Approximately 150 cities and towns in Massachusetts have a Commission on Disability, does yours?
Disability Commissions are an advisory boards appointed by municipal leaders formed to help promote compliance with federal and state laws, represent the interest of individuals with disabilities in municipal government, and act as a resources for individuals with disabilities.
Common issues addressed by many Disability Commissions include handicapped parking spot abuse and implementing curb-cuts on sidewalks, but each commission is able to respond to the local needs of their community.
Almost all Commissioners are volunteers, and at least half of the members of each Commission are individuals with disabilities. Most Commissions meet monthly, and meetings are open to the public.
I encourage you to find out if your city or town has a Disability Commission, and if they do, make a point to attend the next Commission meeting.
View a list of Disability Commissions in Massachusetts available from the The Massachusetts Office on Disability web site