Access Brookline: July 2023 News!

Did you know?

Summer is a popular time for travel! Did you know that hotels, motels, and other types of “transient lodging” facilities are subject to ADA requirements regarding how many guest rooms and suites with accessible mobility and communication features they provide? Requirements apply to sleeping rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, check-in counters, fitness centers, swimming pools and spas, bars and restaurants, and conference rooms, and also cover storage, signage, fire alarms, and phones. Find out exactly what the place you want to stay should provide by viewing the recording, slides, and handouts from the U.S. Access Board’s July 6 webinar on Accessible Transient Lodging. Board experts will even answer your questions if you contact them by phone or email (see slide 55).

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The Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) works to ensure that people with disabilities can equally participate in all aspects of life, MOD providing information, guidance, and training on disability-related civil rights and obligations, including those related to architectural accessibility. MOD’s Disability Rights Unit helps people with disabilities understand their civil rights, identifying laws relevant to individual situations and providing additional resources. Their Client Assistance Program can address concerns related to vocational rehabilitation or independent living services. MOD provides training on a variety of disability rights–related topics, including Disability Disclosure in Employment, the Community Access Monitor program on surveying buildings for accessibility, and Disability Emergency Preparedness. Visit MOD’s Upcoming Events list to see all available trainings and events.

News & Events

2023 Boston Center for Independent Living Youth Summer Program workshops continue into late July and August, and include:

• Learner’s Permit Exam Prep classes (remote series, to support students with disabilities to study and prepare for the Massachusetts Learner’s Permit Exam)
• Workplace etiquette
• Financial skills
• Self-care and -advocacy
• Finding housing
• Accessing college disability services

…and more!

Massachusetts Dept of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) continues its extensive universal access summer program at many parks & facilities convenient to Brookline, many in partnership with nonprofit adaptive sports programs. A sample:

• Multi-water-sports program at Malibu Beach in Dorchester
• Kayaking at Walden Pond and on the Charles
• Sailing on the Charles
• Golfing in Weston

…and more, including farther destinations that make for a nice day trip!

DCR is a sponsor of Triangle Inc.’s Beach:Ability day of fun on Saturday, August 12, 2023, 11:00am – 3:00pm at Constitution Beach in East Boston (near the Orient Heights MBTA Station). Register by August 6!

Just over the border, the City of Boston will celebrate ADA Day on Tuesday, July 18 from 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. on City Hall Plaza. The festivities include a disability resource fair, food, & music. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Through July, the Brookline Main Library hosts a special exhibit, “Blind and Deaf Communication Throughout History,” put together by the Brookline Commission on Disability in honor of Disability Pride Month, with assistance from the Perkins Library. Devices like “Talking Books,” an Ear Horn, a Brailler, and a Shake-Awake Alarm are all displayed to showcase how different devices and advancements in technology have assisted people who are Blind and Deaf with communication and with activities of daily living.

Join Us!

BCOD meets monthly, typically on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 5:30 pm. The public is always welcome! Check the town calendar 48 hours in advance to see the agenda and info on how to participate: www.brooklinema.gov/calendar.aspx.