Mayor Walsh announces applications open for Boston Disability Commission Advisory Board

Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Mayor's Commission for Persons with Disabilities are seeking interested applicants to serve on the Boston Disability Commission Advisory Board, which informs and advises the City on policies and procedures that affect the disability community. Boston residents can submit their applications here or by emailing disability@boston.gov by November 22, 2020. 

"Every Bostonian deserves full and equal access to all aspects of life in the city whether in housing, education, or employment," said Mayor Walsh. "I encourage residents to apply for this opportunity if they are interested in working with the Commission to make our city more accessible for all our residents."

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mayor's Commission for Persons with Disabilities has been working to ensure that the City's emergency response, reopening, and communications efforts are accessible to residents with disabilities. This work has been guided by their mission to increase opportunities for people with disabilities by facilitating full and equal participation in all aspects of life within the City of Boston. 

The Commission's work in the last six months has included launching a new ramp initiative that has provided 80 portable ramps to restaurants so new outdoor dining spaces are accessible and sidewalks are not obstructed; ensuring Accessible Parking Spaces in the city remain available for those who need them; providing multimodal City communications and ASL interpretation at press conferences; and ensuring an adequate supply of PPE for those working with vulnerable populations, among others. 

Working closely with the Commission for Persons with Disabilities, members of the Advisory Board are appointed by the Mayor to serve in a volunteer capacity for a term of three years. The Advisory Board is made up of 13 members who provide input on issues of importance to persons with disabilities who live, work, and visit Boston. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a resident of the City of Boston;

• Must have a disability, be the parent of a disabled child, or close relative of someone with a disability;

• Must be able to attend Commission meetings held once a month, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The City of Boston is committed to equity and inclusion of persons with disabilities, and encourages residents who reflect the diverse nature of Boston's neighborhoods and communities to apply, particularly women and those from underserved populations. 

Applicants should fill out this form or submit a letter of interest stating why they wish to join the Advisory Board, and may include a resume if possible. Letters can be submitted by sending an email to disability@boston.gov with the subject line, "Advisory Board Letter of Interest." The deadline to apply is November 22, 2020.

For questions or more information, please contact the Disabilities Commission by phone at 617-635-3682 (617-635-2541 TTY), email at disability@boston.gov, or visit their website at www.boston.gov/disability.

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