COD Letter to the Editor Winter 2023

Winter 2023 

Dear fellow residents,

We are deeply excited to share with you that the North Reading Commission on Disability (NRCD) has been re-formed in the last year with new appointees and a fresh take on the mission of the group. Building on the good work of previous members, we seek to bring issues pertaining to disabled citizens of all ages and levels of support needs to the attention of the public, local business owners and developers, and within our local government – primarily through education and connection. 

We range from self-identified neurodivergent folks, to parent-advocates of children with disabilities, to caretakers of aging parents, for example— and some of us wear several hats. We share a common perspective that inclusion is a tenet of what it means to live here in our small, beautiful town. True inclusion accounts for the rights and wellbeing of disabled residents, not as an afterthought, but as an important demographic equally deserving of the benefits of our community. 

Why? It is powerful to know that 26% of adults in the United States (about 1 in 4 of us) have a disability, with mobility and cognitive challenges being the most common types according to the CDC. Additionally, 40%, or 2 in 5, adults over the age of 65 have a disability of any kind which is affecting their daily lives to a significant degree (CDC). With North Reading’s rising senior citizen population, the matter of disability rights is an even more pressing and timely issue. While some folks are born with a divergent neurotype or cognitive disabilities, and others may be born with physical disabilities, anyone may acquire a disability through illness, aging, or accident in their lifetime. If we do not have a disability ourselves, most people know a person who is disabled; and many of us love a disabled person. These folks – from children to adults – are a valuable part of our families and our greater community. There is nothing wrong with being disabled or in need of accommodation, and it is a valid part of one’s identity. We are called to accommodate each individual to the best of our ability and in accordance with the law. 

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities) Act is a critical piece of legislation in regards to the NRCD's work. The ADA addresses the rights of folks with disabilities of all ages in key areas such as employment, housing, certain educational institutions receiving federal funding, physical access, and participation in public programs. Members of the NRCD are proud to share that we have collectively completed a full course on the ADA in 2022 to make sure we are aware of its purposes, actions, and limitations at the local level. It may be helpful to note that the committee’s work does not extend to K-12 public education, which is covered by other laws and advocacy groups; however, we are appropriately mindful of our potential role in community programming outside of the public schools for school aged children with disabilities and support needs. 

So, what does all of this mean for North Reading? The new NRCD is energized, focused and ready to do the work. We are considering avenues for community educational programming, advocacy, and forming connections with other town organizations. We have begun to build collaborative relationships with the incredible people in our local government and services, such as the Building Department, Parks & Recreation, Youth Services, the Senior Center, and our town Director of Public Services. 

What is of concern to you? Safe sidewalks, accessible parking, trail access, building regulations, community information, disability rights discussions, inclusion in town youth programming, transportation? There is so much to consider, and, over time, we are eager to help where help is needed. Keep an eye out for our upcoming, anonymous resident survey – we want to hear from you!  

Please also feel free to join an upcoming monthly meeting or to send an email to share your questions, concerns or ideas with current board members Rebecca Griffin, Gina Moran, Marisa Morello, Nikki Tosi and Rich Wallner.