Boston Disability Commission Tackles Behavioral Health and Accessibility

Overview: The Boston Disability Commission Advisory Board meeting focused on critical initiatives aimed at improving mental health services for young people and enhancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities throughout the city. The meeting featured a significant presentation by Dr. Kevin Simon, the city’s first appointed chief of behavioral health, who outlined the state of behavioral health in Boston and underscored the importance of addressing social determinants of mental health. The board also delved into discussions about the allocation of a one million dollar initiative to support behavioral health in students, efforts to include disability considerations in public space planning, and the implementation of accessibility measures for upcoming events.

Revere Disabilities Commission Advances Accessibility Initiatives

Overview: At the recent Revere Disabilities Commission meeting, strides were made in promoting accessibility throughout the city. The commission discussed a range of topics, from the installation of accessible signs at the George V. Colella Community Center to the problematic condition of sidewalks near the Beachmont area overpass. Plans for an all-abilities beach day at Revere Beach, made possible by a grant from Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, were also highlighted. Additionally, the commission touched on dog park accessibility, the application process for the MOD Grant, and the upcoming introduction of new web accessibility guidelines for cities and towns.

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).