City of Boston launches first-ever accessibility survey

Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Mayor's Commission for Persons with Disabilities has launched the City's first-ever survey to collect information and learn what the most significant accessibility-related needs are in Boston so that we can shape the City's strategic priorities. Anyone who lives, works, or visits the city and has thoughts about disability-related access is invited to take the survey.

"I commend the Commission for the incredible work they are doing to assess residents' needs so Boston can be a safe, healthy, and accessible city for all," said Mayor Walsh. "We will continue to assess and make adjustments until there are more opportunities than barriers and where accessibility is built into everything we do."

"The Commission's survey will serve as the foundation for the City's disability strategic master plan," said the Mayor's Chief of Health and Human Services, Marty Martinez. "The survey will guide our efforts in more robust planning that will ensure Boston is accessible to people of all abilities."

This survey comes on the heels of a larger citywide public input initiative. Last year, the city released its first citywide plan in 50 years, Imagine Boston 2030: a comprehensive plan which will guide growth to support our dynamic economy, and expand opportunity for all residents, create livable neighborhoods, and be a waterfront city for generations to come.  

The survey will complement the Imagine 2030 plan and add disability related data to help the City with strategic planning and policy development that will make Boston accessible and inclusive of people.

The Commission is doing extensive and deliberate outreach with an emphasis on reaching out to people with disabilities, family members of people with disabilities, as well as advocates and professionals who work in the disability community.

"We want this data to be reflective of the voices from every neighborhood and community in the City of Boston," said Disabilities Commissioner Kristen McCosh. "This survey will guide us to create a strategic plan and framework to support the disability community within Boston for years to come."

We encourage everyone to participate in the Accessibility Survey that is available online through June 30, 2018. The Office of Disability can also offer hard copies by mail or can help you complete the survey by phone call our office at 617-635-3682 or use of TTY by dialing 617-635-2541.

About the Mayor's Commission for Persons with Disabilities

The Mayor's Commission for Persons with Disabilities works to increase opportunities for people with disabilities by facilitating full and equal participation in all aspects of life within the City of Boston. This includes reducing architectural, procedural, attitudinal, and communication barriers as well as promoting equity in housing, education, employment, transportation, and civic activities.