Commission roundup: hospital kiosk policy, beach wheelchairs, accessible parking and ferry elevator outages

The Nantucket Commission on Disabilities used its May 8 meeting to review several distinct local accessibility issues and planned follow‑ups.

Hospital check‑in and interior hazards. Georgia said she wrote to hospital staff about kiosk changes that limited certain check‑in functions to a kiosk for occupational and physical therapy appointments while walk‑in and diagnostic services still require check‑in at a designated registration station. James Sherrell, the hospital contact referenced in the transcript, told McDonough and the commission that the registration station workflow is necessary "to ensure patient privacy and safety" and to verify identification and insurance; Sherrell said the kiosk change applied only to PT/OT appointments. Georgia countered that the two stations are adjacent and said she found the hospital’s position unacceptable in practice.

McDonough said she also raised a separate facility concern — a lip at the PT area door that could be a tripping hazard — and that hospital engineers are reviewing possible fixes.

Beach wheelchairs and boardwalks. McDonough said DPW is obtaining quotes for a teak boardwalk and beach wheelchairs and expects six new floatable chairs to be available by Memorial Day weekend; two will remain at the airport for reservations and six will be split among three public beaches (Jetties, Children’s Beach and Cisco/Wisconsin).

Accessible parking and site fixes. The commission reported that an on‑street accessible space outside the Nantucket Hotel on Eastern Street has been installed. The Commission will present a request to the Select Board on May 20 for another accessible parking space on New Street (near 53 Pleasant Street) and said the Select Board expedited the review. McDonough also reported a relocated accessible parking sign on Federal Street and gave Drew at DPW a list of curb and crosswalk issues (including Orange/Union Street) for corrective work.

Fairgrounds and Island Kitchen. Members noted that the Fairgrounds area shows two unstriped or rough handicap spots and that the brick area near Island Kitchen appears to be used for outdoor seating rather than parking; McDonough said she will check building department records and follow up with the building inspector regarding required accessible parking.

Ferry elevators and terminal drop‑off. Augie and others reported both elevators were out on the Eagle ferry during a recent trip, leaving passengers who rely on elevators stranded on the vehicle or in their cars; the commission said it will set a meeting with the terminal manager in early June to discuss feasible short‑term drop‑off parking near the terminal and other accommodations.

MobiMats and outdoor events. For temporary outdoor events the commission reiterated guidance: temporary accessible parking must be delineated (paint, tape, cones) and temporary ramps/accessible porta‑toilets must be provided on an accessible surface; McDonough said MobiMats cannot be required if the ground is not firm and stable but that event permitting (handled by the Chamber of Commerce) should ensure compliance before permits are issued.

Next steps. The Commission will present the New Street parking request to the Select Board on May 20; McDonough will follow up with the hospital about the door lip and drainage grates near the Anderson Building; she will also follow up with DPW on crosswalks and sign relocations, and will meet with the terminal manager about a possible short‑term accessible drop‑off point.