Boston Disability Advisory Board Meeting – June 17, 2026

The Boston Disability Advisory Board met on June 17, 2026, via videoconference. The meeting included a presentation on accessible park features, reports from the chair and disability commissioner, discussion of deafblind awareness and interpreter shortages, and updates on citywide accessibility initiatives.

Consent Calendar

• The board approved the minutes from the previous meeting by a unanimous vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Reshma (public commenter) asked whether parks would include communication boards (e.g., whiteboards/blackboards) to help convey spoken information, especially for parents or children who may have difficulty hearing. Andrea noted that communication boards with pictures are becoming common at playgrounds and that the parks department is developing standards.
• Wes Ireland (board member) raised concerns about the cancellation of Deafblind Awareness Day at the State House due to insufficient interpreter availability. Carl Richardson explained the event was postponed, not cancelled, because they needed 34 interpreters but only had 22; some deafblind individuals also refused to work with available interpreters. The committee is planning to hold the event in October. Commissioner McCosh expressed support and commitment to help.

Discussion Items

• Accessible Park Features Presentation: Lauren Bryant, Chad Fisher, and Jilly (summer fellow) from the Boston Parks Department presented a new website cataloging accessible and sensory-friendly features across city parks. The site includes an interactive map, a screen‑readable table, and filters by neighborhood and feature (e.g., stair‑free access, companion seating, wheelchair‑accessible drinking fountains). They also discussed the Copley Square redesign, highlighting sloped walkways, companion seating, concrete accessible routes, and a paved event space. A question about Rogers Park led to information about upcoming community meetings; Carl Richardson expressed interest in getting involved. Jerry Boyd asked about Draper Park and Billings Field; Lauren provided the website for capital projects. Commissioner McCosh announced that the parks app won an innovation award and that a ramp connecting Boston Common to the Statehouse is under design, with construction expected between fall 2026 and summer 2027.
• Chair’s Report (Zari): Zari highlighted awareness months for June: LGBTQ+ Pride, Juneteenth, Deafblind Awareness, Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness, and PTSD Awareness. The board discussed the importance of intersectionality and community participation.
• Commissioner’s Report (Kristen McCosh): Updates included: the Able Lab (Accessible Boston Leadership & Empowerment) training series for 15 residents from underrepresented communities; ADA Day 2026 on July 15 at Copley Square Park (12–2 p.m.) with accessible viewing; a new on‑street accessible parking program requiring both a disability placard and a resident permit in certain neighborhoods to preserve spaces for residents; an accessible parking map for commercial areas; city council hearings on the Disability Commission annual report and driverless vehicles; a push to renew compliance with the city’s captions ordinance; and updates on BHA elevator challenges (fine levied, funds to be used for upgrades) and White Stadium (adult changing station, accessible seating, TAPA plan). The commissioner also noted summer events: FIFA FanFest with accessible viewing, Boston 250 parade on July 4, and tall ships.
• Board Member Share‑outs:
  • Carl Richardson raised concerns that the federal government did not issue an RFR to fund the 10 regional ADA centers, potentially leading to closures. He urged members to contact their federal representatives and will share a written document.
  • Alan Mack invited the board to partner with the Advisory Council for Ending Homelessness on a screening of the film Beyond the Bridge about homelessness and disability.
• Old Business: Carl apologized for not having a document ready for review; he committed to having it for the August meeting. Andrea reported that no other 8J commissions have yet joined the letter about automark conversation; she will continue outreach.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously.
• The parks department presentation was received; follow‑up on Reshma’s communication board suggestion will be shared with Lauren.
• Carl Richardson will provide a written alert about ADA regional centers and prepare his document for August.
• The next board meeting is scheduled for August (no July meeting due to summer break).
• Andrea will continue contacting other 8J commissions and share Carl’s document with the board.