was established 35 years ago, yet remains unknown to many.
The state agency investigates possible cases of abuse against adults aged 18 to 59 with disabilities.
"When I'm talking about adults with disabilities I'm talking about adults who depend upon others for assistance with their daily living needs and rely on a caregiver for assistance with those daily living needs," Nancy Alterio, executive director of Disabled Persons Protection Commission, told WBZ's Carl Stevens.
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The commission receives calls from people reporting possible neglect and abuse by caregivers and determines whether the reports need an emergency response or a potential criminal investigation.
"Persons with disabilities deserve to live a life free from abuse and neglect," Alterio said.
Alterio said the agency often gets calls from mandated reporters who have witnessed signs of abuse and neglect. In her research, she has found that people with disabilities are the most vulnerable population. The agency works to protect vulnerable people to help ensure they are being cared for properly by their caregivers and have a life free of neglect.
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