Commissions:

• Advise and assist municipal officials in ensuring compliance with federal and state disability laws;
• Review policies and activities of municipal departments and boards as they affect persons with disabilities;
• Provide information, referral, advocacy and technical assistance to individuals, businesses and organizations in all matters pertaining to disability;
• Coordinate the activities of other local groups organized to meet the needs of persons with disabilities.

Commissions consist of no less than five, no more than nine members chosen by the Select Board. The majority must be persons with disabilities and one may be a member of the immediate family of a person with a disability. One must be an elected or appointed official.

Applicable Laws:

• MGL Chapter 40 Section 8J, gives municipalities the authority to establish commissions;
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires inclusion and integration of persons with disabilities in the programs, services and employment opportunities of organizations and agencies that receive federal money;
• Amendment Article 114 of the Massachusetts Constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability under any service or program within the Commonwealth;
• The regulations of the Architectural Access Board require access in newly built and renovated buildings.