The Arc of Massachusetts recognizes Vanna Howard as 2026 Legislator of the Year

BOSTON — State Sen. Vanna Howard (D-Lowell) was recently recognized as a legislative champion by The Arc of Massachusetts for her advocacy on behalf of members of the autism community.

The award was presented by The Arc of Massachusetts during the 21st annual Autism Advocacy Day on April 8 at the State House. Howard was introduced by constituents Lindsey Gresco and Maxwell Banfield.

“I am truly honored to receive this award,” Howard said. “There are so many deserving individuals who are on the frontlines doing the hard work including teachers, paraprofessionals, caregivers, and therapists. As a state senator, I will never stop advocating for the necessary funding to grow and support the many resources we have available here in the Commonwealth.”

Now in her first term as state senator in the 1st Middlesex District, Howard previously served as state representative for the 17th Middlesex District. From 2021 to 2026, Howard put the work of physically and intellectually disabled individuals at the forefront of her work. In 2025, she was appointed as a member of the Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities by Speaker of the House Ronald Mariano. Howard was on hand as the commission hosted its latest Meeting the Moment: A Community Conversation and Resource Fair event at UMass Lowell on March 27.

“We are incredibly proud to honor Senator Vanna Howard for her steadfast dedication and impactful service during her tenure in the House of Representatives,” said The Arc of Massachusetts CEO Maura Sullivan. “By weaving her lived experience as a parent and caregiver into the her policy work, she has served as a powerful voice for our community. We are thrilled to recognize her achievements as she carries this vital advocacy into her new chapter in the Senate.”

In addition to Howard, state Sen. Paul Feeney was also recognized as a 2026 Legislator of the Year. Jeremy Spittle, the legislative director for Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues, also received The Arc’s first-ever Distinguished Staff Champion award.

The mission of The Arc of Massachusetts is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism and their families.  For two decades, Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts has been a fierce public voice and a powerhouse of legislative change. Established in 2004, AFAM has grown over the years and its membership has always included the leading autism advocacy or service organizations in Massachusetts. AFAM’s history has been inextricably linked with The Arc of Massachusetts, operating as its dedicated division to mobilize and advocate for individuals with autism, their families, and professionals who provide essential supports and services.

The 1st Middlesex Senate District includes Lowell, Dracut, Dunstable, Pepperell and Tyngsboro.