State disability office outlines resources, training for Townsend commission

The Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) told Townsend’s Commission on Disability on Sept. 24 that it is available as an advisory resource to help the newly active commission build capacity, identify barriers and connect to state guidance and grants.

“MOD is not an enforcement agency,” Jeff Dugan, assistant director at the Massachusetts Office on Disability, said during the presentation. He described MOD as a small state office that provides information, training and referral services, including a 2‑day Community Access Monitor (CAM) training and monthly office hours for municipal commissions. Dugan and Ralph DeChico, identified in the meeting as an access specialist, walked members through MOD’s website materials: an ADA Title II Action Guide, an ADA checklist for existing facilities and sample bylaws and goals for local commissions.

The commission discussed immediate uses for the tools, including using checklists to survey town facilities and pursuing available grants. Dugan said MOD can perform site visits, review plans for new municipal buildings and connect local commissions with independent living centers and other specialists. He encouraged Townsend to register for statewide MOD office hours and the statewide Commission on Disability meeting scheduled for Oct. 8.

Commission Chair Cindy King said the resources and the CAM training helped the Townsend commissioners get practical, actionable guidance. Members asked MOD to share links and materials; MOD agreed to follow up by email with the referenced checklists and training information.