The meeting began with updates on transportation within the Boston Public School System (BPS). Chair Wesley Ireland highlighted the introduction of the Zum bus tracking app, aimed at enhancing the reliability of transportation for students with disabilities. This app allows families to monitor school bus arrivals in real-time, a crucial development for ensuring timely and dependable transportation. Ireland also discussed the district’s ongoing improvement plan, which includes increasing seats for three-year-olds with disabilities in classrooms with four-year-olds, promoting early integration and inclusive education.

Further emphasizing the importance of transportation, board members expressed concerns about obtaining disaggregated data specific to the on-time percentage of buses for students with disabilities. In response, it was noted that while such data was not available for the summer session, the new tracking app offers an opportunity to collect this information in the future. This discussion highlighted the board’s collective interest in understanding and improving the effectiveness of transportation services, especially during critical periods like summer school.

Parallel to transportation reforms, the board delved into the city’s broader equity and inclusion initiatives. The commission is now part of the Equity and Inclusion Cabinet, underscoring disability as a priority within the city’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) efforts. An Equity Inclusion Academy has been established to foster trust and understanding across diverse backgrounds.

The board received an update on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) transition plan. Originally enacted in 1990, the ADA required municipalities to create a transition plan for evaluating facilities and programs. Boston’s initial plan from 1993 primarily focused on architectural access due to limited capacity. The current initiative seeks to provide an update by hiring a consultant to assess changes since 1993 and create a user-friendly interface for residents to access information on the accessibility status of city buildings. This effort specifically includes assessments conducted by departments such as Boston Public Schools and Public Works.

Another event discussed was the upcoming Civic Engagement Day for people with disabilities, scheduled for September 24th at Boston City Hall. This event aims to familiarize individuals with voting procedures and accessible voting options, including the use of an Automark machine designed for individuals with visual impairments or dexterity limitations. The board emphasized the importance of this event in promoting civic participation among the disability community.

In preparation for National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October, a series of webinars and events have been planned. These include “Pathways to Employment,” “Financial Empowerment and Economic Mobility,” and “Employees Know Your Rights.” A notable initiative is the pilot in-person hiring event scheduled for November 4th, where applicants for city jobs will be guaranteed a first-round interview for selected positions. This effort addresses the barriers faced by individuals with disabilities, particularly the challenge of disclosing a disability during the job application process.

The board also discussed the importance of tracking the effectiveness of these initiatives. A member suggested that the board consider metrics to evaluate the success of the programs, an idea that was met with acknowledgment.

Attention was given to the ADA’s five titles, with a specific focus on Title II, which pertains to state and local government obligations. The commission’s role in preventing discrimination and ensuring compliance with the ADA was emphasized as a critical responsibility. This includes fielding complaints and ensuring that city services are accessible to all residents.

The board explored the commission’s outreach efforts, particularly how staff engage with numerous community events to ensure the voices of individuals with disabilities are heard in city government processes. Active community participation in civic activities, such as offering testimony at hearings and involvement in participatory budgeting proposals, was highlighted as a priority.

The commission’s digital team is tasked with ensuring accessibility across all city websites.

The meeting concluded with goal-setting discussions, emphasizing proactive engagement from board members. Suggestions were made for board members to serve as liaisons to other city boards. The board also considered adopting a business plan to guide its goals and actions, with a focus on maximizing impact for the disability community in Boston.