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<br />Town of Lexington <br />Commission on Disability <br />Victoria Buckley, Chair <br />Letter to Selectmen for Goal-Setting <br /> The Commission on Disability is charged with promoting accessibility <br />and inclusion for the citizens of Lexington. The Selectmen could help in <br />this effort by actively integrating considerations of accessibility and <br />inclusion into their policy and decision-making process. Adopting such a <br />stance is a challenging endeavor requiring constant advocacy and a <br />commitment to building awareness within the members of our government <br />and citizenry. We strongly encourage the Selectmen to apply this thinking <br />as they engage in the strategic planning and goal-setting for our <br />community. <br /> In addition to adopting this forward thinking stance, we have one <br />more request that is specific in nature, and fundamental to the terms of our <br />charge. The Commission could use your assistance in promoting greater <br />awareness about the challenges inherent in choosing brick, including wire- <br />cut brick, when constructing sidewalks. The decision to use brick is most <br />often identified for its esthetic qualities. This decision is made with little <br />regard for safety or for total ownership costs, or life cycle costs, including <br />the capital cost at installation, the annual maintenance costs, and the <br />eventual disposal costs. The choice of materials for sidewalks must be <br />responsive to the needs of its users; users who include individuals with <br />disabilities, elderly citizens, and people with strollers. These citizens need <br />smooth-surfaced sidewalks in order to traverse safely. Ultimately, brick <br />sidewalks are hazardous and unsafe and signal a lack of concern and <br />sensitivity to the needs of individuals with disabilities. In keeping with our <br />commitment to fostering a welcoming community, we would ask for your <br />assistance in proactively eliminating the use of brick as the primary material <br />for all town controlled sidewalks. <br />Commission on Disability <br />June 5, 2014 <br />1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420 <br />