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Disabilities Commission

We facilitate full and equal participation in all aspects of life by persons with disabilities in Boston. 

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Our mission is to increase opportunities for people with disabilities by facilitating full and equal participation in all aspects of life within the City of Boston. This includes reducing architectural, procedural, attitudinal, and communication barriers as well as promoting equity in housing, education, employment, transportation, and civic activities.

Our office works toward compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. We also provide information and referral, architectural access review, and advocacy on disability issues.

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Programs and Services

Apply for an Accessible Parking Spot
Renew an Accessible Parking Spot
Construnction managment
Request ADA Curb Ramp Install or Repair
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Closed Captions in Local Businesses
AgilePoint
Information and Referral
Architectural Access

ADA Title II Compliance

How the City of Boston complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act

ADA TITLE II COORDINATOR

Commissioner Kristen McCosh
Mayor's Commission for Persons with Disabilities
1 City Hall Square, Room 967
Boston, MA 02201
617-635-3682 (voice)
617-251-2718 (text)
617-635-2726 (fax)
disability@boston.gov

File an ADA Grievance with Boston

How to file an Americans with Disabilities Act grievance about a City of Boston program or service
Printable ADA Grievance Form

Grievance form for submission by mail or in person
Notice of Non-Discrimination

Notice of the City of Boston non-discrimination policy
City of Boston ADA Transition Plan

Americans with Disabilities Act transition plan for the City of Boston
Effective Communication

The City of Boston accommodations for effective communication to participate equally in City of Boston programs
Request ADA Curb Ramp Install or Repair

Form to request a new curb ramp or repair of an existing curb ramp in Boston

I’m Looking For…

Transportation

Resources for those with disabilities who need transportation help.
Housing

Resources for people with disabilities looking for housing in Boston.
Employment

Employment resources for residents with disabilities
Language and Communications Access

American Sign Language and other language access in the City of Boston
How to appeal an accessible parking spot denial

You can appeal the City's decision if your application was denied.
Rules for the accessible space program

Applying for an accessible parking spot? Learn the rules first.
Public On-Street Accessible Parking Space Locations

A map of pubic On Street Accessible Parking Spaces in Boston
ACCESSIBLE VOTING

Request a ballot through the Accessible Electronic Voting System

Get Involved

Disability Commission Advisory Board
Sign up for our email newsletter
Boston Resident Listing Disability Survey
Reports and Publications
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
Watch us on Youtube

Events and Initiatives

Boston Brakes

Whereever you wheel, remember to yield

Architectural Access

Architectural Access

The City of Boston Disability Commission architectural access team:

  • reviews building plans for accessibility
  • offers guidance to City of Boston departments on physical accessibility on City of Boston managed property, and
  • provides technical assistance on physical accessibility requirements in the state building code and Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Our office reviews building plans that are before the Boston Planning and Development Agency, Public Improvement Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals. We also review applications for variance before the state Architectural Access Board.

Submitting an Architectural Access Board Variance

How to submit an architectural Access Board variance application to the City of Boston Disability Commission for review
Massachusetts Architectural Access Board

The state Architectural Access Board (AAB) develops and enforces regulations designed to make public buildings accessible to...
Accessibility Checklist for Meetings and Events

A one page checklist for physical accessibility at meetings and events.
Architectural Access Board Variance Process

How to apply for relief from 521 CMR requirements
Quick Guide for Placement of Temporary Installations

A guide for placement of temporary installations on public sidewalks and plazas
Curb Ramp Design Guidelines

Curb ramp design focused on pedestrian safety
Boston ADA Day 2023
Credit: Disabilities Commission

Upcoming events

Events
CANCELED: Disability Commission Advisory Board Meeting
On Dec 20

Dec 20

Latest news

News

Mayor Wu Signs Ordinance Requiring Captions on Public-Facing Televisions to Increase Access for People with Disabilities

Mayor's Office

Disability Commission Annual Report for 2020 - 2021

Disabilities Commission

New position created to hire American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter

Disabilities Commission

Notice of proposed settlement of class action lawsuit

Public Works
More Disabilities news

Disability Commission Advisory Board

WHEN AND WHERE

The Disability Commission Advisory Board typically meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our meetings will be held remotely for the foreseeable future.

2023 meetings
Standard agenda
  • Call to Order
  • Introductions
  • Approval of prior month's minutes
  • Administrative Updates
  • Chair’s Report
  • Commissioner's Report – Kristen McCosh
  • Upcoming Events and Announcements
  • Old Business
  • New Business
  • New Action Items
  • Public Input
  • Adjournment

Meet our Staff

Staff
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