Accessing Change: Updates from Fairhaven’s Commission on Disability
Welcome to this new feature which will regularly update Fairhaven residents about the work of its Commission on Disability!
Established in 1997 through town meeting vote, Fairhaven’s Commission on Disability is one of over 200 similar Commissions supported by the Commonwealth’s Office on Disability. The mission of Fairhaven’s Commission is to remove barriers in town that interfere with equitable access to services for people with disabilities. This includes addressing architectural, procedural, attitudinal, and communication obstacles.
Fairhaven’s COD is focused on helping the town and its residents to design, promote, organize, and put into place services that meet the needs of people with disabilities, and to educate the community and encourage involvement. Currently, the COD consists of eight members, with the goal of adding one more soon. State guidelines recommend that the majority of members be individuals with disabilities, and these members often assume leadership roles within the Commission.
Recently, the Fairhaven Commission was pleased to have a role in securing a state grant from the Massachusetts Office on Disability for the town. This grant funds a town-wide Americans with Disabilities (ADA) audit, leading to a transition plan that opens up opportunities for additional funding to address barriers to universal access in Fairhaven.
The Commission has also advocated for the use of closed captioning for all town meetings, expanded its social media presence, adopted a clear mission statement, and coordinated the availability of free seatbelt covers which notify first responders that a passenger with autism may need additional assistance or may not respond in an emergency.
It has raised awareness about the importance of keeping curb cut-outs and handicapped parking areas barrier-free and has enhanced collaboration through meetings with multiple town departments.
In addition, the Commission has participated in community events, supported the proposal to pave paths at Cushman Park, and sponsored a town-wide proclamation for Disability Employment Awareness month.
This article, and those that will follow in this regular series, are meant to keep the community informed about the Commission’s work, while also encouraging town residents to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas for specific changes they would like to see.
Connect via email at COD@Fairhaven-MA.gov to stay updated and to make Fairhaven a more accessible place for everyone!
•••
Click here to download the 05-23-24 issue: 05-23-24 BlessBikes
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal
