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An important aspect of promoting independence for people with disabilities is physical access to public buildings. In Massachusetts, the Architectural Access Board (AAB) develops and enforces regulations designed to make public buildings accessible to, functional for, and safe for use by persons with disabilities. Section 521 of the Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR), enforced by the AAB, is the state building code that outlines the requirements for accessibility in buildings that are open to the public. 521 CMR also establishes a process for members of the public who wish to file a complaint about a noncompliant building.
This post gives an overview of the obligations that residents, businesses, and municipalities have to remove snow for sidewalk access.
Accessible parking is essential to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in community life. Availability of parking with accessible features allows persons with certain limitations to access businesses, schools, medical facilities, places of employment, etc. This post will discuss designated accessible, also known as “handicapped,” parking provisions …Continue Reading Accessible Parking Laws for Public Lots
MOD often hears from concerned callers reporting violation of disability parking regulations asking what they can do to combat the problem.
Disability parking violation is certainly a serious issue that can take various forms. This post will outline some typical violations.
A new, “dynamic” design featuring the image of a person with a disability actively engaged in forward motion has been proposed. Advocates for this symbol argue that the International Symbol is outdated, portraying people with disabilities as passive and dependent on wheelchairs. Although many places and institutions are already using the active symbol, no alternative to the International Symbol has been formally adopted. In May 2015, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released an official interpretation of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD) on alternative designs of the accessibility symbol.
Summer is the time for people of all abilities to enjoy the outdoors. There are numerous programs and sites that offer a variety of accessible outdoor recreation activities throughout the Commonwealth.
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