Disabilities Commission
We facilitate full and equal participation in all aspects of life by persons with disabilities in Boston.
- We have information about resources for Boston residents with disabilities during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
- Applications and documents for an Accessible Parking Space should be submitted by email disability@boston.gov or fax 617-635-2726.
- Read Commissioner McCosh's weekly messages to the disability community during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
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.
Contact
Room 967
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Architectural Access Board applicants
On March 15, 2020, a public health emergency was announced in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response, the City of Boston Disabilities Commission is encouraging Architectural Access Board applicants to send variance and amendment applications by email, instead of physical, mailed-in copies. This allows for our staff to continue to work remotely. It also promotes environmentally-friendly operational practices.
Please adhere to the following guidelines for electronic submission:
- Applications should be addressed to Commissioner Kristen McCosh and sent to ada@boston.gov
- The email submissions should have the subject line: [Address] - AAB Variance Application
- The application and all attachments must be in .pdf format in a single file, except where that file exceeds 15 megabytes. If the file should exceed 15 megabytes, it may be broken up into as few files as possible to fall below the size limit.
Please email ada@boston.gov, should there be any questions or concerns.
ADA Title II Compliance
Commissioner Kristen McCosh
Mayor's Commission for Persons with Disabilities
1 City Hall Square, Room 967
Boston, MA 02201
617-635-3682 (voice)
617-635-2541 (tty)
617-635-2726 (fax)
disability@boston.gov
Learn more about how the City of Boston complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Upcoming events
EventsDisability Commission Annual Report for 2018 / 2019
The annual report highlights the work that the commission has done to improve accessibility in Boston over the last year.
Latest news
NewsA message from Commissioner McCosh: Reopening updates
A message from Commissioner McCosh: Annual Resident Listing
Disability resources
Resources for those with disabilities who need transportation help.
Accessible taxi cabs are known as Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs).
You can appeal the City's decision if your application was denied.
The advisory group keeps our commission updated on local issues.
American Sign Language and other language access in the City of Boston
Applying for an accessible parking spot? Learn the rules first.
2021 Advisory Board meetings
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.
- 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
