The Commission on Disability on Monday elected a new slate of leaders and discussed its plans to highlight areas of concern for people with disabilities through a joint event with the Department of Public Works.

Nancy “Punky” Drawe was voted as the new chair, succeeding Holly Morand, who was elected secretary. Amy Ritterbusch, the former secretary, was elected vice president, replacing Alex Danahy.

Drawe had urged for the creation of the commission, which Town Meeting approved in 2022. She said then that while some buildings may be up to code, they can have features that are challenging for people with disabilities to navigate. Drawe pointed out at this meeting that many Main Street businesses are hard to enter.

State money earmarked for accessibility improvements to library

Drawe announced that $60,000 was earmarked in the state budget for hand railings and a push-button entrance at the front of the library. She said she had recent conversations with an aide to state Senate President Karen Spilka confirming the amount. It will be allocated to the town and used for safety and accessibility improvements.

The commission sought state funding after its joint request to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) with the library and the Historic District Commission was denied. During that meeting last November, a comment made by CPC vice chair Eric Sonnett outraged commission members. He said “the majority of your people come through the side” because that is where the two accessible parking spaces are. This point was raised at a commission meeting in February to illustrate perceived tone deafness regarding accessibility issues.

Morand read a letter from Town Manager Elaine Lazarus advising the commission to work with the Facilities Department and the Historic District Commission on the project.

Said Drawe: “That’s the project we’ve been waiting for for a long time.”

Commission works with DPW on grant, ‘White Cane Day’

Morand worked with DPW Director Kerry Reed on a grant from the Massachusetts Office on Disability for an updated accessibility plan for the town. The last plan, she said, was created more than 20 years ago.

“I think we’re in good shape for it,” Morand said of the grant, “because they called us and asked for clarification. They seemed pretty positive.”

If the grant is received, consultants would review town buildings to “make sure they’re up to date with legal and accessibility requirements,” she said.

Also, Morand and Reed partnered on an upcoming event called “White Cane Day.” It is scheduled to take place on Oct. 14 from 6-7 p.m.

Reed’s original plan, according to Morand, was for people to walk from Hopkinton High School to the downtown area with simulated visual or physical impairments. It would include people with disabilities. Morand called that distance “a big ask for folks with disabilities,” so it was adjusted to go from the library’s main lobby to the Select Board chambers in Town Hall.

Reed’s goal, Morand said, is to identify any issues that people with disabilities face along the way. She intends to give out “white canes, blindfolds, drunk goggles from the police department, ear muffs and wheelchairs” to nondisabled participants.

There will be a follow-up meeting to determine the course beforehand, Morand added.

Danahy suggested that the course begin at the Town Common gazebo, proceed to the library and end at the Select Board room. He said Town Hall alone is frustrating. For instance, the only accessible bathroom is on the first floor, he explained.

Ritterbusch added that there will be a “White Cane Day” at the State House on Oct. 24.

Reed will be invited to the next meeting on Oct. 6 to talk about the event and other DPW-related issues.

Traffic light at Town Hall a concern

Resident Pamela Loch, who is visually and hearing impaired, said she encountered an issue with the new traffic light at Town Hall that she would like to address with Reed. The walk light is not loud enough for some people to hear, she explained.

“If it’s not safe, the [seeing eye] dog will come in front of me and stop me from walking into the street,” she said, noting she is a board member of the Bay State Council of the Blind.

Ritterbush noted that the light is brighter now than before the Main Street Corridor Project was implemented.

Future agenda items discussed

Ritterbusch suggested that Reed be asked about timely snow removal from accessible parking spots. Danahy said he previously was told that these spaces require 24 hours to clear.

Another topic Ritterbusch suggested bringing to Reed’s attention is the lack of parking and accommodations for people with disabilities at events at the Town Common.

Separately, the commission decided to discuss plans for emergency housing for people with disabilities. Drawe will invite members of the Framingham Disability Commission to a future meeting.