Disabilities Commission
We facilitate full and equal participation in all aspects of life by persons with disabilities in Boston.
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
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1 City Hall Square
Room 967Boston, MA 02201-2041 -
Office hoursMonday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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
How to file an Americans with Disabilities Act grievance about a City of Boston program or service
Grievance form for submission by mail or in person
Notice of the City of Boston non-discrimination policy
Original Americans with Disabilities Act transition plan from 1993
The City of Boston accommodations for effective communication to participate equally in City of Boston programs
Form to request a new curb ramp or repair of an existing curb ramp in Boston
I’m Looking For…
Resources for those with disabilities who need transportation help.
Resources for people with disabilities looking for housing in Boston.
Employment resources for residents with disabilities
American Sign Language and other language access in the City of Boston
You can appeal the City's decision if your application was denied.
Applying for an accessible parking spot? Learn the rules first.
A map of public on-street accessible parking "HP / DV" spaces in Boston.
Request a ballot through the Accessible Electronic Voting System
Interactive map and a list of public restrooms by neighborhood
Interactive map of accessibility features in Boston parks, including accessible play equipment
Frequently asked questions about the rights of service animals in public spaces
Initiatives
Boston Brakes
Whereever you wheel, remember to yield
Disability Data Standard Project
Updating when, how, and if the City of Boston should ask about disability
NDEAM Financial Empowerment Series
Webinar series on City employment, financial empowerment, and employment rights
Disability Outreach Tour
Meet the Disabilities Commission at a Boston Public Library branch near you.
Disability Inclusion Trained Business Certification
This training teaches businesses how to remove many access barriers in a free or low cost way
Architectural Access
Architectural AccessThe 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.
How to submit an architectural Access Board variance application to the City of Boston Disability Commission for review
The state Architectural Access Board (AAB) develops and enforces regulations designed to make public buildings accessible to...
A one page checklist for physical accessibility at meetings and events.
How to apply for relief from 521 CMR requirements
A guide for placement of temporary installations on public sidewalks and plazas
Curb ramp design focused on pedestrian safety
Who is responsible for public and private streets in the City of Boston
Upcoming events
Events
Disability Commission Advisory Board
The Disability Commission Advisory Board typically meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
- 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
Contact
-
1 City Hall Square
Room 967Boston, MA 02201-2041 -
Office hoursMonday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
