Commission on Accessibility

Municipal Commissions on Disability (CODs) advise municipal governments on the disability community’s needs in their city or town. They inform municipal officials about accessibility concerns and best practices for inclusion of people with disabilities in municipal programs, services, and facilities. Specific priorities and actions depend on the needs of the local disability community. CODs are established by town meeting or city council vote.

COD requirements, including membership, are outlined in MGL Chapter 40, Section 8J. MOD provides information, guidance, and training to help CODs meet their goals but does not set or enforce these requirements.

CODs can support local disability communities by:

• Advising and assisting local officials with compliance to federal and state disability laws
• Partnering with people with disabilities to make their voices heard in vital city or town affairs
• Assisting the city or town with ensuring their ADA Self-Evaluation meets ADA requirements
• Assisting the city or town with implementation and upkeep of their ADA Transition Plan
• Sharing accessibility concerns and reminders to developers
• Reviewing projects that come before the local Planning Board, Town Meeting, City Council, and other municipal groups
• Coordinating with MOD, advocates, and elected officials to keep informed about applicable disability laws and regulations
• And more – MGL Chapter 40, Section 8J lists out general ways CODs can support their local disability communities.

Membership

CODs consist of five to 13 volunteer members chosen by the Selectboard, Town Manager, Mayor, or City Manager. The membership requirements are:

• A majority of members must be people with disabilities,
• One member must be an elected or appointed municipal official, and
• One member must be an immediate family member to a person with a disability.

Members are initially appointed in staggered one-, two-, and three-year terms.

Requirements

CODs are required to:

• Have at least ten meetings per year,
• Keep records of their meetings and actions, and
• File an annual report.

CODs are authorized to receive gifts of property, both real (i.e. land/buildings) and personal (i.e. things/money).

CODs advise municipalities on systemic disability-related issues within local government programs. You should contact your local COD to discuss:

• Systemic disability-related barriers to accessing municipal programs and services,
• Architectural barriers in municipal buildings, streets, and sidewalks,
• Suggestions for policies to address disability-related issues in the municipality, and
• Getting involved with the COD’s work and projects