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Commission for Persons with Disabilities

The Commission facilitates full and equal participation in all aspects of life by persons with disabilities in the City of Boston. They strive to reduce architectural, procedural, attitudinal, and communication barriers that affect persons with disabilities. 

The Mayor’s Commission for Persons with Disabilities strives to increase opportunities for individuals with disabilities throughout the City of Boston by facilitating full and equal participation in all aspects of life. This includes reducing architectural, procedural, attitudinal, and communication barriers as well as promoting equity in housing, education, employment, transportation, and civic activities.

The Commission office, located in City Hall, provides Information & Referral as well as Technical Assistance on disability-related issues to various City departments, developers, non-profit agencies and to the general public. The office also runs the Residential HP Parking Program, which designates parking spaces downtown and in the neighborhoods for people who have an HP Plate or Placard.

The Disability Commissioner serves as the ADA Title II Coordinator for the City of Boston, overseeing the City's Transition Plan by monitoring facilities, programs, and activities of the City for compliance with the Americans with Disability Act. The Commission has a volunteer Advisory Board, made up of nine city residents, who meet monthly to provide input on issues of importance within the disability community. All meetings are accessible and open to the public.

The Mayor’s Commission for Persons with Disabilities has identified ten top priorities:

  • Emergency Preparedness;

  • Pedestrian Access;

  • Curb Cut Compliance;

  • Housing;

  • Employment;

  • Education;

  • Transportation;

  • Community Outreach;

  • Mapping and Apps; and 

  • Sensory Disability Awareness.

 Commission Informational Brochure



 

Meeting Agendas & Minutes

Calendar »

  • See a listing of upcoming Disability Commission events.

    View Calendar »

Announcements

  • Community Forum on Disabilities Issues

    Do you have concerns such as pedestrian accessibility, housing for people with disabilities, or access to medical care & hospitals? Come to City Hall, Room 900 for drinks, refreshments, and an open discussion surrounding those issues, and anything else that concerns you.
    When: Thursday, May 17 from 1:00-4:00pm. Where: City Hall,  9th Floor, Room 900. Contact: kristen.mccosh@cityofboston.gov or call 617-635-3682 for accommodations.

    Community Forum 2012 Flyer

  • Disabilities Commission Accepting New Members

    We are currently seeking applications from people with disabilities that reflect the diverse needs of Boston’s neighborhoods and communities. Members will be appointed by the Mayor and serve in a volunteer capacity for a term of 3 years. Applicants must be residents of the City of Boston.

    More Information

    Read Release

  • City Hall Plaza Accessibility Improvements

    Mayor Menino unveiled plans to improve accessibility in City Hall Plaza, with better access routes for persons with disabilities.

    Read Release

    City Hall Access Route

  • Ready Boston

    By starting with common sense measures, people with disabilities and their caregivers can begin now to prepare for an emergency before it happens.

    Ready Boston: Disabled Persons

Videos & Multimedia »


  • Disability News & Views
    City of Boston Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities hosts this program produced at BNN-TV.Watch Video »
  • Disability Mentoring Day
    Mayor Menino's Commission for Persons with Disabilities participated in "National Disability Employment Awareness Month", by hosting "Disability Mentoring Day".Watch Video »
  • Americans with Disabilities Act 21st Anniversary
    Mayor Menino celebrates the 21st Anniversary of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which seeks to increase awareness and accessibility for persons with disabilities.Watch Video »