HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-05-20-COD-minCommission on Disability
May 20, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Members: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Sue Cusack, Shaun Grady, Francine Stieglitz, Leonard Morse -
Fortier, Janet Perry, Nancy Wong
Town Liaisons: Kelly Axtell, Deputy Town Manager; Joe Pato, Select Board
Committee Liaisons: Rod Cole, CEC; Pam Lyons, Center Committee
Guests: Joe Prochilo, Direct Access Consultant; Shawn Newell, Public Facilities; Melissa Battite,
Director of Recreation and Community Programs
Pursuant to Governor Baker's March 12, 2020 Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open
Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, and the Governor's March 15, 2020 and subsequent Orders
imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place, this meeting
of the Lexington Commission on Disability will be conducted via remote participation to the
greatest extent possible.
On July 16, 2022, Governor Baker signed into Law an Act Relative to Extending Certain State of
Emergency Accommodations, which, among other things, extends the expiration of the
provisions pertaining to the Open Meeting Law to March 31, 2023.
On March 29, 2023, Governor Healey signed a bill that continues remote and hybrid meeting
provisions that were enacted during the pandemic. The new law extends pandemic -related
authorizations that were set to expire on March 31 as follows:
Allowing remote and hybrid meeting options for public bodies through March 31, 2025
Therefore, this Commission on Disability meeting was held remotely via Zoom, an online
meeting platform. Public Participation via calling in or using your computer was encouraged.
Announcements
• The Commission on Disability meeting began with introductions and updates on
attendance. Jim Kelly is still on medical leave.
• There were strong sales at the Lex250 events and positive feedback about accessibility
accommodations.
• Victoria provided an update on the Medicaid bill facing challenges in Federal courts,
urging attendees to contact their Congressmen before Thursday's vote.
• Leonard Morse -Fortier is considering retirement. Janet discussed Leonard's retirement
and his decision to reduce his teaching commitments at UMass Amherst. Nancy
expressed interest in Leonard's teaching role.
Discussion of ADA Assessments on Town Buildings Conducted by Joe Prochilo from Direct
Access
• Joe Prochilo, representing Direct Access, a disability -operated business, presented
findings from an ADA transition plan survey of five Lexington buildings. The survey
identified numerous accessibility issues across all locations, including missing van
accessible signs, non-compliant door hardware, excessive door forces, and inadequate
signage with proper contrast and formatting. The presentation highlighted specific
problems in each building, such as the town office building's inaccessible basement
gymnasium and the library's missing accessible exit signage, while noting that Direct
Access has experience implementing long-lasting improvements to ensure inclusivity for
disabled individuals.
• The town needs to develop a transition plan team to identify responsible parties and
create a record of deficiencies with schedules for correction, prioritizing high and
important items under $500 for immediate fixes. Victoria raised concerns about tripping
hazards on the granite ramp at Cary Memorial Hall, which Shawn confirmed were being
addressed through temporary fixes and further evaluation. Nancy suggested providing
maintenance staff with clear guidelines and checklists for ADA compliance, while
Victoria highlighted the need to allow public comments at town meetings on the first
level due to safety concerns.
• The group discussed accessibility issues at various town buildings, particularly focusing
on Cary Memorial Hall's ramp lighting and external stair striping, where Shawn
explained that painting granite stairs is not possible due to historical preservation
concerns.
• Janet raised concerns about the insufficient lighting on the ramp, which Shawn
acknowledged could be improved by increasing the Kelvin rating of the integrated
granite lighting.
• The discussion also revealed that the town office building has a basement gymnasium
that is accessible to employees but not the public, though Shawn clarified that the space
is more of a small workout room primarily used by the police department.
• The meeting focused on discussing ADA compliance assessments and building
accessibility in town facilities. Joe presented findings from recent surveys and building
assessments, identifying areas that need improvement, such as hearing loops, signage,
and door hardware.
• The group discussed the need for regular reassessments, potentially every 5-10 years,
depending on budget availability.
• Francine suggested reviewing the newly constructed library space once the construction
is complete.
• Shawn provided an update on ongoing construction projects and confirmed that most
hearing-impaired compliant rooms are being renovated. The Commission was reminded
to submit their surveys, with Janet confirming hers was sent in after hours on the due
date.
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• The Commission discussed capital planning and ADA requirements, with Joe planning to
present an update at the select board meeting.
Universal Design Resolution Planning
• Victoria proposed creating a resolution for town meeting about universal design, which
Joe agreed was not difficult but would require a budget impact analysis.
• They agreed to work on a rough outline by the end of August to present to the board,
with articles and motions due in late November.
• Sue was asked to find helpful materials about universal design for the Commission to
review.
Disability Accommodation Job Interview Case
• The Commission discussed a complaint from an individual who experienced
discrimination during a job interview at a Lexington healthcare agency that refused to
accommodate his disability by requiring handwritten application components.
• While the Commission determined they could provide technical assistance to the
individual, they decided against writing a letter to the agency due to potential legal and
scope limitations, instead recommending the complainant pursue his case with the
Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination.
New Business
• The Commission agreed to explore creating educational workshops on disability
accommodations through partnerships with Human Services and other town
departments, with Kelly and Melissa planning to coordinate these efforts.
• Kelly will discuss with Dana (Director of Human Services) about organizing a workshop
or training on accommodations for town partners and businesses.
• Melissa offered to collaborate with Kelly on expanding the accommodation training idea
to include the Retail Association and other relevant organizations.
• Kelly will share the ADA compliance report with Victoria after the Select Board meeting
presentation.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Victoria Buckley, using Al summary.
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