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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