Northampton Disability Commission backs ‘Trails for All’ bill and plans July disability‑pride film event

The Northampton Disability Commission voted unanimously to send a letter of support for a Massachusetts bill known as Trails for All, which would codify a Trail Access Working Group, establish a permanent Trail Access Advisory Council and create a trail-access fund to make more unpaved trails accessible to people of all abilities.

“Most importantly, this legislation guarantees that those of us with lived experience of disability have an input and partnership role in making these necessary changes,” the draft letter reads. The Commission approved the prewritten letter and will sign on as the Northampton Disability Commission.

The bill’s aims, as summarized in the letter read to the Commission, include recognizing the existing Trail Access Working Group so the state must formally respond to its report; creating a permanent advisory council to provide a continuing public education and technical resource; and establishing a fund to pay for accessible-trail work and implementation. Meeting materials cited statewide figures presented by supporters: roughly 4,000 miles of soft-surface trails in state parks but only about 7.5 miles currently accessible; supporters also cited population cohorts (older adults, very young children and people with disabilities) who are underrepresented on accessible trails.

Kathy Murry moved to send the letter of support; Jenna Perna Elias seconded, and the Commission approved the motion by roll-call vote with all present voting yes. Commissioners also noted a public forum on this issue scheduled for May 8 at 6 p.m., hosted by the Trail Access Working Group.

Separately, the Commission discussed plans for a small, regional disability‑pride film series in July coordinated with Amherst and East Hampton commissions. Commissioners agreed to aim for a mid‑afternoon/early‑evening showing (roughly 4–6 p.m.) to be accessible for people who rely on daylight and transit. The group discussed accessibility requirements for screenings: audio description, captions, and American Sign Language, and looked for free or low‑cost venues; the Commission agreed to pursue audio-description options and to have a backup film if required accessibility supports cannot be secured for the preferred title.

The meeting included routine housekeeping: approval of the March 18 minutes with a small amendment (recording that Emma Cornwell’s noted personal experience at Lamont House occurred while she was a student). That minutes vote passed with one abstention recorded.