2007-04-25-COD-rpt - Laserfiche WebLink

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TOWN MEETING REPORT: Commission on Disability April 25, 2007 Thank you for giving me the opportunity to update you on the work of the Commission on Disability. We continue to work on improving access to public buildings and advocating for the needs of our citizens with disabilities. In the past year several town businesses have responded well to our concerns about access, notably Jasmine Sola, the Upper Crust, and Berman’s liquor store. Jasmine Sola and Berman’s ramped out their front entryways and the Upper Crust ramped out their back entrance. Jasmine Sola also added a touch plate door opening system. CVS is planning to make better access in the back of their store soon. If you are familiar with their rear entrance, you know that a ramp is not possible, so they are installing a small elevator system. It is gratifying that these businesses have heard our concerns and responded accordingly. The other main work we have been involved with concerns the choice of safe sidewalk material. There is no question that the Center sidewalks are in need of repair and are hazardous for pedestrians. We have been working hard to adopt a standard for smoothness that is acceptable and safe for all citizens. We need to keep in mind that despite the current lack of standards for public sidewalks and trails, public and private entities that design and construct sidewalks are still obligated under the ADA to make them accessible to and usable by people with disabilities. The Commission on Disability has met with many town committees about safer and smoother sidewalk materials, and we have welcomed those opportunities for collaboration. We have encountered difficulties in the process of how projects get decided upon and how they are accomplished. We will continue to work on requesting that the town adopt standards to make sidewalks safe for all people. Thank you. Victoria Buckley, Chair, Commission on Disability