Disability Commission Advisory Board Meeting – September 23, 2026

The Disability Commission Advisory Board met on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 10:45 AM ET. The meeting included a presentation on the Blue Hill Avenue reconstruction project, updates from the Commissioner on civic engagement and accessible voting, an architectural access report on the international symbol for accessibility, and a new board member spotlight feature.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The board approved the minutes from the September meeting by voice vote with no opposition or abstentions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A public attendee asked whether there has been discussion about replacing the wheelchair symbol with one that represents a broader range of disabilities. The Commissioner responded that the current symbol is widely recognized and that no perfect alternative exists, but acknowledged ongoing community dialogue.

Discussion Items

• Blue Hill Avenue Project Presentation: Matthew Peterson from the Boston Transportation Department presented an update on the complete reconstruction of Blue Hill Avenue from Warren Street/Grove Hall to River Street/Mattapan. The project has secured over $124 million in funding. Key design elements include new concrete sidewalks, 179 net new street trees, replacement of the entire lighting system (13% of budget), center-median bus platforms with 10–11 foot widths, and a two-way bike path on the west side. Peterson highlighted that the design will replace inaccessible brick sidewalks, add accessible parking spaces, and ensure all bus stop crossings have APS systems with tactile and audible cues. The board raised concerns about bus islands for blind pedestrians, bike path crossings for those with sensory disabilities, and construction accessibility. Peterson invited ongoing feedback via email and promised future engagement.
• Commissioner’s Report (Kristen McCosh): Updates included:
  • Remaining Open Streets events on October 4 (Brighton) and October 18 (Roslindale); Newbury Street open October 11 with a possible December date.
  • Civic Engagement Day for people with disabilities scheduled for September 30 (6–7:30 PM) on Zoom, with participatory budgeting, planning, and arts/culture departments attending.
  • National Disability Employment Awareness Month webinars: a live “Pathways to Employment” webinar and pre-recorded sessions on financial empowerment, housing, and workers’ rights.
  • Accessible voting: General election November 3; early voting, vote-by-mail, and AutoMark options available. A vendor fair on assistive voting equipment is postponed until after the election.
  • Autonomous vehicles: The city has formed a working group including disability stakeholders; Carl Richardson will represent the board.
• Architectural Access Report (Patricia Mendez): The Massachusetts Architectural Access Board is considering updating the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA) to a dynamic version. The comment period has been extended to October 27/28, 2026. The board discussed uniformity concerns and the need for color contrast. The advisory board may submit a recommendation at its next meeting (October 21).
• Board Member Spotlight: Vice Chair Jerry Boyd shared his advocacy background with the Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL), work on the MBTA’s Riders’ Transportation Access Group (RTAG), and focus on accessible voting and the White Stadium project.
• Other Business:
  • Olivia noted that the Boston Housing Authority’s new ButterflyMX door entry system is inaccessible to blind visitors; the issue has been raised with the administrator.
  • Wes Ireland raised accessibility gaps between Summer Street and A Street; the Commissioner explained that an elevator was originally planned but delayed due to the pandemic, and a temporary elevator exists in a neighboring building. The office will work on better signage.

Key Outcomes

• Blue Hill Avenue Project: The board will send written feedback and coordinate with the Transportation Department on design details (bike path crossings, bus platform wayfinding, construction detours). Matthew Peterson committed to returning for future updates.
• Architectural Access Symbol: The board will discuss and possibly vote on a recommendation at the October 21 meeting; individual members may also submit comments to AAB.
• Construction Accessibility: The city will compile examples of good/bad construction detours to inform contractor requirements.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for October 21, 2026.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned by motion and second at approximately 8:00 PM.