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Disabilities Commission

We facilitate full and equal participation in all aspects of life by persons with disabilities in Boston. 

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Our mission is 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.

Our office works toward compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. We also provide information and referral, architectural access review, and advocacy on disability issues.

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Contact

Programs and Services

Apply for an Accessible Parking Spot
Renew an Accessible Parking Spot
File an ADA Grievance with Boston
Construnction managment
Request ADA Curb Ramp Install or Repair
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Closed Captions in Local Businesses

ADA Title II Compliance

ADA Title II Coordinator

Commissioner Kristen McCosh
Mayor's Commission for Persons with Disabilities
1 City Hall Square, Room 967
Boston, MA 02201
617-635-3682 (voice)
617-635-2541 (tty)
617-635-2726 (fax)
disability@boston.gov

Complying with Title II

Learn more about how the City of Boston complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Submission of AAB Variance Applications

In order to promote environmentally-friendly operational practices, The City of Boston Disabilities Commission is encouraging Architectural Access Board applicants to send variance and amendment applications electronically via email, in lieu of physical mailed-in copies on an ongoing basis. Please adhere to the following guidelines for electronic submission.

Please email ada@boston.gov, should there be any questions or concerns.

  • Applications should be addressed to Commissioner Kristen McCosh and sent to ada@boston.gov
  • The email submissions should have the subject line: [Address] - AAB Variance Application
  • The application and all attachments must be in .pdf format in a single file, except where that file exceeds 15 megabytes. 
  • If the file should exceed 15 megabytes, it may be broken up into as few files as possible to fall below the size limit.
Boston ADA Day 2022
Credit: Disabilities Commission

Upcoming events

Events
Disability Commission Advisory Board Meeting
On Jun 14

Jun 14
Disability Commission Advisory Board Meeting
On Jul 19

Jul 19
Disability Commission Advisory Board Meeting
On Aug 23

Aug 23
Disability Commission Advisory Board Meeting
On Sep 20

Sep 20
Disability Commission Advisory Board Meeting
On Oct 25

Oct 25
Disability Commission Advisory Board Meeting
On Nov 8

Nov 8

Disability Commission Annual Report for 2020 - 2021

The annual report highlights the work that the commission has done to improve accessibility in Boston over the last year.

View the Report

Latest news

News

Mayor Wu Signs Ordinance Requiring Captions on Public-Facing Televisions to Increase Access for People with Disabilities

Mayor's Office

Disability Commission Annual Report for 2020 - 2021

Disabilities Commission

New position created to hire American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter

Disabilities Commission

Notice of proposed settlement of class action lawsuit

Public Works
More Disabilities news

Disability resources

Transportation help for people with disabilities

Resources for those with disabilities who need transportation help.
How to appeal an accessible parking spot denial

You can appeal the City's decision if your application was denied.
Disability Commission Advisory Board

The advisory group keeps our commission updated on local issues.
Language and Communications Access

American Sign Language and other language access in the City of Boston
Rules for the accessible space program

Applying for an accessible parking spot? Learn the rules first.
Public On-Street Accessible Parking Space Locations

A map of pubic On Street Accessible Parking Spaces in Boston

2023 Advisory Board Meetings

WHEN AND WHERE

The Disability Commission Advisory Board typically meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our meetings will be held remotely for the foreseeable future.

2023 meetings
Standard agenda
  • Call to Order
  • Introductions
  • Approval of prior month's minutes
  • Administrative Updates
  • Chair’s Report
  • Commissioner's Report – Kristen McCosh
  • Upcoming Events and Announcements
  • Old Business
  • New Business
  • New Action Items
  • Public Input
  • Adjournment

Meet our Staff

Staff
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