Commission on Disability, Lancaster, MA

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Commission on Disability, Lancaster, MA The Lancaster COD was formed to address community access issues and the fair treatment of persons wi

SOME CURRENT GOALS
1- The COD is currently in the process of developing an emergency preparedness guide to assist disabled Lancaster residents during times of emergency.
2-We strive to raise community awareness of COD goals through ongoing interaction with community officials and through yearly activities to promote accessibility awareness during the month of October. SOME ACCOMPLISHMENTS
1-Involved in providing ongoing guidance for meeting ADA and Mass AAB compliance for new developments in town and renovations such as schools, the Prescott building, the Thayer Memorial Library, the Lancaster Community Center, and many more
2- Assessed and advised in ongoing fashion certain Lancaster businesses to improve their compliance with ADA guidelines for accessibility in their establishments
3-Established the official Annual Accessibility Awareness Month program
4-Canvassed Lancaster neighborhoods to determine the extent of disability in town and provide residents information on disability
5-Assisted the town to develop an ADA Self Evaluation Plan
6-Participated in “Complete Streets” Program designed time help make Public Rights of Way ADA compliant in Lancaster

10/02/2026

Disability rights advocates are angered by the latest reversal but are rallying behind proposed legislation and working with states to strengthen protections for community integration.

09/09/2026

An update from Town Administrator, John Woodsmall:

"As a result of the advocacy of the Town's Commission on Disability, the Department of Public Works will be installing a 6-foot-wide stone dust walkway from Thayer Memorial Drive, near the front entrance steps of the Thayer Memorial Library, to the Gazebo on the Town Green. The walkway is intended to improve accessibility to the Gazebo through the use of a material that is consistent with the historic and aesthetic character of the Town Green.

Stone dust is a commonly used material for sidewalks and pathways within historic settings, as it meets the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act, but also is representative of the materials used in the past for sidewalks and roads. The Department of Public Works sought feedback from members of the Historical Commission in recognition of the Town Green’s historic significance prior to commencing this project.

This project is needed to help make the gazebo compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and accessible for all residents and visitors to enjoy. The Gazebo has an accessible ramp, but without this pathway, it remains essentially an inaccessible island within the Green, as a grass lawn is not considered accessible under ADA standards. This project will provide access to the Gazebo for all to use and enjoy.

We'd like to thank the members of the Commission on Disabilty for their strong advocacy for this project, and the Department of Public Works for taking the time and committing the resources to see this project completed."

12/02/2025

Address

Lancaster Town Hall, Suite 1 695 Main Street
Lancaster, MA
01523

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