Fall River Commission Rejects Memorandum with Police Department, Endorses Accessible Trails Bill

Overview: In a move, the Fall River Commission on Disability voted to reject a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Fall River Police Department during their recent meeting. The Commission expressed concerns over unaddressed underlying issues between the two entities and cited vagueness and non-specific language in the contract as reasons for the rejection. Following the unanimous vote to discard the MOU, the Commission shifted focus to a statewide initiative, where they voted to endorse a bill advocating for accessible trails in Massachusetts.

Fall River Commission Awards Scholarships Funded by Fines for Handicap Parking Violations

Overview: At the recent Fall River Commission on Disability meeting, scholarships were awarded to local high school students funded by fines collected from handicap parking violations. Mayor Paul Coogan, along with other city officials, presented the scholarships during the event. Each student received a $1,625 scholarship, with $1,500 coming from the Commission on Disability’s fund and an additional $125 contributed by Bost Bank.

Boston Advisory Board Weighs Expansion of Parking for Pregnant Individuals

Overview: In a recent meeting of the Boston Disability Commission Advisory Board, a proposal to extend disabled parking privileges to pregnant individuals in their last trimester sparked a debate among its members. While other topics such as homelessness, accessibility in shelters, and automatic door openers were discussed, the potential parking placard expansion emerged as a focal point due to its implications for accessibility and the definition of disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Fall River Commission on Disability Allocates $112,000 for Scholarships

Overview: The Fall River Commission on Disability made financial decisions in their recent meeting, including the allocation of $112,000 for scholarships and the acceptance of an $11,000 donation from BOS Bank. The meeting also addressed issues with a proposed memorandum of understanding with the Fall River Police Department, which the commission decided to table for further review.

Revere Disabilities Commission Addresses Road Safety and Disability Support

Overview: In a recent gathering, the Revere Disabilities Commission tackled several issues affecting the local disabled community, including road safety concerns, the discontinuation of the Disability Inclusion Program, potential cuts to personal care attendants’ funding, and the implementation of an electronic visit verification system. The meeting also celebrated the awarding of a grant for an all-abilities Beach Day, discussed the expansion of disability inclusion programs in schools, and shared information on disability-focused resources and events.