Article II, Section 23. Commission on Disability

Article II Section 23. Commission on Disability

23.1 A Commission on Disability, hereafter called the Commission is established to cause the full integration and participation of people with disabilities in the city.

23.2 Said Commission shall consist of seven members appointed by the Board of Selectmen.

23.3 A majority of said Commission members shall consist of people with disabilities, one member shall be a member of the immediate family of a person with a disability and one member of said Commission shall be either an elected or appointed official of the town.

23.3.1 The terms of the first members of said Commission shall be for one, two or three years, and so arranged that the terms of one-third of the members expires each year, and their successor shall be appointed for terms of three years each.

23.3.2 Any member of said Commission may, after a public hearing, if so requested, be removed, for cause by the appointing authority.

23.3.3 A vacancy occurring otherwise than by expiration of a term shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as an original appointment.

23.3.4 The chairperson and other officers shall be chosen by a majority vote of said Commission members.

23.4 The duties and functions of the Commission shall:

23.4.1 Research local problems of people with disabilities;

23.4.2 Advise and assist municipal officials and employees in ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations that affect people with disabilities;

23.4.3 Coordinate or carry out programs designed to meet the problems of people with disabilities in coordination with programs of the Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD);

23.4.4 Review and make recommendations about policies, procedures, services, activities and facilities of departments, boards and agencies of the city as they affect people with disabilities;

23.4.5 Provide information, referrals, guidance and technical assistance to individuals, public agencies, businesses and organizations in all matters pertaining to disability;

23.4.6 Coordinate activities of other local groups organized for similar purposes.

23.5 Said Commission shall keep records of its meetings and actions and shall file an annual report which shall be printed in the City’s annual report and shall have at least ten meetings annually.

23.6 Commission may receive gifts of property, both real and personal, in the name of the town, subject to the approval of the Board of Selectmen, such gifts to be managed and controlled by the said Commission for the purposes of this section.