From the Fairhaven Commission On Disability
Recently, through collaboration with the Fairhaven Commission on Disability (COD) the town of Fairhaven was awarded the Massachusetts Office on Disability’s (MOD) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Improvement Planning Grant. The town hired The Institute for Human Centered Design to do the work of evaluating the town’s buildings, outdoor spaces, schools, beaches, websites, department services, and the most frequently used sidewalks for ADA compliance and accessibility.
This “audit” will provide the town with guidance on what can be done to improve access to town services and physical spaces and remove any barriers encountered by people with disabilities. This includes things like lifts, elevators, ramps, and other changes to improve physical access. It also includes recommendations such as communication devices to improve service accessibility.
Environmental changes or assistive technology may also be recommended, including sidewalk improvements to make access safer and changes to beach or park access to make it possible for all to enjoy the town’s recreational spaces. In addition, this ADA planning project will provide recommendations for training staff and creating a town-wide culture of inclusivity.
Once the evaluation is complete, the town will be provided with estimated costs of implementing the recommendations in the plan. The MOD also provides grant opportunities annually to help towns cover some of the capital improvement costs.
Do you or a family member have a disability? We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas for specific changes you’d like to see in Fairhaven via email at COD@Fairhaven-MA.gov or follow us on the Fairhaven Commission on Disability Facebook or Instagram page.
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