HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-06-20-EC-rpt.pdf
ENABLEMENT COMMITTEE OF LEXINGTON
Report to the Board of Selectmen of Lexington in accordance with the
Guidelines of the Office of Revenue Sharing, United States Treasury
Respectfully submitted.
David Enman, Chairman
Robert Harris
Nancy Schock
Astrid Kazanjian
Susan Lehotsky
Cari Luterman
Rose Wagreich
Joanne Fray
Wanda McDonald
June 20, 1985
BACKGROUND
In December 1983, the Town of Lexington designated Beatrice Phear as the
employee responsible for coordinating implementation of the handicapped
discrimination requirements This action was taken in response to a mandate
from the Federal Office of Revenue Sharing to local governments to bring
the Town programs and facilities into compliance with the law, Chapter 504
of the Rehabilitation Act, or lose General Revenue Sharing funds
At Bea Phear's request, the Enablement Committee agreed to assist with the
sections of the regulations that deal with "Self Evaluation" and "Transition
Plan" The Enablement Committee is a smal group of disabled and non-
disabled citizens concerned with integration of people with disabilities
into all of life's activities All members who are disabled are aware of
the environmental and attitudinal barriers they encounter Some members have
special knowledge regarding disability issues including environmental and
programmatic accessibility
In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Committee surveyed Town programs,
completed physical accessibility checklists for buildings, met frequently
to discuss problems and progress, and contributed to the "Town of Lexington
Evaluation and Transitional Plan In Accordance with Section 504 of the
Handicapped Discrimination Regulations"
Results of the survey reveal many areas in Lexington where disabled
residents have limited or no access to Town buildings and are unable to
participate in Town programs The appendix following this statement lists
problems in Town buildings
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Enablement Committee recommends the following
1 That the members of the Lexington Town government read the Statement
from the Office of Revenue Sharing regarding the law prohibiting
handicapped discrimination, the "Town of Lexington Evaluation and
Transition Plan" (both attached) and this report
2 That representatives from the Lexington Town government meet with
the Enablement Committee to discuss these findings and recommendations
3 That projects already in progress, such as curb cuts and the
renovation of Cary Hall to permit access by all citizens be completed
without delay
4 That the Town engage the services of a consulting architect,
knowledgeable in the law regarding architectural barriers and
their removal, to survey Town buildings and to provide the Town
with a thorough analysis of the needs and costs to bring the Town
into compliance, as well as a reasonable schedule for inplementation.
(The law requires that all structural changes needed are to be
completed before October 17, 1986 )
note Although the Enablement Committee members are experts on
some aspects of access, and anticipate helping prioritize
projects, they are aware that their knowledge regarding engineering,
architectural matters, cost of structural changes, and the fine
points of the law are limited,
5 That non-structural changes accomodating citizens who are visually
or hearing impaired be addressed immediately This action, which
is long overdue entails little cost or effort
Examples telecommunication devices to enable people who are hearing
impaired to communicate with the Fire Department, Police Department,
and other Town offices; Braille labels for all of the Town buildings
and schools; interpreters available for Town activities and functions
Public notification regarding these accomodations should be made
6 That the Town of Lexington educate employees to the information and
resources available for assisting and communicating with physically
and sensory impaired citizens
Members of the Enablement Committee would be pleased to attend a meeting
of the Board of Selectmen to discuss these recommendations