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Council schedules Feb. 25 committee meeting to discuss expanded recreation programs for people with disabilities
Summary
The council referred a proposal to the Committee on Education and Culture to meet Feb. 25 to review the recreation department's needs and a pilot program for disabled youth and adults in coordination with neighboring cities.
The Medford City Council voted Feb. 11 to schedule a meeting of the Committee on Education and Culture for Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. in the council chambers to discuss recreation department needs and pilot programs for people with disabilities.
Councilor Scarpelli introduced the measure after meeting with parents and directors from Medford, Malden and Somerville about a collaborative pilot to expand recreational programming for disabled youth and adults. Councilors said parents have advocated for these programs for years and seek clarity on program design, times, ages served and whether activities will be sports-based or include other formats.
Councilor Lemming said the goal is to align Medford Recreation with parents and neighboring communities to ensure programs meet local needs; Councilor Levy described the persistent advocacy by parents and urged the committee to produce concrete next steps. Councilors expressed a target of launching some programs by April 1 if the committee and recreation department can finalize plans during the budget and implementation process.
On the motion to schedule the Feb. 25 committee meeting, the council voted in favor; the motion passed as read. Councilors said the committee will meet with parents and department staff to gather information and consider forming a standing committee that includes parent representatives to guide program design and budget requests.
