Melrose Starts Process To Overhaul Accessibility, ADA Policies

Melrose MA

02 February, 2022

7:26 AM

Description

MELROSE, MA — The city will undergo a self-evaluation over the next several months that will result in an updated Americans with Disabilities transition plan for the first time in two and a half decades. The work will be done by a consultant paid for by a $54,918 state grant the City Council voted to accept Monday night. The Commission on Disability will work with and oversee the consultant, who it expects to pay just under $50,000 of the grant. The self-evaluation will encompass all city buildings, including school buildings, as well as programs and policies related to accessibility. The city's website accessibility will also be examined. That will be followed by a transition plan, which works as a master plan to tackle accessibility issues uncovered by the self-evaluation. It's the first time since 1996 the city has undergone this process. The city doesn't need to match any funds, but the work must be completed by June 30, putting a tight timeline on the process. "Myself and other members of the Commission on Disability will support this effort and help guide it and make ourselves available in any way possible," Chair David Hoff said. The Commission on Disability has three experienced vendors in mind, according to Hoff. The self-evaluation will include: City HallMemorial HallPublic LibraryMilano CenterBeebe EstateFire stationsPolice stationCity YardWyoming CemeteryMcCarthy HouseSteele HouseMt Hood Park BuildingSchool buildings Mayor Paul Brodeur helped bring the Commission on Disability online after promising to do so during his campaign for mayor. At the time he cited state data that said more than 9 percent of Melrosians live with a disability, a number he said was likely higher in reality. The city recently closed some polling places after accessibility issues were identified. Major accessibility issues at the Melrose Public Library are part of why the city is investing in a significant renovation of the building.