The City of Boston is gearing up to host its Annual Disability Community Forum on May 8, offering a platform for residents with disabilities to voice their concerns and contribute to the city’s inclusivity efforts. According to an announcement on the City of Boston's official website, the event will take place at Suffolk University Law School from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., with options to attend either in person or virtually via Zoom. Those interested in participating are encouraged to register through the event page at boston.gov/disability-forum.
In a statement that strives to make Boston a home for everyone, Mayor Michelle Wu emphasized the significance of connecting residents with disabilities to the city's services and community. "Boston’s Disability Community Forum is an important way for residents to shape the City’s ongoing efforts, provide feedback, and build community," Mayor Wu stated, as obtained by the City of Boston's website. She encouraged widespread attendance to have a direct impact on making Boston more inclusive and accessible.
The forum will be spotlighted by Kristen McCosh, the city’s ADA Title II Coordinator and Disability Commissioner, who will present the Commission and Board’s Annual Report. Following the presentation, there will be a period for public comment from Boston residents, as well as a question-and-answer session with McCosh and members of the Disability Advisory Board. With the registration form available on the city’s website, the public is asked to submit questions and comments ahead of the forum, facilitating a structured discussion on that day. The city officials attending will be all ears, ready to learn from the residents' perspectives from across various Boston neighborhoods.
Last year's forum witnesses included over 100 participants, who came together both in person and on Zoom, highlighting the critical issues such as accessible housing, transportation, and sidewalk safety. This engagement, according to Jerry Boyd, Chair of the City of Boston Disability Advisory Board, is looked forward to by city officials each year. "It is a great way to highlight accessibility work, and get feedback on issues that are directly impacting disabled residents, commuters, and visitors to Boston," Boyd noted, echoing his words through the City of Boston's announcement. The outcome was an enhanced understanding by city departments, better equipping them to plan for increased accessibility and inclusion.
For those unable to attend, the event will be recorded and made available to view on various city channels, including the City of Boston’s YouTube channel and local television networks. For more information about the forum and how to engage with the city's efforts to support the disability community, interested parties can visit boston.gov, email [email protected], or call the Mayor's Commission on Persons with Disabilities at 617-635-3682.
