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Commission on Disability Minutes December 12, 2016 • Discussion of Minority Report for Ad Hoc Committee as drafted here Purpose of Minority Report This report is being submitted because the Commission on Disability's preferred choice of sidewalk materials is concrete with wire-cut brick on the sides which is cheaper at installation. The majority of the Ad Hoc Committee, however, voted for the entire surface area to be wire-cut square-edge brick. The revised report incorporates information gathered from additional expert presentations made to the Ad Hoc Committee since September 2016 as well as the deep concerns of the Commission on Disability. The disability community has strong reservations about the choice of brick directly related to its characteristics. The Commission urges that the decision about sidewalk materials be based on needs and functionality rather than only appearance and aesthetics. Commission on Disability and Related Sidewalk Standards The charge of the Commission on Disability is "to ensure that people with disabilities are fully integrated into all aspects of the Town and can participate seamlessly and without barriers. The Commission makes recommendations concerning the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) within the Town. Members review and recommend policies as they affect those with disabilities, and provide information, guidance, and technical assistance." The pertinent regulations for ADA-compliant sidewalks are: Massachusetts Architectural Access Board Guidelines (2006); PROWAG (Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines, 2010) from the US Access Board — best practice guidelines; ADA (Department of Justice) 2010 Guidelines. According to these regulations, sidewalks need to be continuous common surfaces, without level changes more than 1/4 inch; sidewalks must be stable and firm; sidewalks need to have a cross slope less than 2%. Many forms of brick as well as other surfaces may be able to be installed to meet the technical requirements of the ADA. However, the ADA's spirit of universal design, civil rights, equality and accessibility is bigger than the regulations. There is also a new ASTM (American Standard Test Measures) which strives to measure surface roughness (discussed further below). Additionally, the 2015 Town Meeting voted unanimously in favor of Article 42, which states: "To provide a welcoming and comfortable experience for individuals of all abilities, the Town will endeavor at all times to use smooth, safe and aesthetically appropriate materials when constructing sidewalks and other passageways on town- owned walkways. Bricks and other small discrete pavers may be used as decorative