Fall River Commission Plans Workshop to Enhance Voting Accessibility for People with Disabilities

Overview: The Fall River Commission on Disability is planning a virtual workshop focused on voting accessibility for people with disabilities in collaboration with the Disability Law Center and potentially the Southeast Center for Independent Living. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive information on recent changes to accessible voting procedures, although it was noted that this information came too late for the recent election cycle. The workshop will be organized before the next municipal elections in the fall.

Fall River Commission on Disability Elects Officers, Discusses ADA Improvement Grants

Overview: The Fall River Commission on Disability held its meeting on September 11, 2024, focusing on the election of officers and updates on ADA improvement grants for the city.

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.

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.