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Commission updates: Disability Pride Month film plan, Veil Access working group, Human Rights liaison and PSA script work
Summary
Commissioners reviewed early plans for Disability Pride Month screenings, heard that a state trail‑access working group has convened, sought a volunteer liaison to the Human Rights Commission, and discussed a draft snow‑shoveling PSA script.
Commissioners provided brief updates on several items the group is tracking.
Disability Pride Month: Kathy Murry and colleagues reported they have met once and are exploring a small film festival in coordination with neighboring towns. Commissioners discussed screening three films across Northampton, Amherst and East Hampton in July so residents can attend multiple showings. Suggested venues included the senior center and the city‑owned Academy of Music; commissioners asked staff to contact the Northampton Arts Council and Northampton Open Media about screening and potential Q&A with filmmakers. Commissioner Jenna Perna Elias said she would contact filmmakers about screening and possible Zoom or in‑person Q&A sessions.
Veil Access Working Group (soft‑surface trails): The commission learned that Paul Jannege, director of the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation, convened a state “trail access working group” after recent legislative efforts failed in the legislature. The group will meet six times over the year, hold two public comment sessions and develop recommendations about accessible soft‑surface trails and possible funding avenues. The commission member who attended said she would share public meeting and survey opportunities when available.
Human Rights Commission liaison: The commission discussed a temporary liaison role on the Human Rights Commission that some members had filled earlier to establish quorum. The member who took on that role said she cannot continue long term and asked for volunteers. Commissioners noted the Human Rights Commission meets the fourth Thursday of each month from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. and asked interested members to contact staff by email.
Snow‑shoveling PSA: A small group has drafted a script and plans to circulate it to commissioners; volunteers will record short audio/video clips (instructions to follow) that will be compiled into a public service announcement about clearing sidewalks.
Commissioners asked staff to circulate emails with next steps and contact lists so volunteers and venue leads can be confirmed.
